Elevating Astrolab’s Digital Platform for Lunar Exploration

Challenge: Design a digital platform to communicate Astrolab’s mission in lunar exploration, highlighting the FLEX Rover, payload opportunities, and collaboration with NASA’s Artemis mission. The platform needed to engage a broad audience—government agencies, scientists, brands, and space enthusiasts—and include a Media and Investor Hub.

Solution: A Mentor & Maker TRIBE partnered with Astrolab to create a responsive site that highlights the FLEX Rover’s capabilities, showcases payload opportunities, and communicates their role in space exploration. The site features a streamlined user experience, SEO-optimized content, and a secure hub for media and investors. Our ongoing One Step Further partnership ensures the platform evolves with Astrolab’s mission as a gateway to lunar innovation.

Crafting a Cohesive Design System for Diverse Educational Products

Challenge: Create a consistent and cohesive design system for XQ Institute’s diverse range of educational products and services, ensuring a unified user experience while accommodating the unique requirements of each product.

Solution:  A Mentor & Maker TRIBE embedded itself within XQ Institute, working collaboratively to design and implement a unified framework that spans all of their educational offerings. By aligning closely with XQ’s internal teams, we developed a dynamic design system that maintains consistency across products while allowing for flexibility. This ongoing partnership ensures that XQ’s digital presence evolves cohesively, supporting their educational mission with a polished and adaptable user experience.

Harmonizing Visual Identity Across Diverse Reports

Challenge: Develop a unified design framework for Gates Notes’ diverse internal reports that enhances visual cohesion while clearly differentiating the specific content and purpose of each report. These reports range from social media updates to misinformation analyses and market research updates.

Solution:  A Mentor & Maker TRIBE crafted a visual identity that aligns with Bill Gates’ love for math and science, using elemental building blocks to create distinct yet cohesive identities for each report type. This included developing unique icons and styles for each report, such as the quick and playful “The Feed” and the detailed, robust “Research Bulletin,” effectively making the insights more visually engaging and impactful.

Research, Synthesise and Report on Renewable Energy Solutions

Challenge: Engie needed to adapt its renewable energy offerings for the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Solution: In a 5-month study, an Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE and Engie Seniors Leadership engaged SMEs across North America and Europe to understand their renewable energy challenges and preferences. The collaboration led to simplified communication strategies and tools, enhancing Engie’s outreach and making renewables more accessible to SMEs. This strategic approach has positioned Engie as a trusted advisor in the renewable sector for SMEs, contributing to a sustainable energy future. The final output being a detailed report on their customers presented to the Engie Global Sales Teams.

Increased Global Adoption of Educational Resources

Challenge: Bolster the reach and impact of Gates Ventures’ Big History Project and its Open Educational Resources (OER) program, aiming to enrich educational experiences globally.

Solution: Four years of ongoing collaboration between an Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE of HUMANS and the OER team. Together we have developed robust brand strategies, produced and executed educational films, designed and built interactive websites and orchestrated inventive curricula and dynamic teacher events, propelling the OER initiative towards its goal of revolutionizing learning and helping transform education for students worldwide.

A Strategic Brand Transformation

Challenge: Enhance the branding of CurrentBody’s Skin range to resonate more effectively across marketing channels, developing a global brand thought, values, and tone of voice, and creating a distinctive, trademarkable name for its underlying technology.

Solution: A Mentor & Maker TRIBE orchestrated a focused branding strategy for the CurrentBody Skin range, starting with a global brand thought that captured updated values and a compelling tone of voice. This included developing a trademarkable name for the range’s technology. The branding effort extended to creating a Brand Design Bible and a Photography Style Guide, along with advertising assets that exemplified the new branding across various platforms, successfully amplifying the Skin range’s presence in the beauty tech market.

Elevating Content Creation

Challenge: Introduce VSCO Studio’s professional desktop suite to the creative community, showcasing its innovative tools to inspire content creators seeking powerful new ways to express themselves.

Solution: A Mentor & Maker TRIBE produced a compelling film that authentically captured a day in the life of VSCO content creator Nate King. The film demonstrated how VSCO Studio’s capabilities seamlessly integrate with King’s creative process, elevating his storytelling possibilities. The campaign successfully raised brand awareness within the digital art space, positioning VSCO Studio as a go-to tool that supports both artistic expression and professional-grade content creation.

Designing a Future Framework for Language Learning

Challenge: Pearson sought to revitalize its language learning offerings to align with market trends and evolving user needs.

Solution: HUMANS from our On-Demand Innovation Lab conducted in-depth market and user experience analysis. They developed nine foundational experience principles, six transformative concepts, and three strategic design directions. This resulted in a future-proof framework for Pearson’s language learning products and platforms.

User-Centric Redesign for a DTC Website

Challenge: Execute a complete website redesign that integrates a new brand identity, prioritizes accessibility (WCAG 2.1 Level AA), and creates a seamless DTC purchase journey. The primary goal was to create a user-centric platform that effectively showcases the brand and improves customer experience.

Solution: An Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE redesigned the website to embody the new brand. Focused on user-centricity, accessibility, and streamlined DTC capabilities, the result is a significantly improved digital platform with stronger engagement and conversion potential.

Creative Leadership for LEGO Harry Potter's Campaign

Challenge: Expand the appeal of the LEGO Harry Potter product line to encompass a more diverse range of children, fostering stronger parent-child connections through imaginative, shared play experiences.

Solution: HUMANS’ Fractional Leadership model embedded Creative Directors within the LEGO team, leading to the development of the “You are the Magic” campaign. This narrative-driven approach celebrated iconic Harry Potter moments while emphasizing inclusive messaging and shared play, successfully broadening the line’s appeal and re-energizing brand engagement.

US Brand Launch and Go-To-Market Strategy

Challenge: Introduce a new Vietnamese electric vehicle brand, Vinfast, to the competitive US market in 2021. The goal was to build substantial brand awareness, establish a market presence, and drive consumer interest.

Solution: A diverse Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE of HUMANS crafted a comprehensive, multi-channel brand launch and go-to-market strategy. This included developing a multi-version website designed to evolve from brand introduction to a DTC commerce platform, seamlessly integrating with Salesforce for vehicle purchase bookings. Other elements included brand messaging, a global launch event, distinctive storefront designs in California, and robust social media engagement.

User-Driven Innovation for Google Pixel 7

Challenge: Drive the next generation of Google Pixel 7 mobile experiences by gaining in-depth insights from a diverse range of users, including Pixel loyalists, Android enthusiasts, and iPhone users.

Solution: An Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE of HUMANS conducted a 12-month, dual-phased research initiative. Leveraging diary studies and interactive deep dives, the team captured crucial user feedback and co-created solutions. This directly informed design principles for the Google Pixel 7, ensuring a user-centric approach to innovation.

Rapid Prototyping for a Pearson Reading Platform

Challenge: Develop a captivating digital presentation to introduce a new Pearson platform designed to foster a love of reading in young children, leveraging entertainment content for immediate audience engagement.

Solution: In a four-week sprint, the On-Demand Innovation Lab collaborated with Pearson, focusing on rapid iteration for strategy, concept development, and prototyping. The team delivered a static UI mockup, concept UI/UX videos, a Miro board outlining ideas, a strategic narrative deck, storyboards, and parent-focused features. This multifaceted presentation successfully communicated the platform’s vision and potential engagement capabilities.

Aligning Internal Understanding of Google's DMT

Challenge: Increase awareness and refine the Digital Marketing Transformation (DMT) program’s messaging within Google. The goal was to highlight the value proposition for cross-functional teams across various regions.

Solution: An Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE conducted a strategic material audit and extensive stakeholder interviews. This research revealed insights into existing messaging and areas to strengthen internal DMT communications. The team reframed DMT around the concept of “YOU X DMT,” positioning it as a collaborative platform enabling Googlers to enhance their marketing efforts.

Multifaceted Brand Transformation

Challenge: Evolve Intel’s brand identity beyond “Intel Inside” to emphasize a partnership-focused approach. This repositioning targeted both internal and external audiences, driving a new brand perception.

Solution: A global Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE conducted collaborative workshops leading to a fresh brand concept emphasizing partner equality and a refined visual language. The team produced extensive supporting elements: marketing materials, campaign assets, website updates, and the renaming, branding, and full design (including site selection and architecture) of a global annual conference.

Envisioning Future Mobility

Challenge: Conceptualize future jobs arising from advancements in mobility, urban living and employment.

Solution: Our global Group Mind gathered insights from diverse cities, creating 60 unique narratives envisioning a transformed future emphasizing shared resourcefulness and economic opportunity. These stories informed a human-centric strategic vision for Uber, illustrating the landscape of work, life, and transportation over the coming decade.

Transformation Strategy for a Vacation Rental Leader

Challenge: Design a multi-year transformation strategy for Novasol, following its acquisition, based on an in-depth assessment of brand strengths, technical capabilities, and internal processes.

Solution: An Interdisciplinary Project TRIBE conducted robust workshops, interviews, and assessments over a nine-month period. This research informed a strategic roadmap highlighting growth synergies, UX enhancements, and customer service modernizations. Implementing a cross-functional organizational model fostered greater efficiency, strategic alignment, and superior customer experiences, setting Novasol on a path for ongoing transformation.

Partnering with Group Of Humans turned into a creative epic. They didn’t just shoot films; they captured the raw, unfiltered pulse of VSCO’s creative community. Their HUMANS brought a day in the life of a VSCO visionary to the screen with authenticity and flair. The final pieces? A mix of street-wise savvy and slick production that hit the mark, on time and on point. It’s storytelling with soul, and it’s got VSCO’s signature all over it. Thank you HUMANS.

Josh Ulm,
VSCO, Brand & Design Leader

As Intel was looking to re-establish its technology brand it enlisted the help of Group Of Humans as a key creative partner. The HUMANS did a fantastic job in advising, supporting and partnering with the internal team as we took the first steps to reset the perception of the company and rebuild credibility externally with the technical community.

John Carvill,
Intel, VP of Technical Marketing

I was looking for help with the strategy, voice and visual direction of The OER Project brand, a new umbrella brand Gates Ventures was creating in preparation for the expansion, capability and reach of the existing Big History Project. The HUMANS were highly experienced seasoned professionals who made the program a pleasure to work on as well as being able to deliver world-class solutions.

Bob Regan,
Gates Ventures, Director of Education

As I was beginning a new chapter of my career, I worked with Group Of Humans on crafting a brand story and developing my website. The initial process of delving into and articulating the brand was very thought-provoking and collaborative. Next, we worked together to create the website, which was so painless! The HUMANS instantly got what I was trying to communicate and were efficient, professional and readily available throughout. The whole experience of working with Group Of Humans was great. It felt like I had access to, and the attention of, really outstanding talent.

Marc Randolph,
Netflix, Co-founder

In my personal opinion, Group Of Humans has gathered one-of-a-kind talent and perspective. Simon brought precious creative insight to an intensely complex R&D problem and opportunity. And was a joy to work with to boot – inspired, engaged, and committed from start to finish.

Vijay Sundaram,
Google, Group Product Manager

I was looking for people that had talent in product design and development for a consumer-facing platform, but didn’t want to land a team from the traditional consulting firms that do IT consulting type work. Group Of Humans was able to offer amazing HUMANS that provided thought leadership and effective coaching and helped our team deliver on much-needed improvements.

James Kim,
Platinum Equities, Chief Technology Officer

Rob has orchestrated a unique community of the most inspirational, thoughtful, deep-thinking industry experts across four continents. The creative capacity of Group Of Humans to both ‘get and shape’ culture is extraordinary. They are independently and collectively masters of their craft.

Rhys Newman,
Everyday Robots, Head of Design

When thinking through how we would approach brands for a completely new opportunity to take brands to the Moon and Beyond with Astrolab’s Flex Rover, we teamed up with Group Of Humans. Engaging the brain trust that is Group Of Human’s has been incredibly valuable in navigating such a challenging and exciting space to develop ideas that are truly out of this world.

Jeremy Snyder,
Astrolab, Chief Growth Officer

I chose Group Of Humans because they select for innovators that intuitively understand design-driven innovation isn’t just about flashy tech, it’s about solving human problems and optimizing for user needs. In every engagement, partnering with the HUMANS enabled us to present a compelling, and differentiated glimpse into what could be, how the world should work, with solutions that were as delightful as they were compelling. Their strategic insights, UX expertise, and focus on flawless execution made them a true competitive advantage.

Trip O'Dell,
Pearson, Product Design

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