Daily Updates: Jan 6
Design Spotlight is a curated database of design cases, showcasing daily updates from various design studios and agencies. Here are the updates from Jan 6.
Brand Refresh And Identity System For A Global Philanthropic Foundation
Pentagram led a comprehensive rebrand for the Gates Foundation at a pivotal moment, coinciding with its plan to double spending to $200 billion and sunset in 2045. The identity centers on a custom wordmark with linked letterforms that symbolize the foundation’s network of partnerships, and a monogram whose extracted “gates” flex to frame stories, photography, video, quotes, and data. Continuing the Noto type family, Pentagram defined typographic expressions and typesetting guidelines that scale from policy appeals to expressive press materials, supported by a rigorously selected color palette. The system unifies initiatives and sub-brands, provides clarity across audiences and platforms, and embodies optimism and urgency in the foundation’s final chapter, reflecting its mission to accelerate measurable human impact.
Night And Day by Hello Comrade
Brand Identity And Packaging For A Functional Drinks Brand
Hello Comrade partnered with Night & Day to build a bold brand identity and a comprehensive packaging system for a functional drinks brand made for fast-paced social lifestyles. The scope covered visual identity, art direction, and production-ready dielines across multiple product types and formats. Positioned at the intersection of nightlife, wellness, and youth culture, the work is designed to stand out in clubs, festivals, and cultural moments while feeling both functional and iconic. The system translates the founder’s vision into a dynamic visual world that balances premium simplicity with nightlife energy, supporting hydration, recovery, and all-day performance—from pre-game to the main event to the morning after.
Ai Assistant Identity For Kia
Buck partnered with the Kia brand team to define the identity and system for the company’s next-generation AI assistant across vehicles and digital touchpoints. Rooted in Kia’s 2021 rebrand and the Opposites United philosophy, the work established a living, cross-platform framework that harmonizes organic character with technological precision. Buck designed motion behaviors, expressive gestures, and responsive timing to make interactions feel natural and empathetic, then codified the approach in a thorough design playbook and guidelines for global teams. The assistant scales from OOH to app, website, and chatbot while maintaining a cohesive personality and adapting to each platform’s needs. The engagement included strategic positioning, brand systems, creative technology, and animation, culminating in a consistent, future-ready assistant that serves as the voice of the brand.
Linkedin Year In Review by Buck
An Interactive, Data-driven Year In Review Experience For Linkedin
Buck partnered with LinkedIn to create the platform’s first Year in Review, a shareable, celebratory look back at each user’s 2025 highlights and stats. Built entirely in Rive, the experience is modular and data-driven, adapting to countless data combinations, three languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese), and a wide range of mobile devices. Buck shaped the end-to-end product across creative development, a modular design and animation system, and a substantial technical build, collaborating closely with Rive from kickoff through delivery. The system supported 207,360 possible user journeys, channeling the vibe of a fun office party while remaining performant and consistent. Close collaboration with Rive’s technical advisors helped Buck solve edge cases and ensure a robust, scalable launch.
Brand Identity And Launch Campaign For A Face-to-face Gaming Console
Board is introduced as the first console built for face-to-face play, prioritizing real competition, reactions, and in-person connection. The project established a bold brand identity and an immersive launch campaign that reimagines classic play for a new generation. The visual system was crafted to feel tangible and electric, echoing the intensity of the gameplay it represents. Across touchpoints, the work invites people to gather, compete, and connect, elevating the product beyond a device to a cultural invitation. The result positions Board not just as a console, but as the spark for a movement back to playing together.
Brand And Packaging System For A Women's Hormonal Wellness Brand
Biologica delivers science-backed hormonal support for women from perimenopause through postmenopause. The studio created a holistic brand and packaging system designed to be kept, not discarded, elevating daily wellness into a meaningful ritual. Every touchpoint was considered, pairing enduring, display-worthy packaging with a visual language that reflects the care and efficacy of the formulations inside. The outcome respects women’s intelligence and honors the body’s natural rhythms, reframing menopause with dignity and clarity. Collaborations included product photography by Sergiy Barchuk and food styling by Pearl Jones, reinforcing a refined, sensorial presentation. The system unifies strategy, packaging, and art direction to support an honest, long-term relationship between women and their health.