A New Colour, AI 2027 & Speculative Thought

Experiencing Olo, a New Colour

A team of American scientists has reported the discovery of a brand-new colour, Olo, one that has never been seen by the human eye before. The discovery, which emerged from an experimental procedure involving laser pulses directed into the eyes of participants, has introduced what researchers are calling “olo,” a colour described as more saturated than any hue found in nature. 

This discovery demonstrates how the human eye can be tricked into perceiving impossible colours by simultaneously stimulating the red and green cones. Materials science could create coatings that interact with light differently to mimic olo-like effects, similar to how structural colours in butterfly wings work, aiming for vivid, saturated, and unfamiliar hues. Read the paper here or see more here

AI 2027 Forecast

The recently released AI 2027 forecast predicts that superhuman AI will emerge by mid-2027, with its impact over the next decade surpassing that of the Industrial Revolution potentially transforming industries, economies, and daily life.

Developed by experts, including former Openai researcher Daniel Kokotajlo, the forecast presents detailed timelines and scenarios to illustrate the profound changes AI may bring. We have created our own AI future timeline, incorporating the key insights from this report. See more here

Speculative Thought

When reality falls short, what can designers do? Dune and Raby have released their new book, Not Here, Not Now. The book explores how design can be used for thought experiments, presenting imagined objects, like a vegetable lamb and a pocket universe, that challenge our usual ideas of reality and possibility.

Dunne and Raby are known for pioneering speculative design, using imagined products and scenarios to explore alternative futures and challenge conventional ideas about technology, society, and human experience. Not Here, Not Now invites readers to see how design can open new paths for imagination and critical thinking, especially when the future feels uncertain. See more here

A Home Without China

Worldwide, households rely heavily on Chinese-made goods, particularly in the kitchen and for everyday essentials. 99% of toasters and 80% of dishes in the US come from China.

Economists warn that despite efforts to diversify supply chains, American consumers will likely feel the financial impact when buying home goods and have more limited choices. For home brands, sourcing diversification, highlighting quality and durability, and clearly communicate where and how products are made. Explore here

Hermès Live

Rather than presenting products, Hermès created an experience travelling to different cities around the world, where imagination took centre stage, reflecting the creativity that defines the brand. Resembling a film studio, On the Wings of Hermès unveils the fable of Pegasus and his seven foals through seven sketches set across several film studio-like sets played out in front of the audience.

The event showed that audiences want to step inside creativity itself and feel part of the narrative. As brands seek deeper connections, Hermès demonstrates how storytelling, emotion, and expression can reshape the way people engage. See more here

The Next Era of Energy

The Fuel Store is an immersive concept store by AirCo, a Brooklyn-based startup that turns captured CO2 and hydrogen into synthetic fuels. It offers an insight into how carbon can shift from being a problem to becoming a powerful resource for the future.

Open to the public from April 30th to May 3rd at 55 Great Jones Street, New York, the pop-up invites visitors to experience a future where CO2 powers everything from motocross bikes to jets and even spaceships, while introducing them to AirCo’s groundbreaking technology. See more here