Pentagram's latest project introduces a striking new identity for TwelveLabs, an AI company redefining how machines comprehend video. At its heart, the rebrand marks a conceptual shift, positioning video not as a linear sequence of frames but as a volume. For TwelveLabs, this reframing is more than a technological advancement, as it's setting them apart in the fast-moving AI landscape. For Jody Hudson-Powell and the Pentagram team, it became the foundation for the entire creative direction. "The 'video as volume' idea became our way of visualising their technology," Jody explains. "Traditionally, AI sees video as separate frames – individual moments, isolated. But TwelveLabs understands everything at once, an interconnected whole. This shift in perspective became the core idea guiding all our design choices." Turning such an abstract and dynamic concept into a tangible brand identity was no small feat. In a sector often awash with dense data visualisations and corporate clichés, Pentagram's work for TwelveLabs stands out for its clarity and restraint. Described by the team as "smart, elegant, alive", the identity not only enhances the product's appearance but also helps explain it. "Abstract concepts can easily get complicated, but by staying closely focused on 'video as volume,' every decision felt purposeful and naturally clear," says Jody. A key part of this clarity is the system's use of diagrams and modular layouts. These elements do the heavy lifting when it comes to representing TwelveLabs' complex technology in a way that's accessible to a wide range of audiences, from engineers and developers to enterprise clients and creatives. "Complexity becomes understandable when you strip things back to what's truly important," Jody says. "We spent time refining the diagrams to say just enough – clear for everyone but authentic to those who really know the tech. When engineers see their work clearly represented, and others intuitively understand it, you've found some interesting ground." What's striking is how the identity balances the technical with the emotive. It's a visual language that feels structured but not cold, intelligent but not aloof. According to Jody, this tension was carefully calibrated. "Technology can feel distant, cold, but it's built around human experiences: images, memories, moments," he explains. "Our system provided clarity and structure, creating natural space for these human elements to emerge, balancing intelligence and warmth." Motion, too, plays a critical role in bringing the brand to life. Given that TwelveLabs' platform revolves around continuous, connected reasoning, it made sense for motion to echo that logic, being subtle but purposeful. "Motion always means something, even subtly," says Jody. "Every bit of movement mirrored the continuous reasoning of the platform. Allowing room for gentle expressiveness and even playfulness didn't take away from clarity – it enhanced it." One of the most distinctive elements of the new identity is the horse symbol. On the surface, it's a nod to Eadweard Muybridge's pioneering photographic studies of motion and an iconic reference for any visual technology. But there's a deeper connection, as TwelveLabs already named its AI models after horses. The Pentagram team simply brought that story to the forefront. "Often, the best ideas are already there, just waiting to be noticed," says Jody. "We simply amplified that story, connecting it back to Muybridge's historical images, allowing it to clearly communicate motion and intelligence in a fresh yet familiar way." Throughout the project, the team had to consider the diversity of TwelveLabs' audience, from developers and researchers to large-scale enterprise clients and the broader creative community. The result is an identity system that feels accessible without being simplistic and capable of meeting users at every level of expertise. "We aimed for a universal tone – clear, direct, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their expertise," Jody says. "Precision doesn't have to be complicated, and clarity invites everyone in. Finding a voice that felt calm, clear, and honest meant meeting each person exactly where they are." The outcome is an identity that doesn't just repackage complex AI technology. It embodies the very qualities that make TwelveLabs' approach revolutionary: interconnected, intelligent, and distinctly human.

06/03 — 2025 by abduzeedo Explore the impactful branding and visual identity for Culture & Community Power Fund by Outside. See how design elevates community action. Hey creatives! Let's dive into some truly inspiring work today. Our friends at Outside, a global design and tech studio based in Kathmandu, recently rolled out a fresh brand and website for the Culture & Community Power Fund (C&CPF). This project isn't just about aesthetics; it's about design with a deeper purpose. Crafting a Visual Voice for Community Power C&CPF champions grassroots organizations. They focus on communities most affected by systemic oppression. Their mission involves direct funding, sharing resources, and building networks. Outside's goal was clear: uplift grantee work, create a wisdom hub, and clarify culture's role in social action . Elizabeth Lepro, Editorial Lead at Outside, shared that the project expanded their understanding of "culture." They aimed to visually inject the celebratory and communal aspects of shared spaces, rituals, stories, and traditions throughout the brand . This passion shines through in the final output. The Ampersand: A Symbol of Collaboration One standout element in C&CPF's new branding and visual identity is the ampersand (&). Outside emphasized this symbol in the logo, a direct nod to C&CPF's collaborative ethos. What's really clever is how they rendered the ampersand in various fonts. Each typeface reflects the diverse visions of C&CPF's partner-grantees. For instance, the rounded Akaya Kanadaka typeface conveys the joyful spirit of culturally infused community power building. Pilowlava, another typeface, speaks to a grantee-partner's work in urban farming and sustainability . It's a subtle yet powerful way to represent unity in diversity. Gritty, Bold, and Inviting Visuals Established in 2022, C&CPF is relatively new. They wanted to avoid looking overly traditional. Outside delivered a gritty, bold aesthetic, drawing inspiration from protest signs and zines. Snappy animations complement this vibe. They even provided image frames to unify varying aesthetics from featured organizations. The chosen color palette is a rich blend of orange, purple, yellow, black, and white. This combination expresses warmth and invitation, perfectly aligning with the Fund's focus on people and communities. The brand incorporates vibrant photography, showcasing scenes like festivals, local games, and urban farms. Bridging the Knowledge Gap Beyond the visual, Outside also provided copywriting and narrative support. They made sure the site explains "community power building" in accessible language. The "What is Community Power Building?" page breaks down basics, relevant vocabulary, and context. It clarifies that culture extends beyond art and music, encompassing traditions, stories, rituals, and shared spaces. A key feature is the "Knowledge Commons," a custom-built resource library. It serves both experienced practitioners and newcomers, fostering shared wisdom. This hub even accepts submissions, allowing C&CPF team members to edit and publish them. This project by Outside is a fantastic example of how thoughtful branding and visual identity can empower a mission. It shows that design isn't just about looking good; it's about building understanding, fostering connection, and driving meaningful change. What aspects of this purposeful design resonate most with you? Explore more of Outside's work and the Culture & Community Power Fund's initiatives to see how design can truly make an impact. Learn more about Outside's work Branding and visual identity artifacts Tags branding

Kenmore Pavilion / CARDSave this picture!© Andy MacphersonHouses, Sustainability•Brisbane City, Australia Architects: CARD Area Area of this architecture project Area:  90 m² Photographs Photographs:Andy MacphersonMore SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. The core philosophy of this project was to do more with less through revitalizing a 1960s workers' cottage through smart, cost-effective design. Rather than replacing, the approach focused on reuse, breathing new life into the existing structure.Save this picture!Save this picture!By embracing Brisbane's favourable climate, the design introduces a weather-protected outdoor space that seamlessly extends the home's footprint. This newly integrated pavilion creates a flexible living zone for cooking, socialising, and relaxing, while framing curated views of the surrounding landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The project is situated in the leafy suburb of Kenmore, Brisbane, renowned for its mid-century modernist architecture and lush natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from Queensland's architectural heritage, the design of the pavilion references the quintessential deck through its overall proportions and timber detailing. The use of natural timber ensures the structure blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscape, reinforcing its identity as an extension of the garden and an inviting, functional outdoor space.Save this picture!The project was part of a bigger renovation which encouraged a direct connection to the garden, shifting the living areas to the north and the bedrooms to the south, clearly delineated by a continuous wall of joinery. This wall contains the kitchen, fireplace, bookshelves, entry nook, and services, with flush, hidden doors that conceal access to the bedrooms and hallway.Save this picture!With these renovations and the new outdoor pavilion, a dark and introverted house has been converted into a functional, light-filled, and social building. A flexible and adaptable space - the pavilion can be used for a range of activities, from outdoor dining, socializing, and cooking in the garden.Save this picture!Sustainability Initiatives Our vision centers around reducing environmental impact by retaining and working with the original post-war structure, which has solid bones. Existing materials were reused and retained where possible, such as the terracotta floor of the pavilion, which was retained from the original house. Other examples include parts of the tiling that were salvaged from leftover projects, and the western red cedar soffits were taken from leftover stock from a nearby development. The garden beds were made from salvaged beams from the original pergola The planter was made from salvaged brick from the paths around the original house The chicken coop was made from reclaimed cedar and old wall framing. The pergola was built from Kwila and Spotted Gum - purposefully chosen for their sustainability credentials. The project included the installation of a new 6.6 kW solar system (20 panels) installed on the roof. Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less About this officeCARDOffice••• Published on June 05, 2025Cite: "Kenmore Pavilion / CARD" 05 Jun 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1030800/kenmore-pavilion-card&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

At some point in the last decade, we’ve all experienced the awkward balancing act: lying in bed, arms raised, tablet swaying dangerously above us as if testing the laws of gravity. Enter the Tablift MaxPro, a flexible, adjustable stand that feels less like a device and more like a personal assistant dedicated solely to your comfort. Instead of juggling positions, it effortlessly holds your tablet steady, allowing you to browse hands-free at the perfect viewing angle, every single time. The MaxPro builds elegantly on an already successful design. Its look is distinctively functional, thoughtfully designed with a charm that’s uniquely purposeful, making its practical brilliance clear from the first use. You get four independently adjustable steel gooseneck legs, each with a protective rubber sleeve and a grip that sticks like it’s clinging to relevance in the age of standing desks. These legs are longer and more robust than before, giving the MaxPro better reach, higher elevation, and stability that feels nearly physics-defying. Designer: Greg Thüne (Primer Studios) Click Here to Buy Now: $38 $65 (42% off). Hurry, only 327/500 left! While the original Tablift exists online as a product success story, the MaxPro gives it a clever upgrade in the form of a 5-angle tilt system. With it, you can fine-tune your screen’s position from upright work mode to full recline binge-watching, no micro-adjustments or pillow origami required. Whether you’re doomscrolling on your phone, flipping through a digital cookbook, or calling your boss in pajama bottoms, the MaxPro keeps everything comfortably in frame. It handles devices up to 12.9 inches wide, and it doesn’t care if you’ve wrapped yours in a tank of a case or left it bare. It’s easy to appreciate how well it slides into everyday life. In the kitchen, it stands tall over flour-dusted countertops without tipping. On the couch, it flexes like it’s been doing yoga with Adriene. In bed, it grants that rare luxury of using your tablet without turning into a human origami swan. For the remote worker with two screens but one desk, it’s the second monitor stand you didn’t know you needed. And yes, for the fitness crowd, it stays eye-level during yoga or floor workouts without requiring a break to reposition. There’s also a joy in how unapologetically tactile it is. Nothing digital about it—just a physical object with physical utility. No apps. No firmware updates. Just unfold, insert your device, set the angle, and you’re off. It collapses down neatly too, its spindly legs folding inward like a retreating Transformer. Toss it into a tote bag or tuck it in a drawer; it doesn’t fight back. The MaxPro comes in three colors this time, because even utilitarian tools deserve a bit of flair. Kickstarter backers can snag one early, with optional add-ons like a screen cleaner and tote bag that feel more like thoughtful gestures than upsells. What the Tablift MaxPro truly excels at is not flashy tech, it’s the seamless convenience and practical comfort it brings to everyday life. In a world drowning in algorithmic solutions and smart-this or AI-that, a physically elegant answer to a common frustration feels strangely refreshing. It doesn’t buzz or glow or send notifications. It just works. And that, somehow, makes it one of the smarter designs on the market. Click Here to Buy Now: $38 $65 (42% off). Hurry, only 327/500 left!The post 13 Years Later, This Is Still The Best iPad Stand Available Today… And It Just Got An Upgrade first appeared on Yanko Design.

The relationship between strategists and designers is key to creating effective work that meets clients’ needs. But strategists can feel misunderstood, and even undervalued, in their attempts to set a project’s direction through clear and meaningful thinking. We spoke with a range of in-house and independent strategists about what they wish designers knew about their work. Is the role of strategists changing, like so many design industry roles right now? If so, how? “The lightning speed turnaround” of creative work is creating new pressures, says Gardiner Richardson’s associate director and strategic lead, Matt Forster. Partly this is down to the rise of AI, which is front-of-mind according to independent strategist Manfred Abraham, who has held senior roles at Interbrand and Wolff Olins. The two big shifts, he says, are AI’s potential to bring efficiency to the process – using information gathering and analytics to inform insights – and the dramatic changes that AI will bring to the consumer landscape. “Imagine a world where your personal AI agent makes your life much easier,” he says. “What are consumers going to do with their extra time? Strategists will have to work in close collaboration with creatives to be able to imagine the future for our clients.” Beyond AI, consumers’ withering attention spans, coupled with the proliferating demands on their time, creates a big challenge. “Brands are looking for strategists to show them high interest areas of culture where they have a credible role to play, making it easier for them to reach their audience,” says Matt Boffey, chief strategy officer, UK & Europe, at Design Bridge and Partners. As the world becomes more complex, there is a renewed appetite for clarity, says Polly Clark, a strategy consultant for agencies like Buddy Creative in Cornwall. “I’m seeing that simplicity is even more important than ever,” she says. “Overly complex or convoluted thinking isn’t helpful for anyone, and just slows everything down.” And some strategists have noticed a bit of mission creep. “Increasingly, clients are expecting strategists to contribute at a broader business level not purely brand strategy, design or comms,” says Louise Kennedy, who recently joined Into The Light as head of strategy. What don’t designers understand about your role? “Strategy is not a threat or a limit to designers’ creativity,” says Gardiner Richardson’s Matt Forster. “It’s a springboard to a controlled creative leap.” Into the Light’s Louise Kennedy points out that “designers, on the whole, are visual and often want to get to the ‘creative ask’ very quickly so they can start doing what they do best. “But many of us strategists enjoy taking people on the journey of how we got there by unpacking context and patterns. What designers might see as wordy, we see as fascinating storytelling, but perhaps we tell them more than they need to know, to protect our own egos.” There seems to be a recurring tension between the idea of strategists as left brain thinkers – rigorous, analytical, and logical – against designers as right-brain thinkers – more creative and emotional. But Manfred Abraham points out this is a false – if persistent – way of looking at strategy. “Some designers have missed that there might be a strong right brain there as well!” he says. What don’t clients understand about your role? “Unless clients have experienced it before, they aren’t immediately going to understand the value of strategy,” Gardiner Richardson’s Matt Forster says. “They may have worked with agencies who underpin their creative approaches on little substance. “Once we’ve explained our strategic process, why we follow it and the value it will create for all their creative communications and wider business, it’s a no brainer.” Nor does every client understand the commercial power of great design. “In the brand consulting and growth space specifically, clients often think that strategy is communication strategy,” says Manfred Abraham. “The strategies we develop go much further than that – communications is a part of it.” And adding all this value takes time – more than some clients realise. “I think for clients, it is understanding the need to protect the time and space to do a proper job at this stage and the benefit that will bring,” says Into The Light’s Louise Kennedy. “We might even need to commission new insight work if we feel there are big gaps in knowledge,” she adds. How do you balance multiple client meetings with getting the deep thinking done? This, most strategists agree, is a precarious juggling act. “It sometimes feels like ‘manager time’ has won out over ‘maker time,’” says Design Bridge and Partners’ Matt Boffey. “Days are apportioned into slots, from 30 minutes to an hour, which is perfect for meetings but inadequate for building momentum on substantial projects. The goal, he insists, isn’t to eliminate meetings. “Collaboration remains essential. Rather, it’s to create conditions where both discussion and deep work can thrive. We must be careful that ‘talking’ doesn’t completely squeeze out ‘doing’.” He encourages his team to block time between meetings to mentally stretch, as you might after a gym session. “And I’m a strong advocate for reserving longer periods, either half days or full days, for the ‘deep work’ required when writing a discovery debrief or developing brand strategy.” Although Louise Kennedy blocks out time in this way, she finds it doesn’t always work for her. “Often in those moments I can get brainfreeze as I feel under pressure to produce something smart,” she says. “So I like to read everything on a project then leave it for at least a day so my brain can digest it fully and start working behind the scenes.” External consultants can work the schedule that suits them. On most days, Manfred Abraham gets up at 5.30am because that’s when his brain is at its best. It’s also a time of day free of client meetings, “so it’s great thinking time,” he says. Polly Clark, on the other hand, embraces this juggling act. “It’s always something I’ve needed to do, and actually helps sharpen my thinking. Switching focus means I can come back to things fresher, and stops me getting caught up in the weeds.” What’s the worst thing a designer can say to a strategist? Matt Forster – “That they still don’t get it – which means I haven’t involved them enough, explained it well enough or done a good enough job.” Louise Kennedy – “’I’m confused’ or worse, ‘I’m confused and bored’.” Matt Boffey – ‘“Great, the client’s bought the strategy, now we can really start the work.” “This sounds like strategy has become a hurdle to clear before creativity begins, where it should be the foundation that makes creativity powerful and purposeful. The best work happens when strategists and designers see their contributions as interconnected parts of a unified process, rather than unrelated elements.” Polly Clark – “In the past I’ve heard designers question what strategy brings. That’s been when the strategy hasn’t made sense of the challenge, or is overly convoluted – which is sure to make everyone switch off.” Manfred Abraham – “That great design doesn’t need strategic thinking. It’s simply not true. We are great individually but we are brilliant together.”

RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business preview: ‘We created something bigger than we expected’ Adam Starkey Published June 3, 2025 9:00am Stay out of trouble (Nacon) GameCentral goes hands-on with the standalone expansion of RoboCop: Rogue City, which dials up the action and gory splatter of 2023’s surprise hit. For a franchise that has arguably done nothing of worth since the early 90s, the future of RoboCop is looking surprisingly bright. Following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, a new TV show is currently in the works, with rumbles of a new film as well. Whether this leads to a major rejuvenation for everyone’s favourite cyborg law enforcer remains to be seen, but the original source of any RoboCop redemption arc has to start with 2023’s RoboCop: Rogue City.  Developed by Polish studio Teyon, RoboCop: Rogue City was the kind of unexpected surprise you rarely get from licensed games. It recaptured the original’s wit and 80s aesthetic, but also found a way to deliver the fantasy of playing as the half-human cyborg without streamlining any of the character’s personality. The bloody action was built around his hulking, slow movement, dry one-liners were in abundance, and missions weren’t always reduced to mowing down thugs in corridors – you also handed people parking tickets, settled trivial civilian disputes, and, in one wonderfully mundane side mission, did the rounds in the office for a get well card.  The game became publisher Nacon’s ‘best ever launch’ with 435,000 players within two weeks. Now, a year and a half later, developer Teyon is back with a standalone expansion. Marketing around Unfinished Business has purposefully dodged the term *DLC*, but as explained by the studio’s communications manager, Dawid Biegun, it started out as exactly that.  ‘When we released RoboCop: Rogue City, we were thinking about, this story has many things [we can] do in the future,’ says Biegun. ‘We had many paths we could choose. So we basically started slowly developing some new storyline. The game was planned to be DLC but it grew out of control. It was a really rare situation where we created something bigger than we expected, so it became a standalone expansion from then.’ Unlike Rogue City, this expansion, which we’re told spans around eight hours on average, is centred around one location in the OmniTower. Like most things in the RoboCop realm created by OCP, this promised idyllic housing complex quickly goes south when a band of mercenaries assume control. To restore order, and after a creepy opening where an attack on the Detroit police station leaves several officers frozen solid, RoboCop is assigned to the case.  RoboCop has new moves at his disposal (Nacon) Unfinished Business wastes little time in throwing you into the action, and quickly amps up the chaos. For anyone who has played Rogue City, all the original tenets of the combat are here, albeit with a slight increase in difficulty. You’ll be looking for explosive cans to blast, illuminated panels to ricochet bullets off walls, and all the while trying not to expose yourself to too much gunfire. The combat purposefully doesn’t have the slick speed of Call Of Duty, but it is still aggressively punchy, with headshots resulting in satisfyingly bloody splatters and RoboCop’s famed Auto-9 machine pistol still having the kickback of a pocket pneumatic drill.  From the get-go, Unfinished Business pushes back in a way Rogue City never did. New enemies equipped with riot shields are a real nuisance if you don’t utilise the ricochet panels, while the ability to slow down time is a much bigger crutch to chip down the enemy numbers from a distance. Health pick-ups felt in shorter supply too, even on the normal difficulty, to the point where we barely scraped through several encounters.  While it’s unclear if this applies to the whole game, Unfinished Business feels like a gnarlier experience, when compared to the original. RoboCop has some new context sensitive finishing moves, like throwing enemy heads into concrete walls or vending machines, which is a satisfying addition to the melee arsenal. There’s greater enemy variety too, between fierce minigun heavyweights and flying drones, along with some neat action set pieces. In one standout, we had to operate a walkway bridge to deactivate a giant turret at the end of a room, dashing between cover as it rains down bullets and destroys the surrounding environment. Anyone who has played action games before will recognise all the mechanics at play in this scenario, but it was still well executed and effective. Another had a whiff of Star Wars, as you rush around shooting electrical panels to stop a trash compactor from crushing you via the descending ceiling. The action shift in Unfinished Business is best defined by a later sequence we got to play, where you take control of the franchise’s signature mech, ED-209. If the power fantasy of playing as RoboCop is tested in this expansion, ED-209’s section was pure mental catharsis, where you blast away enemy hordes with miniguns and rockets, and clean up any stragglers with a rigid, robotic stomp. The rush of piloting ED-209, with its cacophony of explosions and bullets, felt like a throwback to vehicle sections in a long lost Xbox 360 game – but in a good way.  While there’s a definite lean towards combat, rather than gift card signing, when compared to Rogue City, it hasn’t entirely abandoned the detective side. According to the developers, if Rogue City had a 60/40 percent split between guns and detective work, Unfinished Business ‘would be like 70/30, or 80/20’ in comparison. More Trending We saw some of this , with one memorable encounter seeing you quizzed by a RoboCop superfan who is unconvinced you’re the actual RoboCop, leading to a series of questions based on the history of the franchise. There is optional side missions too, although the time we had with our preview limited our chance to fully delve into them. The sales and positive reviews for RoboCop: Rogue City emboldened Teyon’s vision and scope for Unfinished Business – and that confidence shines through in what we played. Some might be disappointed by the steer towards action, and we were heading into this preview, but by the end, this felt like a welcome extension with its own unique flavour. This is RoboCop: Rogue City with its pedal to the floor, confined and concentrated into a lean, tightly focused machine.  As for the studio’s next steps, the success of RoboCop has only reaffirmed Teyon’s strengths and identity as a team. Between its three studios across Poland and Japan, with over 140 employees in total, Teyon wants to maintain its grip within the AA space. ‘We feel strong here in such games,’ Biegun said. ‘We wouldn’t want to grow like 200, 300, 400 people, because we’re going to lose our soul this way. We want to stay as we are right now.’ ED-209 needs be wary of stairs (Nacon) Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. Arrow MORE: How to get a Nintendo Switch 2 this week in the UK GameCentral Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

From Tokyo to Taipei, Ho Chi Minh to Seoul, Asia Pacific has long been a powerhouse in global esports. However, until now, the region's role in the League of Legends ecosystem lacked a central stage. That's all about to change with the inception of League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP), Riot Games' ambitious new league for APAC. This is the game developer's most significant step yet in unifying its fragmented competitive landscape. To bring that vision to life, Riot partnered with brand and digital studio Koto to craft an identity that would speak to fans across cultures, languages, and gaming styles. The result is a full-spectrum design system shaped by the region, for the region, and built to evolve alongside the fast-moving world of esports. "At its heart, this project was about building pride and momentum," says Koto creative director Melissa Baillache. "Riot made it clear from the beginning: they wanted to give fans a brand that belongs to them." The LCP brand makes that intent clear from the get-go. Under the platform What We're Made Of, Koto constructed an identity rooted in regional passion, from Japan's Oshi-style fandoms to Southeast Asia's hyper-social esports culture. The line isn't just a slogan; it's a rallying cry, making it clear that APAC isn't just participating in global esports – it's here to lead. Designing for competition and community Visually, the brand needed to deliver across an incredible range of touchpoints, from social teasers and broadcast graphics to merch, memes, and fan-created content. The design system is centred on The Pinnacle: a five-player emblem representing unity and competitive intensity. Rendered in molten, 3D finishes, it's a symbol of regional ambition and the raw energy of top-tier play. That energy carries through a modular graphic system inspired by League's own gameplay, specifically the three in-game lanes that structure how matches unfold. This system offers a flexible yet distinctive frame for everything from stat-heavy broadcast overlays to highlight reels and in-arena hype moments. The motion language is just as purposeful. It's fast, focused, and reactive, designed to mirror the breakneck pace of in-game action and the way fans consume esports content in real-time. Whether counting down to kick-off or amplifying a clutch play, the system pulses with immediacy. Voice with impact Koto also worked to develop a voice that cuts through the noise of a crowded digital space. LCP's tone is raw, energised, and emotionally charged, with tight headlines and punchy copy that speaks directly to fans. It's not just branding; it's storytelling engineered for social moments, match trailers, post-game celebrations, and everything in between. The studio's verbal system extends to campaign slogans, hashtags, and commentary-style callouts, all of which work together to build momentum, fuel rivalries, and stoke regional pride. A custom typeface that sets the tempo At the core of the visual identity is LCP Ignite, a custom variable typeface designed to capture the rhythm and sharpness of League gameplay. Inspired by the 'fired up' ethos of competitive play, it flexes across every format, from match stats and player quotes to dynamic on-screen graphics. Given the region's linguistic diversity, the system also includes a suite of secondary typefaces (including Archivo, Kinkakuji and Thonglor Soi 4 Nr) to ensure legibility and consistency in languages across APAC. The goal here was to create a type system that speaks to everyone, from die-hard fans to casual mobile viewers wherever they are. Fuel for fandom Koto's system goes beyond expectations by creating tools that grow with the community. A suite of icons and illustrations—all drawn from the strokes and geometry of LCP Ignite—provides creative fuel for Riot and fans. These assets flex across platforms, helping commentators, players, and creators build content that feels cohesive but never prescriptive. Gerald Torto, senior strategy director at Koto, says: "The goal with LCP was to frame the league not just as a competition, but as a cultural force. The energy and sentiment captured in the idea 'What We're Made Of' is a fitting platform. It gives APAC an unapologetic and proud voice that looks ahead to an exciting future." The scale of the system matches that ambition. Alongside Riot's APAC PubSports team, Koto delivered a complete brand toolkit with hundreds of assets – spanning physical, digital, and broadcast formats – built to scale across seasons, teams, and evolving tournament formats. Setting the stage for APAC's next era What sets this project apart is its commitment to longevity. LCP is a vast infrastructure investment into the future of competitive gaming in APAC, and the brand has already begun rolling out teaser campaigns, test broadcasts, and live events, setting the stage for a new chapter in League of Legends. As Koto continues to expand its presence in the region, the LCP identity is a strong signal of what's possible when global ambition meets regional nuance. It's also a showcase of what the Sydney studio brings to the table: cross-cultural fluency, strategic storytelling, and a flair for building scalable, high-impact identities with soul. With the official launch of LCP now live, Riot and Koto are inviting the world to witness what the region is made of.

It’ll be out in less than a week (Nintendo) A reader explains exactly how they’re going to spend the next seven days, and it seems to involve a lot of Switch 2 games and Summer Game Fest. It’s over eight years since the launch of the original Nintendo Switch and it seems like both yesterday and half a lifetime ago. I absolutely agree with suggestions that it’s the best console ever made, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and all the many games I’ve bought for it. All the previews of Switch 2 have been very positive, but I don’t need to read them; I’m completely happy to take a risk on getting it day one, and I’ve already planned the days off. I’m actually a little gutted I can’t go to any of the midnight launches. I’m very glad to hear they’re still going but by the time I knew about them I’d already pre-ordered from Nintendo. So I’ll be stuck at home on Thursday, desperately hoping for the postie to ring the doorbell. He’ll be bringing the console with the Mario Kart World bundle and I’ll also be buying Welcome Tour, Split Fiction, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Civilization 7, and upgrades for the two Zelda games and Super Mario Party Jamboree. (I’m not rich, I’ve just been saving and haven’t bought a new game yet this year.) I’ve seen it said that the Switch 2 launch line-up is not that good, and I will agree I had expected more in the way of exclusives, both first and third party, but I think we have to remember this is June and, hardware launch or not, that’s not exactly prime video game-buying time. In fact, it’s the opposite. Still, I think you’ll agree that little lot should keep me busy for a while, which is why I booked the whole week off to play it. Which is not quite as crazy as it sounds. The console comes out on Thursday and then on Friday it’s Summer Game Fest, which starts late at night, so I’d rather not come home knackered from work to stay up to watch that. Sunday is the Xbox summer showcase – which I’m not super interested in but could have some Switch 2 news – and, well… with luck the weather will be nice so I thought, sod it, I’ll just take a full week off, or at least to Wednesday. That gives me enough time to play my new console, to watch and recover from the showcases, and to still have some quality time with the missus. It’ll be a week of full-on video game indulgence, and I can’t wait. In an increasingly bleak world, I find the thought of doing nothing but wasting my time with video games very appealing. We all know Mario Kart World is going to be amazing but as well as that I can play through Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, try out the mouse controls for Civilization 7, and play co-op with my wife on Split Fiction – which I’ve been purposefully holding back on till now. Plus, I get to play remastered versions of the two best Zelda games and a bunch of fun new party games for Super Mario Party, that also use the GameChat camera, which I’m also buying. It’s a lot at once, I agree, but I feel I’m worth it and for once I do have time to play it all. As for what I’m hoping for from the showcases. Well, mostly I’d like there to be a Nintendo Direct, which there seems a reasonable chance of but which, at least as I’m writing this, they haven’t announced yet. Obviously, I’d like there to be a secret Nintendo game for Christmas, ideally a 3D Mario, but I really don’t think that’s very likely. I do imagine they’ll have some kind of small extra though and maybe a tease of what’s to come next year. More Trending I do still have my PlayStation 5, so I guess I’d be interested in anything that announced for that, especially Resident Evil 9 or Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, but at the moment I’m all about the Switch 2. I hope it lives up to the legacy of its predecessor but at the moment I have no reason to think it won’t and all the time in the world to find out! By reader Onibee Mario Kart World is out in less than a week (Nintendo) The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email. GameCentral Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Michael Giannou, Global General Manager, HoneywellMay 29, 20254 Min ReadAndriy Popov via Alamy StockData centers are quickly becoming the backbone of our information-driven world. At the same time, the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity attacks, combined with the growing frequency of extreme climate events, means there is also greater operational risk than ever before, as bad actors have begun targeting cooling centers to purposefully compromise the equipment, causing irreversible loss and damage.  The best defense against these threats is an integrated system centered around situational awareness and security. By taking steps to safeguard key areas, data center operators can enhance the protection of their facility and data, helping prevent costly threats and downtime.  Seeing the Big Picture Developing a comprehensive awareness and monitoring system serves as a critical first step to protecting data centers. This is especially important as data centers begin to welcome more tenants into shared space, requiring vendors to consider each tenant individually and as part of the broader system. A threat to one tenant can quickly become a threat to all tenants. Centralizing all information in one system provides a single location for operators to view and analyze real-time data, allowing them to instantly access critical information, monitor incidents and respond quickly with pre-defined incident workflows. An intelligent system will integrate all security events -- including video recordings, access point clearance and data reporting -- together in one place to reduce coverage gaps and information silos.  Related:Another benefit of having one comprehensive system is the ability to integrate separate aspects of the system to improve response time. For example, a centralized security system could be configured to ensure that any fire or intruder alarm immediately triggers the CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the alarm, so the security team can quickly and efficiently respond to the situation. Close partnering between systems that transcend departments such as security, IT and the management of employees, contractors and visitors is key to protecting the facility and its data, both in low-friction (e.g. office space) and high-friction (e.g. server space) areas.  Addressing the Gaps Once a centralized security system is in place, operators can address the cybersecurity gaps where the data center is most vulnerable to bad actors. A strong, always-on cybersecurity program should be tailored to the specific facility and its compliance needs, often including:  Data encryption: Whether data is stored in the system or just passing through, encryption is key to preventing unauthorized access. A strong encryption process goes beyond thwarting attacks -- it is critical for establishing trust, ensuring the authenticity of data exchanged, guaranteeing the integrity of commands to smart devices and maintaining secrecy where it is needed most.  Related:Network security: Data center operators can help prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks by developing strong intrusion detection/prevention systems, firewalls and network segmentation. Facility protection: By integrating technologies such as electronic access control, biometrics, CCTV and perimeter detection, operators can maintain security around the physical facility. Security also requires vendors to adhere to standard operating procedures, often overlooked in today’s technology-focused environment, such as enforcing visitor security policies and requiring visitors to have escorts.  Regular audits and updates: It may seem to be a lower priority than the often-urgent concerns set forth above, but out-of-date firmware carries a significant cybersecurity risk. Proactive attention and system maintenance can reduce operating costs in the long run and help avoid costly downtime. Related:Looking Ahead With so many current considerations to focus on, data center operators must also look ahead to future-proof their facility. As quickly as the industry has grown in recent years, the momentum will likely continue to accelerate. One new frontier emerging is quantum security: using quantum-enhanced randomness to deliver truly unpredictable key generation and safeguard sensitive information. This enables the system to develop armor that evolves just as quickly as cybersecurity threats. As the largest companies make significant investment in data centers -- for example, Microsoft’s plan to invest approximately $80 billion in AI-enabled datacenters in FY25 -- many in the industry are watching to see how these companies’ actions and investments shape the future of both data centers and building security overall.  Another forward-looking trend is military-grade solutions entering the commercial and industrial marketplace. It is clear to understand how a system hardened for integrated perimeter security in harsh environments can also fit the security and resilience needs of a data center. In addition, those solutions have often been certified through rigorous testing and evaluation, giving operators confidence their system can withstand almost all third-party attacks.  Finally, the industry will begin to prioritize modularity -- meaning systems that can be added to in the future, will work with third-party solutions and are both user-friendly and energy-efficient. This allows operators to expand their facilities to include the latest and greatest technology without a costly overhaul of their existing infrastructure. By integrating with their business systems and leaning into wider stakeholder influence, organizations can more effectively monitor and manage their facilities using modular systems. Cybersecurity risks can never truly be considered resolved -- it is constantly evolving. But by continuously revisiting the areas detailed above, data center operators can enhance their facility and systems protections, helping to protect their data now and in the future.  About the AuthorMichael GiannouGlobal General Manager, HoneywellMichael Giannou is a global sales executive with over 15 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving growth in the data center and technology sectors. As Global General Manager of Data Centers at Honeywell, he built and led a global sales team, delivering double-digit growth and now leads the company’s global data center vertical. Previously, at Schneider Electric, he grew division sales from $70M to $350M over six years. Known for transforming underperforming programs and developing trusted customer relationships, Michael is a strategic, growth-focused leader passionate about mentoring enterprise sales professionals.  See more from Michael GiannouWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

Michael Giannou, Global General Manager, HoneywellMay 29, 20254 Min ReadAndriy Popov via Alamy StockData centers are quickly becoming the backbone of our information-driven world. At the same time, the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity attacks, combined with the growing frequency of extreme climate events, means there is also greater operational risk than ever before, as bad actors have begun targeting cooling centers to purposefully compromise the equipment, causing irreversible loss and damage.  The best defense against these threats is an integrated system centered around situational awareness and security. By taking steps to safeguard key areas, data center operators can enhance the protection of their facility and data, helping prevent costly threats and downtime.  Seeing the Big Picture Developing a comprehensive awareness and monitoring system serves as a critical first step to protecting data centers. This is especially important as data centers begin to welcome more tenants into shared space, requiring vendors to consider each tenant individually and as part of the broader system. A threat to one tenant can quickly become a threat to all tenants. Centralizing all information in one system provides a single location for operators to view and analyze real-time data, allowing them to instantly access critical information, monitor incidents and respond quickly with pre-defined incident workflows. An intelligent system will integrate all security events -- including video recordings, access point clearance and data reporting -- together in one place to reduce coverage gaps and information silos.  Related:Another benefit of having one comprehensive system is the ability to integrate separate aspects of the system to improve response time. For example, a centralized security system could be configured to ensure that any fire or intruder alarm immediately triggers the CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the alarm, so the security team can quickly and efficiently respond to the situation. Close partnering between systems that transcend departments such as security, IT and the management of employees, contractors and visitors is key to protecting the facility and its data, both in low-friction (e.g. office space) and high-friction (e.g. server space) areas.  Addressing the Gaps Once a centralized security system is in place, operators can address the cybersecurity gaps where the data center is most vulnerable to bad actors. A strong, always-on cybersecurity program should be tailored to the specific facility and its compliance needs, often including:  Data encryption: Whether data is stored in the system or just passing through, encryption is key to preventing unauthorized access. A strong encryption process goes beyond thwarting attacks -- it is critical for establishing trust, ensuring the authenticity of data exchanged, guaranteeing the integrity of commands to smart devices and maintaining secrecy where it is needed most.  Related:Network security: Data center operators can help prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks by developing strong intrusion detection/prevention systems, firewalls and network segmentation. Facility protection: By integrating technologies such as electronic access control, biometrics, CCTV and perimeter detection, operators can maintain security around the physical facility. Security also requires vendors to adhere to standard operating procedures, often overlooked in today’s technology-focused environment, such as enforcing visitor security policies and requiring visitors to have escorts.  Regular audits and updates: It may seem to be a lower priority than the often-urgent concerns set forth above, but out-of-date firmware carries a significant cybersecurity risk. Proactive attention and system maintenance can reduce operating costs in the long run and help avoid costly downtime. Related:Looking Ahead With so many current considerations to focus on, data center operators must also look ahead to future-proof their facility. As quickly as the industry has grown in recent years, the momentum will likely continue to accelerate. One new frontier emerging is quantum security: using quantum-enhanced randomness to deliver truly unpredictable key generation and safeguard sensitive information. This enables the system to develop armor that evolves just as quickly as cybersecurity threats. As the largest companies make significant investment in data centers -- for example, Microsoft’s plan to invest approximately $80 billion in AI-enabled datacenters in FY25 -- many in the industry are watching to see how these companies’ actions and investments shape the future of both data centers and building security overall.  Another forward-looking trend is military-grade solutions entering the commercial and industrial marketplace. It is clear to understand how a system hardened for integrated perimeter security in harsh environments can also fit the security and resilience needs of a data center. In addition, those solutions have often been certified through rigorous testing and evaluation, giving operators confidence their system can withstand almost all third-party attacks.  Finally, the industry will begin to prioritize modularity -- meaning systems that can be added to in the future, will work with third-party solutions and are both user-friendly and energy-efficient. This allows operators to expand their facilities to include the latest and greatest technology without a costly overhaul of their existing infrastructure. By integrating with their business systems and leaning into wider stakeholder influence, organizations can more effectively monitor and manage their facilities using modular systems. Cybersecurity risks can never truly be considered resolved -- it is constantly evolving. But by continuously revisiting the areas detailed above, data center operators can enhance their facility and systems protections, helping to protect their data now and in the future.  About the AuthorMichael GiannouGlobal General Manager, HoneywellMichael Giannou is a global sales executive with over 15 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving growth in the data center and technology sectors. As Global General Manager of Data Centers at Honeywell, he built and led a global sales team, delivering double-digit growth and now leads the company’s global data center vertical. Previously, at Schneider Electric, he grew division sales from $70M to $350M over six years. Known for transforming underperforming programs and developing trusted customer relationships, Michael is a strategic, growth-focused leader passionate about mentoring enterprise sales professionals.  See more from Michael GiannouWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like