Driven in equal parts by improvements in the technology itself and a spike in demand for contactless solutions courtesy of a global pandemic, QR codes have experienced a period of mass adoption and experimentation.
In gaming, branding is the experience.
It’s not just about how things look—it’s how players feel, interact, and stay hooked.
From mechanics to monetization, branding is the through-line.
In this edition, we dig into the worlds that got it right—and what every brand can learn from them.
Over 70% of the music industry’s carbon emissions stem from fans traveling to shows. To help concert-goers reduce their carbon footprint while attending her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, Billie Eilish partnered with Google Maps to promote eco-friendly travel options.
Motion is more than eye candy. It’s your brand, alive and in action.
When it’s intentional, it guides attention, builds memory, and sets the tone.
The mistake? Treating motion like a one-off trick. Without a system, it’s just noise.
At Koto, we design motion systems that move with meaning—and scale.
Faculty are the London-based team behind some of the most transformative Applied AI projects of the past decade. From crisis response systems to clean energy innovation, they turn cutting-edge AI into real-world solutions. To match their influence, we crafted a brand that captures their pioneering legacy and bold vision for the future – bridging innovation, heritage, and their on-the-ground impact on the frontlines of the world.
Seven years on from our initial project, we reunited with the Freetrade team as they launch a wave of product and service upgrades; a new dawn for the business and its customers. Together we’ve crafted a new digitally-led brand identity, with vibrant gradients, illuminated illustrations and aurora-inspired animations, that combine to bring Freetrade’s bold vision for investing to life.
Here’s a secret: your name is probably the least important thing about your brand.
Which is exactly why it matters.
There’s less to lose, more freedom to play—as long as you stay on the right side of trademark law.
Get it right, and the name becomes a launchpad.
Sign up now.
By 2030 there will be 30 billion ‘connected’ devices. Their ability to connect to each other, however, is constrained by the brands, networks and ecosystems they belong to.
That’s why Vodafone and Sumitomo Corporation have joined forces to launch Pairpoint – a revolutionary technology that enables any of these devices to interact and transact with others, securely and autonomously.
Fitbit Ace LTE is a new kids wearable brought to you by Google. It’s the first ever connected smartwatch designed to get kids off the couch and into the chicken-space-race (yeah, that’s a thing). With 4G LTE and a gazillion games, you’re always close to home, and never far from fun.
Google approached us to build a brand and design system around Ace LTE’s four core attributes – Bold, Playful, Weird and Loveable – that speaks to the zest of childhood and the dream of independence they long for.
One of the biggest tensions in branding: evolve what exists or start from zero?
Evolution builds on equity. Revolution clears the decks. Neither is right or wrong—it depends on what the brand needs to become.
It’s a hot topic on LinkedIn. At Koto, we’re more interested in what’s behind the decision.