Midyear Pivot: How Leading Brands Are Redefining Design in 2025

workspaceinterns24
Jun 30
3 min read

Let’s take a moment to reminisce. Remember January, when the year stretched out before us like an uncharted map? We kicked off with spark and ambition, early mornings spent chasing ideas, spreadsheets full of promise.

Fast-forward to now, the midpoint of the year, and maybe that energy’s a little frayed. You’re staring at your screen, wondering how much ground you’ve covered (and how much is still ahead).

Yeah, we feel that too. And we’ve been paying attention to what is moving brands forward.

As we navigate the rest of 2025, this isn’t a brainstorm. It’s a beacon. We’re calling it your Q3 compass, grounded in meat-and-potatoes insight but sprinkled with our trademark humor. Because if we’re halfway there already, let’s make the journey count.

Embracing immersive experiences

Remember when IKEA launched that guerrilla “eat in the fridge” popup that looked (and smelled) just like a customer’s fridge? Or when Coca‑Cola transformed urban squares into interactive bubbles of joy? Big brands are smart because they understand one thing: people crave moments, not messages. At Milan Design Week 2025, installations felt more like theatrical performances than showrooms. Immersive storytelling that lingers long after you leave.

At Workspace Global, we’re taking notes. One of our recent projects involved a complete rebrand and web overhaul for a wellness startup. Instead of leading with product shots or corporate fluff, we built a digital experience that started with their story. Why they exist, who they serve, and what wellness means to their community. The new site didn’t only showcase their products. It guided users through a clean, calming journey that mirrored their ethos.

One user wrote, “It feels like the site understands me.”

That’s the kind of connection immersive brand storytelling can build.

Key takeaway: Make participation as addictive as scrolling, but twice as meaningful.

Prioritizing sustainability and authenticity

Consumers are becoming more conscious of environmental and ethical considerations. Sustainable practices are no longer optional; they're expected. In 2025, brands that transparently showcase their commitment to sustainability are gaining consumer trust .

Unilever’s commitment to zero-waste packaging and Patagonia’s pledges to donate a portion of its profits shows that when giants take sustainability seriously, it ripples across industries. This isn’t just good PR: it’s good business.

Our team once partnered with a fashion startup that sourced organic cotton and recycled fabric. Instead of just listing eco-credentials, we co‑created a behind‑the‑scenes video showing the stitchers, the shoppers, and even the farmers.

One viewer reached out saying, “I bought because I felt part of their story.”

That’s because authenticity rooted in values doesn’t just sell...it inspires.

Sustainability isn’t a checkbox. It’s a narrative you live, share, and celebrate. Front and center.

Leveraging AI for personalized experiences

If Netflix can predict what you’ll add to your watchlist next, why shouldn’t brands predict which product page you’ll linger on? Sephora, for example, uses AI to power virtual try-ons, and Nike goes deeper with predictive personalization based on usage data.

We’re layering AI tools into our work to tailor content based on user behavior. Picture tailored newsletters triggered by browsing patterns or pop-ups that guide users based on real-time site interaction. One e‑commerce client saw a 23% spike in engagement within a month. Not because of gimmicks. Because every message felt personal.

Fostering community-centric marketing

Building communities around brands is becoming a powerful marketing strategy. By creating spaces where consumers feel connected and valued, brands can foster loyalty and advocacy.

LEGO mastered this when it invited fans to co-create sets. Apple built arenas where users championed each other through forums. Communities feel human. They move beyond transactions into trust.

At Workspace Global, we helped a wellness brand launch a Slack channel where new buyers could share routines, ask questions, and mentor one another. Not forgetting our founder-led community, OPENSPACE. Yesterday’s one‑off customer became today’s brand advocate. We learned that when people feel seen, they don’t just return, they recruit for you.

Looking ahead

As we move into Q3, our focus is on integrating these trends into our work, ensuring that our clients are not only keeping up with the times but leading the way. By embracing innovation, sustainability, personalization, and community, we're shaping a future where design and marketing are more connected, meaningful, and effective.

We're excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to collaborating with our clients to bring these visions to life.

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