with our work. That our clients have consistently called our work “gold” reflects both the value it brings to their bottom line, as well as the new energy it unleashes. These extraordinary leaders knew that leaning into the unknown can lead to the greatest growth outcomes.
Unlocking Tesla's True Selling Power
Before its IPO, Tesla was under pressure to address concerns about the Model S's estimated range. After interviewing early Roadster owners, we delivered key insights to CEO Elon Musk. These findings not only shaped Musk's investor pitch for Tesla's IPO but also influenced the design and user experience of the Model S. Our work continues to play a vital role in onboarding new Tesla team members.
Solidifying Nike's Innovative Vision
Few brands inspire loyalty like Nike, but capturing the essence of that loyalty is no easy feat. Across 40 projects, we've consistently uncovered the hidden psychology that drives athletes and youth culture, shaping innovative strategies for Nike's executive team, the Innovation Kitchen, and the brand at large. Our efforts have been instrumental in helping Nike secure billions in revenue.
Powering Pinterest's Growth
Partnering with Co-Founder Evan Sharp, we uncovered the driving force behind Pinterest's user engagement. The revelation? While much of the internet left people feeling depleted, Pinterest energized users—offering inspiration. This insight became the cornerstone of our strategy, guiding executive decisions and enriching the company culture.
Scaling a New Innovation Ethos
After our work on Xbox and Cortana, Microsoft enlisted us to refresh their design ethos. Over two years, we developed a groundbreaking human experience framework. Our insights redefined Microsoft's design, resulting in award-winning innovations, new intellectual property, and a leading role in inclusive design.
Preserving VA's Award-Winning Culture
Facing unionization pressure, Virgin America turned to us to safeguard their exceptional internal culture. We worked closely with team members at all levels, uncovering the core motivations that bonded their workforce. By transforming these insights into strategies that celebrated Virgin's unique culture, we strengthened their greatest asset: an award winning team.
Discovering New Markets in India and Africa
Visa engaged us to explore new opportunities across diverse regions—from family dynamics in the Philippines to digital currency in India and small businesses in the US. In Kenya and India, we uncovered communities pooling resources for greater financial leverage. This unlocked new avenues for innovation, equipping Visa with the insights needed to confront growing threats to their business.
Delivering Schwab's First Investor-Led Tech
We helped launch Schwab's first digital product to make day trading seamless and intuitive. By amplifying the real experiences of home traders, we shaped the design of StreetSmart Edge—a platform that simplified complex strategies for everyday investors. This approach not only set a new industry standard but also made investing accessible, embodying Schwab's unmatched ethos.
Innovating Across Incase's Maker Class
Incase hired us to delve into the lifestyles and needs of the 'maker culture'—artists, street artists, and designers. Our insights shaped the design of award-winning backpacks, a new line of headphones, and a groundbreaking approach to wearable tech, solidifying Incase's position as a leader in the maker community.
Unlocking Core Insights for Capital One's Innovation Labs
To stay ahead in the fast-evolving banking landscape, Capital One knew it needed to innovate fast. We explored the emotional dynamics around money and recognized the need for a fresh interface to enhance the credit card experience. Partnering with the Innovation Labs, we developed a new design standard that cemented Capital One's leadership in fintech.
Illuminating the Hidden Psychology of the Home
In a crowded smart home market, Google needed more than innovation—they needed a story that resonated with a new audience. By delving into the emotions that turn a 'house' into a 'home,' we uncovered new ways for their products to stand out. This fresh perspective on technology's role in intimate spaces empowered Google's team to redefine the smart home experience. It also ensured their products stayed at the forefront of the industry.
Championing Virgin's Launch of a Cruise Ship
Launching the first new cruise line in decades might discourage many, but Richard Branson has never taken the easy road. To articulate Virgin Voyages' innovative business approach to a diverse array of partners, we were enlisted to craft a cohesive narrative for the brand. Our work not only unified these stakeholders but also captivated a new audience.
Articulating the Uneasy Truths about Aging for AETNA
Aetna understands that senior care is a complex emotional landscape, so they enlisted us to develop an app that balances practical needs with the emotional challenges of aging. Collaborating with their innovation team, we created InvolveCare—the first senior care app designed to offer a positive touchpoint for both seniors and their caregivers.
Soldifying Core Values for Planet Lab's Non-Profit Arm
Planet Labs faced ethical concerns over the data collected by their satellites for their non-profit arm. They turned to us to uncover the motivations of non-profit leaders and to define ethical principles for their new platform. Our work not only shaped a responsible community around their data but also built a strong foundation for their brand.
Establishing a Cultural Foothold for Grassfed's Movement
Despite its environmental benefits, Grassfed struggled to connect with consumers due to an uninspiring narrative, leading to lackluster revenue. We uncovered the root causes of consumer hesitation and crafted a powerful strategy and compelling product story that truly resonates with the market.
Challenging Fast Fashion Norms with a Social Experiment
To challenge the norms of fast fashion, we collaborated with textile designer and professor Lynda Grose. Her concept of branding second-hand garments with a 'Goodwill' tag unlocked the cultural secrets of reused fashion. These insights shifted the sustainability narrative, transforming how we understand our relationship with clothing.
Exploring the Shifts in Journalism for Stanford
Supporting academics is a meaningful part of our work, and our collaboration with Stanford was no exception. To better understand the shifts in journalism, we brought together journalists from around the world to illuminate an evolving industry. Our efforts redefined how journalists approach their craft and set a new standard for the profession's future.
Reimagining the Bar Experience for Diageo's Innovation Team
Disabilities often carry an emotional burden that goes beyond physical challenges. By focusing on those who feel excluded, isolated, and unseen, we collaborated with Diageo Innovation to reimagine the bar experience. Our approach introduced a bold vision of inclusivity, creating a blueprint idea for future bars where everyone can connect and truly feel they belong.
Supporting The Skateroom's Visionary Founder
Charles Antoine Bodson's visionary approach combined skateboarding with art to launch projects that support children in underserved communities. This innovative strategy also redefined the use of business profits. We are proud to have helped refine his audience engagement, unify his team around new narratives, and develop a strategy that bridges the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Market Discovery
When there's an opportunity to uncover a new audience or market, we've shown time and again that we will find it.
Brand Growth
When it comes time for a brand vision to evolve, we help uncover what will connect you to your customers for decades to come.
Product Innovation
We've helped many companies find and develop that game-changing product that consumers didn't know they needed.
Executive Strategy
We empower executive teams to prioritize the flow of product, brands, and internal story in light of their customers' needs.
Company Culture
When an employee culture cares about its customers, they feel like a part of something bigger. Workplace satisfaction skyrockets.
Muse Experience
Culture always beats strategy. The quickest way for your team to believe in a new vision is to let your customer tell their stories.