HUMAN BY WONDERLAND #15
Discover more from Creative Currents
HUMAN BY WONDERLAND #15
A newsletter about design and creativity, and how they contribute to a better world.
Hello, Friends.
Welcome to Edition #15 of HUMAN, our second edition for 2022!
This week we’ve shared our latest article about how we’re working to grow our team and match the growth with people who align with our values and culture, as well as our usual round-up of the internet’s coolest and finest bits of news, innovation, and design. We’ve also shared our thoughts on the role digital has to play in world affairs, looking at the actions several tech giants have taken to assist in the Ukrainian war. Finally, the works of Egyptian photographer Karim Amr, and the ‘monumental’ beauty of solitude that can be found in the deserts of Egypt.
Enjoy.
Building Teams: An Ever-Evolving Orchestra
Wonderland is moving fast, and to assist in this speed we’re working hard to build a team of high performers. By this, we don’t just mean the delivery of excellent work and outsized results, but also hiring team members who align with our mission and are driven and motivated to help us achieve our goals.
BYBORRE is challenging industry norms by only releasing one season in 2022.
Have you ever heard of Crewdle, the sustainable video conferencing tool?
Betterland is the first cow-free ‘milk’ to include a key protein in cow’s milk.
Curious about what sharks and Boeing-777s might have in common?
Google has disabled Maps data to protect Ukrainian citizens
Airbnb will provide free short-term housing to up to 100k displaced Ukrainians
Singapore’s CapitaSpring is a stunning example of green architecture in play.
Bitcoin mining has become even more unsustainable following China’s ban.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, or so thinks entrepreneur Jack Bigio.
Jobfished: the con that tricked dozens into working for a fake design agency
Find vegan & vegetarian restaurants near me.
Twitter account that tags Belgian politicians who are distracted on their phone while in a meeting.
Digital is redefining its role in world events.
Like the two years previously, 2022 has been marked by a tranche of new, once-in-a-lifetime events that appear to have become the trademark of our current decade. From global pandemics to natural disasters, and now a war in Europe, this appears to be the era where we as a species will face our greatest trails and tribulations.
Against the backdrop of these world-shaking, life-changing events we wanted to take a moment to focus on the good that digital and digital services can provide in these dark days. Looking through the lens of the war in Ukraine - we can already see examples of the digital community coming together to protect and defend Ukrainian citizens and refugees as they flee to the EU in the face of Russian aggression.
Before we begin however, let us make one thing clear. We at Wonderland completely and wholeheartedly condemn the war in Ukraine, and our hearts go out to the citizens of both nations in these dark days. Our thoughts are with the brave Ukrainians who are fighting for their nationhood and freedom, and whose lives are being torn apart by an unnecessary war. At the same time, our thoughts are with the people of Russia who are seeing their country’s reputation and economy destroyed and their own sense of nationhood and security challenged because of one man’s ego.
A recent article from the BBC estimated that over 500,000+ Ukrainians have already been displaced by the war, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Moldova. Current estimates project that number to exceed 5 million displaced people. To support these countries - and the people fleeing their homes - Airbnb has pledged to offer free short-term housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees at their own expense, and with the help of donors to the Airbnb.org refugee fund. Currently, Airbnb is working with European leaders in neighbouring nations such as Poland, Hungary, and Germany to offer support to those seeking asylum.
Google has also thrown their hat into the ring by disabling Maps traffic data across Ukraine to protect citizens fleeing the conflict. According to Google, the decision to disable these features from global access was made to protect the safety of Ukrainian citizens, and was implemented in consultation with local authorities.
Finally, Elon Musk, at the request of the Ukrainian government, has activated Starlink within the Ukraine, ensuring that the country will retain their internet connection via the company’s satellite system even as Russia attacks it’s websites. Starlink’s satellite-based service works as an alternative to traditional land-based systems that are more succeptible to military disruption, or natural disasters.
The tech industry has faced numerous complaints and trials in the past as they fail to respond to the spread of misinformation and ‘fake news’, especially when it comes to elections and protests; such complaints even sat as a jewel in the crown of the Trump administration. However in light of the recent crisis, we’re seeing a new approach by the world’s tech giants as they step up to the plate and take a side; blocking disinformation from Russian news channels, banning Russian apps, and warning and blocking hacking attempts. And while it’s not a unanimous approach across the digital world, it’s a start, and it does paint a new picture for the role tech giants will play in the future of our planet.
Egyptian photographer Karim Amr has captured the ‘monumental’ beauty of solitude, as found in the deserts of Egypt. Amr captured the images as a part of his mission to “develop a unique language across his images that was separate from the more typical travel photos.”
If you're enjoying HUMAN, feel free to share it along with a friend or colleague! We’re always happy to welcome new readers, and they can sign up for themselves here. If we’ve left you wanting more WONDERLAND, you can check out our latest work here, or follow us on social. We do our best to update it regularly!
Thanks for reading,
Team Wonderland.
