PROGRESS REPORT

ISSUE #123

Art: Ash Casper

The Grief of Innovation

Brands, so focused on moving forward, often forget the attachments people can have with the way things used to be. What can we do to make these transitional periods feel less difficult? And how can the pushback be used as fodder for future projects?

01
WHAT EFFICIENCY ERASES

Words: Shannon Gerety

TL;DR

Innovation drives efficiency, but what are we losing along the way? In business, we celebrate streamlined processes and automated solutions, but it’s critical we reflect on the human cost—such as the loss of connection and fulfillment that come from hands-on, slower practices.

Why it Matters

I think about my father’s reluctance to let go of his twenty-year-old car, and I know it isn’t just about the vehicle itself. It’s tied to the satisfaction he gets from maintaining it and the comfort of its familiarity. It’s the richness of the memories from 450,000 (!) miles of ski trips, lacrosse tournaments, and well-loved American folk CDs.

Even for those without the emotional attachments, we sometimes see a similar pull toward slower, more tactile technologies. This is why, despite how advanced our iPhone cameras have gotten, there's a rising wave of young people carrying around film cameras.

It's clear that, for people, efficiency isn't always king. For business leaders, understanding these meaningful attachments is critical to fostering innovation that respects both progress and the human experience.

One Thing You Can Do Right Now

Find one area where you can slow down for the sake of fulfillment.

Sources of Inspiration

• Study revival trends, like the return of vinyl records. What draws people back to these "outdated" forms? What can you learn from technologies that have had redemption arcs?

• Imagine a world where the warmth of local gathering spots is replaced by sterile, automated exchanges. 24/7 diners thrive on genuine human connection—no innovation required. What if we embraced that mindset more in our work, valuing what already works instead of always chasing the next big thing?

• Embrace tech that enhances rather than replaces. TERRA, for example, is an AI-powered compass that guides mindful wandering while respecting our need for curiosity, connection, and presence in an automated world.

By balancing efficiency with moments of reflection on human connection, businesses can innovate without losing the essence of what makes their work truly meaningful.

02
MAKING ROOM ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND

Words: Adraint Bereal

TL;DR

“Give a fuck about traditions, stop impressin’ the dead” says Tyler, the Creator on his new single “ST. CHROMA.” Much space in many artistic fields is held for those who came before us, but making room for new suns and blank canvases doesn’t have to come at the expense of preserving the past. The circular nature of creation relies on both coexisting with and supporting one another.

Why it Matters

Artists today have infinite opportunity to create more abundantly compared to previous decades. The ability to iterate and publish work is faster and more immediate, but so is the feedback. It’s easy to become over-concerned with younger generations toting our ideas around as “original” when there’s little curiosity about how we’ve arrived at certain creative solutions. But we can collectively go further when students of their craft are nurtured by those who came before them.

A healthy ecosystem is dependent on the past talking to the present talking to the future. A dialogue requires more than one person, and the start of conversation in art is patterned by imitation and homage. Youth are craving something real and tangible that proves our trying times are worth living through. Design schools and institutions of the past are proof of our ability to grow collectively.

Innovation is a circle. We can have Chappell Roan and our punk legends. We can have Pharrell and Tyler, the Creator, etc., etc. There’s enough room for everyone on this merry-go-round.

One Thing You Can Do Right Now

Take a chance on that person doing something “new.”

Examples of the Past Meeting the Present

• Tyler, the Creator x Louis Vuitton. “This collaboration is unique to Louis Vuitton because it’s a natural extension of our LVERS philosophy, building on our network of incredible artists and creatives. There are so many elements specific to Tyler built into these pieces and it’s been inspiring to see him hone in on his craft and collaborate with him for this Spring collection.”

• Clarence Avant: ‘The Black Godfather.’ “Avant defied any preconceived idea about what a Black executive was ‘allowed’ to do, and…he brought others with him along the way.”

• Luis Barragán x Bauhaus. “Barragán was deeply influenced by the Bauhaus movement as well as Le Corbusier, creating a deeper sense of personal connection to an otherwise minimalist, sharp-edged space.”

03
LET’S HOLD HANDS

Words: Natalie Berry

TL;DR

Every transitional period in our lives requires a bit of hand-holding. When we’re toddlers and we’re learning to cross a busy street. When we’re off to college and have career counselors and RAs to steer us. When we start a new job and go through the onboarding process. Why should brand or tech transitions be any different?

Why it Matters

According to University of Virginia psychology professor and hand-holding expert, James Coan, holding hands gives us a sense of security, “a sense that…we have a companion, a helper, a guide.”

When introducing something new, unfamiliar, or intimidating, nothing could be more important than making your customer feel secure. Like they’re not being forgotten or left behind. Like they’re included in your vision of the future.

One Thing You Can Do Right Now

Build a “hand-holding period” into your upcoming product or service launch plans.

What Might Hand-Holding Look Like?

• Begin before the launch. As tempting as it may be to take a page from Beyoncé’s book and drop an unexpected album, most changes shouldn’t come as a surprise. The “hand-holding period” should start well before the launch, with external comms detailing exactly what to expect. Build the familiarity before your customers can even get their hands on the new thing.

• Offer up office hours. Not to milk the metaphor of a college freshman…but we could all benefit from some office hours-esque undivided attention. During this transition period, how can you create forums for honest Q&A? Consider livestreams, hotlines, Reddit AMAs, in-person demos, virtual concierge services, and beyond.

• Emphasize possibility. The whole reason we pursue innovation in the first place is to create expanded possibilities for ourselves and our customers. Consider this Mad Lib for your primary message: “Our new [fill in the innovation] is making [fill in the tangible benefit] more possible for you.” The grief will wane when there’s something real to look forward to.