Video: The Design Economy 2018 – Map Project Office

As part of our flagship Design Economy 2018 research, we present seven case studies, which bring to life how a selection of different firms use design. For an introduction to the case studies, please see here.

Map Project Office is an industrial design firm based in London. They are passionate about making products – particularly blending physical products and digital experiences. They work with major brands (including Google, IBM, Virgin Atlantic) as well as consumer technology start-ups (like coding kit maker Kano and smart doorbell Ding).

In this video, Founder and Design Director Jon Marshall (who became a Partner at Pentagram in April 2018, after 6 years at Map) introduces the Map approach to working with start-ups and how this has changed how they work with larger brands as well.

Map are often supporting clients who are themselves rapidly growing. They work with start-up clients in an end-to-end design process, from strategy, design and fundraising to production, sourcing and manufacturing. This approach to working with founders, alongside flexible payment options or taking equity in start-ups, has created longer term relationships with their clients. In some cases, after the initial design work is finished, they still have a stake in the company and stay on as advisors and external advocates. Map believes they’re one of the first design firms in the UK to pilot this approach.

Along with their sister company Universal Design Studio, Map Project Office joined AKQA in June 2018 to form a pioneering multidisciplinary experience design practice.

Photo: Map Project Office/Petr Krejci; Copyright Petr Krejci 2018

Video: James Oriel

Thanks to: Jon Marshall, Will Howe, Rebecca Greenwald and Eleanor Jubb