B®2020:ARetrospectiveThroughtheLensesofCulture,Community,andCraft●
We look back on the challenging yet transformative year we had at BASIC®.
For everyone, 2020 was a year of unpredictable change and profound heartbreak but also unwavering resilience. In the face of a global health crisis, economic uncertainty, and racial injustice, we managed to press on and maintain some semblance of business as usual even when reality was anything but.
As we enter the new year, we reflect upon the experiences that forced us to not only evolve but grow as an agency.
CHAPTER 01: OUR CULTURE
COVID-19 challenged us to rethink the ways in which we work and collaborate. As desks became dining tables and face-to-face brainstorms turned into Figma workshares, we took it upon ourselves to stay connected however we could.
This meant adapting to our newly remote situation by sharing at-home resources and inspiration; hosting and taking part in virtual roundtables to continue pushing our thought leadership; and creating space for personal perspective with our monthly Creative Salon sessions.
CHAPTER 02: OUR COMMUNITY
Yet, amidst this global pandemic, we also had to contend with the reality of systemic racism and inequality. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been core to the BASIC® business since our founding. The tragic murder of George Floyd prompted us to double-down on our efforts to foster safer spaces for everyone, especially our Black colleagues.
In the following months, our team took to the streets in protest; spoke up online and at the ballot box; donated time and money to various organizations; and created opportunities for the unseen and underrepresented.
And within our company, we committed ourselves to championing these voices and causes with Brandbeats, B®/GOOD, and so many other internal initiatives.
CHAPTER 03: OUR CRAFT
2020 marked BASIC’s 10th year in business and our most successful one to date. Despite its hardships, it was a year that brought us closer together and pushed us to do the most inspired work of our lives with our favorite brands (some not listed due to confidentiality):
- Google Store
- Patagonia
- Design Within Reach
- Silver Oak
- Desktop Metal
- Coach
- Futuremood
- Airbnb
- Riot Games
- Electronic Arts
- The Webby Awards
And as we closed out the year, we not only kept our team intact by avoiding layoffs, but also expanded our vision and global footprint by joining the ranks of Dept, Europe’s leading digital agency.
With 2020 now in the rearview and 2021 upon us, we can’t wait to announce our other global partnerships and agency initiatives. In the meantime, stay safe and stay tuned.
(BASIC®)
BASIC® is an experience design company that thrives at the crossroads of culture and technology. Combining human intuition with systematic thinking, its work in strategy, design, and digital transformation is recognized for challenging business convention alongside the world’s most forward-thinking brands.
