DesignRush Podcast

Nvidia’s Power Play: Key FindingsNvidia is the first publicly traded company to breach a $4T market capand the most valuable company on Earth. Its stock has surged ~1,350% since October 2022, outperforming the S&P 500 by ~16 percentage points in 2025 alone. The tech giant built the infrastructure powering major AI products, from ChatGPT to autonomous systems. On Wednesday,  Nvidia’ s stock ros...

HOKA and Anomaly's Campaign: Key FindingsHOKA’s “Together We Fly Higher” campaign with Anomaly exploreshow community support fuels individual performance. A Bob Dylan-backed anthem film anchors the push, spotlighting real runners and authentic moments. Additional short films and global placements reinforce HOKA’s brand identity and human-first values. Even in a sport known for solitude, HOKA belie...

Spotify's Automated Podcast Ad Push: Key TakeawaysSpotify now offers premium podcast inventory through Ads Managerand Ad Exchange in key global markets. Brands like Instacart and Luxottica report improved efficiency with Spotify Ad Exchange. Spotify’s automation push supports growing demand for streamlined podcast production and buying. Spotify is making it easier for brands to tap into its 170 mi...

Sprite 'Hurts Real Good': Key FindingsSprite’s “Hurts Real Good” campaign targets Gen Z’s growing craving for spicy food. The global campaign features Buldak, Takis snacks, and K-pop star Karina. Late-night pop-ups and TikTok game activations aim to boost online engagement. Gen Z isn’t running from the heat. In fact, they’re chasing it — and Sprite wants to ride the fire. The lemon-lime soda brand...

Subway x Netflix: Key FindingsSubway’s "Happy Gilmore Meal" offers limited-edition cups and packaging, supported by a digital experience and rewards platform. Dentsu developed the campaign’s creative and strategy, including character-led spots, illustrated collectible cups, and themed packaging tied to the film. Fans can win prizes like golf trips and $3,000 “Big Ass Checks” through Subway’s Happy...

Apple vs. Xiaomi EV Pivot: Key FindingsApple spent $10 billion over 10 years and never shipped a car, while Xiaomi launched two EVs in under two years with profitability expected in 2025.Xiaomi secured nearly 300K preorders in one hour by pricing aggressively with active brand promotion. Apple failed due to secrecy, leadership shifts, and overengineering; Xiaomi succeeded by moving publicly, quick...

AI is redefining what’s possible in digital strategy. Forward-thinking marketing teams are using AI to gain real competitive advantages by reducing content costs, predicting ROI with uncanny accuracy, and more. AI in Digital Marketing Examples: Key PointsAI can reduce content production time by up to 50% and increase output 3×, enabling marketing teams to scale campaigns without expanding headcoun...

Planning your 2025 social strategy? We’ve rounded up four standout ad designs that tap into today’s trends and behaviors, ready to inspire your next campaign. Social Media Ad Design: Key PointsIn 2025, 78% of consumers prefer short-form video, making vertical, mobile-first designs essential for engagement across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Influencer and UGC-style content drives h...

We’ll break down the latest product design statistics that agencies and design leaders can use to increase conversions and tie UX improvements directly to revenue outcomes. Product Design Statistics: Key PointsDesign-centered companies see 32% faster revenue growth and 56% higher returns compared to typical companies. Over half of designers integrate sustainability (52%), while inclusive design bo...

Denmark to Copyright Faces: Key FindingsDenmark moves to grant people automatic copyright over their likeness: faces, voices, and personal features used in AI-generated content. It would require takedowns of non-consensual AI deepfakes and could result in costly lawsuits. U.S. brands using AI in marketing may face legal risk if equivalent rules gain traction here. Nearly 70% of marketers already u...

Airbnb x Smurfs: Key FindingsAirbnb turns part of the Belgian forest into a real-life Smurf village for two lucky families. The four-hour experience supports Paramount’s global push for the Smurfs film, hitting theaters this July. Guests will craft hats, try archery, and learn a dance routine featured in the upcoming movie. Two lucky families are getting the chance to live like Smurfs as part of a...

Coffee Mate x Harry Potter: Key FindingsCoffee Mate releases two limited-time creamers based on Honeydukes treats from “Harry Potter."One flavor highlights rich toffee and caramel, while the zero-sugar peppermint caters to fans seeking lighter, nostalgic coffee options. Timed with key franchise dates, the drop taps into fandom and nostalgia through seasonal, collectible-style products. Coffee Mate...

Nando’s Streaming Marketing: Key FindingsNando’s opens a fully functional pop-up inside Tony Parker’s mansionfor the AMP Summer livestream marathon. The activation combines food, streaming, and celebrity cameos to boost brand awareness among Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Tapping into AMP’s community was Nando’s way of leaning into influencer marketing over traditional ad placements. Nando’s is m...

X Leadership Shake-Up: Key FindingsLinda Yaccarino has officially stepped down as CEO of "X" after two difficult years. Her resignation follows another major PR crisis involving the Grok chatbot. No clear replacement has been named yet, with betting markets showing uncertainty. Linda Yaccarino is stepping down as CEO of "X" after a turbulent two-year run that saw her stuck between Elon Musk’s erra...

Rosalía Powers New Balance’s Creative Direction for 204L Launch

YouTube’s July Crackdown Could Cut Off Revenue for Lazy AI Content

Jurassic World Rebirth Franchise Strategy: Key FindingsThe Jurassic series tops $6 billion globally, securing top‑10 live-action franchise status. Most of the sequels crossed the $1 billion gross revenue, reaffirming consistent blockbuster performance."Jurassic World Rebirth" reunites original screenwriter David Koepp, delivering story-driven tone and grounded sci-fi, praised as potentially the st...

Alixe Lobato’s showreel is a stunning display of skill from the Spanish motion designer. The video uses a fast-paced montage to showcase an impressive array of talents. By weaving together different visual approaches, like realistic 3D and real-world effects, the reel creates a unified and energetic showcase of the artist’s wide-ranging expertise. Showreel Tips for Creatives Juxtapose cinematic mu...

McDonald's McPizza Fail Takeaways: Kitchen Slowdown: McPizza disrupted the flow by taking over 10 minutes to prepare, which went against the fast service people expect from McDonald’s. Product mismatch: Tasted “bland” and “forgettable,” akin to mass‑market frozen pizza, according to reviews. Brand dilution: Customers expected speed, value, and consistency. Introducing high price ($6–$9) and long w...

Liquid Death's Veo 3-Made Ad Takeaways: AI tools like Veo 3 enable polished spec ads at studio-grade quality, without agency backing. The Liquid Death spec ad reflects a broader creative wave: fan‑made ads that go viral risk muddying brand identity, as creators take control. Fan-made AI ads give brands free reach and cultural momentumwithout the overhead of production, tapping into creator energy...

Walmart's 'Who Knew' Campaign Takeaways:Walmart’s “Who Knew?” campaign highlights expanded inventory, faster delivery, and smarter shopping tools. Walton Goggins stars in a new back-to-school ad guiding parents to shop full lists in one tap, including clothes, supplies, and lunch gear. Multichannel rollout includes TV, YouTube, paid social, and out-of-home ads as part of Walmart’s wider brand refr...

Key Findings: Return-related search interest jumped 22% in July 2024, with monthly searches rising nearly 7% Year-over-Year. Nearly 1 in 3 Prime Day-related searches were refunds, returns, or canceling orders. 28% of return-related searches happened in August, a 35% increase over last year. Searches for Prime Day deals dropped 7.4% from 2023 to 2024.  Amazon Prime Day  is back — and it’s bigger th...

Louis Vuitton’s Charm Takeaways: Louis Vuitton’s new $1,270–$1,390 charms are positioned as collectible luxury objects, not just fashion accessories. Vivienne and Louis Bear charms feature unique outfits and props to match demand for personalized, emotional items. The Labubu-style hype shows how scarcity and storytelling shape luxury branding today. Miniature characters, tiny accessories, and a he...

Most agencies don’t scale because of client pressure — they stall because of internal misalignment. In this episode of the DesignRush Podcast, 5WPR’s Managing Partners, Ilisa Wirgin and Leigh-Ann Ambrosi, reveal how culture-first leadership protects creativity, inspires teams, and fuels sustainable growth — even under pressure. From how AI is shifting PR visibility to why affiliate strategies now...

Pepsi's Wear-A-Ball Jacket Launch Takeaways: Wear‑A‑Ball jacket turns into a regulation football in minutes, made from recycled polyester with a custom, packable design. Only 25 Wear‑A‑Ball jackets will be raffled through purchases at Classic Football Shirts, in-store and online. Pepsi and Classic Football Shirts released Modern, Icon and Retro ’70s kits, showcased by top women’s football talent....