AREA 17

How does AI shape our perception of reality? Who holds power in this new world order? As designers and AI leaders we have significant influence and responsibility on our perception, adoption, experience of AI and what it is ultimately used for. Will it be a powerful tool or an almost human companion? Or something in between. At the Upscale Conf, founder and CEO George Eid explored the myths and realities of AI and how designers can reframe concerns into opportunities. #AI #design #UpscaleConf #DesigningforAI

With the digital world always changing, it’s hard to keep up. So we asked some of the best digital agencies in the world: what do today’s brands need a website for? And how do you make something that people actually want to engage with? Here's what we learned: 🌷 Great digital design should marry rational optimisation with expressive brand-building 🌷 Bring back the friction - add in more time for content and storytelling to create a richer experience 🌷 Scrolling-induced fatigue is growing - trust and human connection are essential currency Big thanks to Fictive Kin, AREA 17, and ustwo for weighing in. Read the full piece HERE: https://lnkd.in/eJfDXUu7

Enduring Partnerships: Stories of transformation As part of our enduring Partnerships series, we focus on our ongoing relationship with ALL - Accor Live Limitless. Since 2019, AREA 17’s role has evolved from a digital partner to a strategic advisor, guiding Accor through a significant digital and brand transformation. We continue to work closely with the group to consolidate their digital ecosystem, strengthen their brands, and refine their loyalty experience to increase customer engagement. Our strategic insights help Accor adapt to market trends and identify growth opportunities, ensuring their digital initiatives align with shifting guest expectations and support their vision for the future of travel and lifestyle. Read about our work and collaboration with Accor here: https://lnkd.in/eqDUNV7Q #hospitalityindustry #ACCOR #digitaltransformation

We recently hosted a webinar for stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, where we shared our research and real-world examples of how AI is transforming the industry. Explore our key insights and references here: https://lnkd.in/eMcxNYQW #AI #artsandculture #webinar

Very excited to share the news that we are now the RAI Institute. Big thanks to everyone on the Institute team that made it happen, and big thanks to AREA 17 for our amazing new brand!

Enduring Partnerships: Stories of transformation Getty is a global leader in arts and culture, renowned for its stunning physical spaces and expansive cultural impact. With two museums, a research institute, conservation programs, and a publishing arm, Getty partnered with AREA 17 to bring its “One Getty” vision to life—creating a unified digital platform that reflects the breadth of its cultural significance. Collaborating with Studio Scott and Two by Four we designed a digital experience inspired by the Getty Center’s iconic architecture and ambiance. Working with accessibility consultants Prime Access Consulting, we built an open-source video player that meets the highest level of accessibility standards, ensuring every user can explore Getty’s art, research, and cultural insights in their own way. This ensures we are leaving the woodpile higher than we found it, enabling other developers to build on our work and elevate accessibility standards across the arts and culture sector. Read more about our work for Getty here: https://lnkd.in/ey5PMnBG #AREA17 #Getty #DigitalTransformation #CulturalInstitutions

Enduring Partnerships: Stories of transformation Following our series of transformative partnerships, we look at the National Gallery of Canada— home to the most extensive collection of contemporary Indigenous art in the world and the country’s largest collection of Canadian and European artworks. As part of an ambitious strategy to realign the institution with contemporary social and cultural shifts, the Gallery partnered with AREA 17 on a brand strategy and identity that would support their work to decolonize the museum and reframe art within a broader, more inclusive context. Guided by Algonquin-Anishinaabe Elders and informed by diverse voices, the new identity embodied the concept of Ankosé—“Everything is connected.” Replacing rigid Western geometries with a dynamic, ever-changing circular system, the brand celebrates inclusivity, reconciliation, and interconnection.  Recognized by Fast Company for its innovation, the brand supports the Gallery’s mission to decolonize art and reframe Canadian identity on the global stage. REad more about our work for the NGC here: https://lnkd.in/eN7cvryd #AREA17 #NationalGalleryOfCanada #DigitalCraft #WebDesign #CulturalInstitutions #DesignForImpact

Enduring Partnerships: Stories of transformation Following our series of transformative partnerships, we turn to the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC)—a collaboration that redefined what a museum can achieve in a digital-first world. Facing the dual challenge of engaging audiences and empowering internal teams, AIC partnered with us to reimagine its digital presence. Together, we transformed their vast collection into an immersive, storytelling-rich experience, where interactive 3D visuals bring artworks to life online. AIC’s decision to publish its website code set a new standard for open-source collaboration in the cultural sector, inspiring other institutions to launch their own digital initiatives. To support this mission, AREA 17 provided training and comprehensive documentation, equipping AIC’s team to independently maintain and expand the platform. This solid foundation opened the door for future projects and innovation. Read more about our collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago here: https://lnkd.in/enpH7VvW #AREA17 #ArtInstituteOfChicago #OpenSourceInnovation #DigitalTransformation #ClientStorySeries

Enduring Partnerships: Stories of transformation Continuing our series of transformative partnerships, we turn to The New York Times—a collaboration that reinvented NYT Company for the digital age. As The Times evolved from a paper of record to a global media leader, it needed a corporate digital platform to amplify its mission and unify its growing organization. We redefined their corporate brand identity to reflect their journalistic excellence and expansive digital offerings, creating a scalable design system that connects their rich tradition with modern media demands. Beyond external transformation, our work also strengthened internal cohesion. We developed platforms that empower employees through communication and knowledge sharing tools. Additionally, we expanded the NYT digital ecosystem to incorporate the NYT Events, transforming one-way publishing into dynamic, real-time dialogues between journalists, experts, and audiences. Read more about our partnership with the New York Times here: https://lnkd.in/evjgWyyr #AREA17 #DigitalTransformation #thenewyorktimes #clientstoriesseries

This transformation is both monumental and deeply fulfilling, all thanks to the exceptional IEA leadership and team that collaborated with vision, energy, foresight, and unwavering positivity. Shoutout to Jad Mouawad, Jon Custer, Gaëlle Bruneau PhD., Curtis Brainard, Lucie Wall, Robbie Stone, Magdalena Sanocka, Christopher Gully, Julie PUECH, and so many other great humans we’ve worked with at the agency since 2018 🌟