With so much negativity in the world, writing about the positive hasn't come easily lately, but I believe it matters, and I'm committed to it.
Last month I mentioned I'd been rethinking the newsletter's format. After gathering stories and content, here's what I've landed on:
Every Friday, I'll share a short, curated list of things worth your attention. Brief by design — easy for you to read, manageable for me to write.
Every other week, I'll publish a longer piece on a specific topic, meant to spark conversation or a new perspective.
That's the plan. Thanks for being here — enjoy this week's finds.
–Robert (@robertvidaure)
Allkin is an open, hand-based symbol system designed to support communication across languages and cultures, available for free through Noun Project. Developed by Monotype Studio in collaboration with Rathna Ramanathan and the Kyiv-based studio Vikatavita, the system includes 195 hand gestures, matching the number of UN member and observer states. The symbols represent everyday human needs, social signals, emotional states, and references to conflict and peace.
It reframes the idea of a universal design language. Civic communication often struggles with linguistic barriers, especially in multilingual communities where public information must reach everyone quickly and clearly. A gesture-based system like this hints at another layer of accessibility: communication rooted in something universally human.
Branding Education as National Identity
Learn Canadian is a brand platform developed by ARK Agency for the Canadian Bureau for International Education to promote Canada as a destination for international students. The identity centers on a logo that merges a maple leaf and an open book, symbolizing the connection between Canadian identity and education.
The project positions education as part of a broader national narrative. It’s a reminder that place branding today often operates at the intersection of public policy, culture, and global perception, where design helps shape how a country presents itself to the world.
The Power of Asking Why
NPR launched the “For Your Right to Be Curious” campaign, created by Mischief @ No Fixed Address, which temporarily transforms its logo by replacing the letters with question words like who, how, and why—highlighting the role curiosity plays in journalism.
Branding in the public sphere can reinforce democratic values. Sometimes a simple typographic shift can turn a logo into a statement about inquiry, public dialogue, and the importance of asking questions.
Civic Signals
A conversation with linguist Adam Aleksic on how social media algorithms are shaping the evolution of language and the rise of “algospeak.”
New York City’s People’s Money fellowship brings Harlem residents together to co-design a youth entrepreneurship program through participatory budgeting.
A look at key trends shaping place branding in 2026, as cities shift from promotion toward authenticity, sustainability, and community impact.
An A–Z roundup of standout place branding initiatives from around the world, highlighting campaigns and strategies that demonstrate best practices in how cities, regions, and nations shape their identity and reputation
