Why it's time for designers to stand up as creative activists

I recently chaired D&AD's Black Pencil judging, where some of the most talented creatives in the world put forward their suggestions for this most coveted creative award. One Black Pencil winner was the Dot Watch – the world's first Braille smartwatch.

Conceived in South Korea and developed in Germany by agency Serviceplan, it helps connect millions of blind and visually impaired people to the internet. It's an incredibly insightful and thoughtful proposition for the over 285 million affected people worldwide.

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Self-taught graphic designer Steve Vranakis started his career in a small studio in Gastown, Vancouver, making indie band posters and rave flyers before breaking into the internet in 1993. He has since sought meaningful creative projects worldwide, and is currently deputy president of D&AD and executive creative director at Google Creative Lab.
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