Skip to content
Refresh Working Group
Google

Refresh Food & Tech

Data has never touched more aspects of our lives – and we’ve never been more anxious about it. In partnership with Google, Swell convened a working group of farmers, scientists and technologists to find a common position on the role of data and AI in the U.S. food system

Refresh Working Group – The Challenge

1 — The Challenge

Exploring how technology impacts our food system

New AI technologies have the potential to transform how we eat, but to ensure the right seeds were planted Swell set out to grow consensus around the role of data, AI and the food system in North America.

Technology works best when it’s cultivated from the ground up. That means building with end-users in mind and making sure the people whose lives will be impacted the most are on board.

Refresh Working Group – The Approach

2 — The Approach

Listening to all voices, from advocates to skeptics

New AI technologies have the potential to transform how we eat, but to ensure the right seeds were planted Swell set out to grow consensus around the role of data, AI and the food system in North America.

Technology works best when it’s cultivated from the ground up. That means building with end-users in mind and making sure the people whose lives will be impacted the most are on board.

Identity — The Refresh identity focuses on two core ideas – what we eat, and where it comes from. The system is also bolstered by a vibrant color palette and a strong typographic pairing.

Brand Guidelines — Streamlined elegance: Unforgettable branding made simple.

The Report — Cutting-edge insights: The paper report redefined.

Refresh Working Group – The Website

3 — The Website

Elevating working group voices with an accessible platform

In addition to our print report, we developed a digital hub for working group members to communicate with each other, and a platform for accessing our findings digitally.

Website — Through a combination of photography, illustration, and a clean UI, the website acts as a hub for learning and a megaphone for news, updates, and information.

Refresh Working Group – The Presence

4 — The Presence

Showcasing voices at SXSW

In 2018 we convened a working group of farmers, scientists and technologists to find a common position on the role of data and AI in the U.S. food system. Then we introduced those findings in a showstopping report on the state of data and food, featuring the voices of farm workers and entrepreneurs who are using new tools out in the field.

Social Media — Connecting URL to IRL: The power and purpose of social media.

Refresh Working Group – Impact

5 — Impact

Show up and shine

In 2018 we convened a working group of farmers, scientists and technologists to find a common position on the role of data and AI in the U.S. food system. Then we introduced those findings in a showstopping report on the state of data and food, featuring the voices of farm workers and entrepreneurs who are using new tools out in the field.

Case Studies

Show me
projects in