6th December 2023
2023 in review
Innovations, accessibility and sustainable futures
 | Cursor Curated Issue 24Anna Westlake |
As 2023 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on a year that has been challenging for businesses worldwide amidst a tough economic climate. Yet, it has also been a year marked by rapid technological innovation, with developments in generative AI, space exploration, and robotics captivating many.
We should approach the discourse around this whirlwind of technological progress with a level of pragmatism. Much of the conversation surrounding these emerging technologies leans towards the speculative, often verging on the hyperbolic.
While we don’t want to completely ignore the new and shiny, our focus in Cursor Curated remains firmly rooted in the here and now; the realities our clients are grappling with and the immediate challenges they face.
Throughout the past year, a central theme resonating in many of our discussions has been the importance of accessibility in digital spaces. This has been an integral part of a number of our projects, from our pro-bono work with ADHD Lincs to working with IEMA to deliver a new Diverse Sustainability Initiative website.
It’s unsurprising then that as we look back on our top issues from this year, this is a theme that weaves throughout a number of them!
As chosen by our team and readers, here’s a look at our top Cursor Curated issues from 2023:
1. Creating accessible content for neurodiverse audiences
This article delves into the critical importance of acknowledging and addressing neurodiversity in digital content creation.
Highlighting the often overlooked needs of a significant part of the population, we want to emphasise that understanding neurodiversity is not just about compliance, but about embracing a broader range of human experiences and perspectives. We also provide practical tips on how to create content that is genuinely inclusive, from using clear language to structuring content logically.
2. Fighting the Internet's hidden emissions
We have to admit the research for this piece was quite eye opening…
In this issue we explore the environmental impact of our online world. While the internet is a tool for global connectivity and innovation, its carbon footprint is significant and growing.
We unpick how everything from data storage to individual online activities contributes to emissions and offer actionable steps for businesses and individuals to adopt more sustainable digital practices.
3. Inclusive pronouns - a discussion
This roundtable discussion, with guest Bethan Vincent, was a deep dive into the nuances of gender identity and inclusive pronouns in the workplace.
Bringing together diverse voices, we wanted to offer unique insights into how businesses can foster an inclusive environment. The discussion ranged from the legal aspects of gender identity and its relation to GDPR to the personal experiences of individuals navigating this space.
4. Why longevity over immediate gratification is the key to sustainable product design
In a fast-paced digital world where viral content is hailed king, we often overlook the long-term effects. Loyal customers are looking for products with the path of least resistance. They don’t want radical change but instead, continuous improvements that make their lives easier.
In this article, we challenged the prevailing culture of fast at all costs development, advocating for a more sustainable approach to product design. Dissecting short-term versus long-term thinking, we illustrate how a focus on longevity can lead to more meaningful and lasting innovation.
5. How technology is changing education
This piece explored the seismic shifts in education driven by increasing adoption of technology. It highlights how the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online learning and what this means for the future of education.
From the potential of creating a digital divide to the benefits of personalised learning, this article was a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities in pushing education online.
Interesting facts for the festive season
Thanks so much for being a Cursor Curated reader in 2023. We wish you a fantastic festive season and hope you get some well-deserved rest and relaxation!
Before we sign off until 2024, we want to leave you with a selection of interesting facts from each article, perfect tidbits to help you look smart at Christmas Dinner.
- 15% of the global population is neurodiverse
- A single Google search emits 0.2g of CO2
- You can now showcase your pronouns on LinkedIn
(and many other social platforms) - Global email usage generates as much CO2 as an extra 7 million cars on the road
- Between May and June 2020, 87% of parents said their child had been home-schooled due to COVID
- When compared to classroom learning, digital schools consume 90% less energy
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