Productive Colors

PRESENTED BY DAVID PROTEIN

Happy Thursday, Future Party. Here’s a vibe shift we don’t feel great about: younger Gen Zers are now referring to the em dash (which is “—” instead of the shorter “-”) as the “ChatGPT hyphen.” As a company mostly made up of millennials, this is horrifying. So, we’re going to keep on using our beloved em dash… but, rest assured, we don’t use ChatGPT or any other AI tool to write this newsletter.

DAILY TOP TRENDS

The Color Of Your Walls Could Boost Your Productivity

As the return-to-office mandate takes effect, companies are redesigning their offices to program specific vibes… and color is a major part of the equation.

The Big Picture: Workers have gotten used to the comfort of home offices and seeing the unique set-ups of colleagues on Zoom, but many employers allege that remote work doesn’t allow for the optimal amount of collaboration and productivity. By designing offices to lean into specific desired outcomes — like more creativity or focus — where we work within an office can take on a new meaning.

Behind the Shades: The presence of certain colors can make a significant impact on our brains, per WSJ.

• At first, companies were designing their spaces with more nature-based colors (like browns and greens) that give people a sense of calm, according to Kelly Jahn, professor of interior design at Rochester Institute of Technology.

• But now, companies are looking to bold, saturated colors to imbue a singular vibe or feeling in workers.

• That’s because, according to Joseph White, director of design strategy for MillerKnoll — the world’s largest office furnishings firm — “saturated colors have the capacity to change our respiration, our blood pressure, and even our body temperature.”

• One trend will be “color drenching” a room —  making the walls, ceiling, furnishings, etc., all the same color or hue. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says color drenching can lower inhibitions and promote brainstorming.

• On the flip side, executives are increasingly turning to darker colors in their offices to promote hierarchy and privacy.

Final Coat: Here’s what you’re probably wondering: what colors correspond to which vibes? Studies have found that pale blue and pale yellow rooms can lower heart rates, while brighter, more vibrant versions of those colors improve reading and comprehension. Other research shows that sage green encourages reflection, while orange promotes social interaction. Conversely, red isn’t great for analytical thought. Don’t be surprised if future offices have LEDs for walls that change color based on whatever mode employees need to be in.

Together with David Protein

You’re (Probably) Not Eating Enough Of This

Ahh, protein — the key to lean muscle, lower body fat, glowing hair and skin, and more. It’s the MVP of macros, but sometimes, it’s hard to know which is the right protein to eat.

Enter David Protein bars. Not only are they the easiest way to add high-quality protein to your day, but they also taste amazing (without any junk): 

• 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar

• Evidence-based approach to nutrition

• Six delish flavors (hello, Salted Peanut Butter)

P.S. A new flavor drops on April 21st, and word is, it’ll blow your freakin’ tastebuds.

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Walmart Wants To Be A Trendsetter

Walmart has introduced a generative AI tool that can help the retailer determine fashion trends and pivot its manufacturing in record time.

Why It Hits: Temu and Shein became wildly popular because of their ability to pump out trending clothing faster than anyone else and at a bargain-bin price point (although that’s changing). But with tariffs and the end of the de minimis shipping exemption, there’s a vacuum for eager customers that Walmart wants to fill while still maintaining better sourcing standards for its materials.

Behind the Looks: Walmart hopes to get ahead of the trend curve.

• It’s developed the “Trend-to-Product” tool over the past 18 months.

• The “trend-sensing” design tool “analyzes trends by pulling information from the internet and social media,” according to Axios.

• It then builds “mood boards,” which designers and Walmart-affiliated merchants can access to manufacture new products.

• Per Walmart execs, the tool, which is powered by a proprietary AI, is able to cut down the production timeline from six months to six weeks.

Checkout: Trend-to-Product is already actively being used by Walmart. The company has leveraged it to create pieces for its in-house No Boundaries brand, which was valued at $2 billion just this past February. If all goes well in the fashion sector, Walmart plans to expand the tool to other product categories, including “trending seasonal items” and “general merchandise products.”

At this pace, don’t be surprised if Walmart starts entire in-house brands around trending topics.

Together with David Protein

Seriously Though, What’s Hiding In Your Protein Bar?

Added sugar? Poor protein sources? Terrible taste?

Forget that — try David Protein instead. With 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar per bar, it’s the easiest way to hit your protein needs. Oh, they also taste unbelievable, with six recipes like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Blueberry Pie, and more.

Don’t miss the new flavor drop on April 21st, and score free shipping on your first order.

DEEP DIVES

• Read: Interview Magazine hosts a conversation between filmmaker Ryan Coogler and NBA GOAT LeBron James about Coogler’s new film, Sinners.

• Listen: The Deal chats with National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman about dropping the draft and navigating media-rights deals.

• Watch: WSJ talks to Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal about creating the Kirkland Signature brand (you know the one) that’s now worth $86 billion.

70.7% of you voted No in yesterday’s poll: Have box-office numbers ever influenced your decision to see a movie?

“If a movie isn’t intriguing to me based on the plot, the fact that a lot of other people went to see it won’t sway me. For example, I still haven’t watched Oppenheimer and have no plans to.”

“I’m much more interested in reviews from critics and audiences. Typically, I can tell from the headlines and general chatter if something will appeal to me.”

“It used to be a weekly event checking out the box office along with a Roger Ebert rating. Monday morning water-cooler conversations were always about what people saw that weekend. It was the best!”

Let’s keep the conversation going. Join our Poll Of The Day newsletter, so your opinions can shine. Discover how your views line up with your peers’, check out cool insights, and have some fun. It’s data with personality.

QUICK HITS

→ Entertainment / Media

📺 Comedian Nate Bargatze is slated to host the 77th Emmy Awards on CBS, which airs September 14th.

🎮 Xbox will soon allow players to purchase games directly from its iOS and Android apps.

😂 Shocker: Fyre Fest 2 is cancelled. Tickets will be refunded… allegedly.

→ Creator Economy

👀 TikTok is testing a Community Notes-esque feature called “Footnotes” in the US.

🤳 Patreon is putting livestreaming on its platform, so creators don’t have to link out to a different app.

📱 Mark Zuckerberg claims that users now spend more time messaging on WhatsApp than scrolling Facebook or Instagram.

→ Fashion / E-commerce

💰 Design software firm Figma filed to go public, potentially at a $12.5 billion valuation.

💸 Bolt is rolling out a financial superapp that will handle both everyday payments and crypto trading.

👟 Justin Bieber is giving people a first look at his upcoming sneaker brand, SKYLRK.