Uncovering the processes behind 'some of the best design projects in the world'

One of the leading studios from this chilly, apparently somewhat utopian region is Stockholm Design Lab, which has worked with a vast range of clients across various sectors on projects with.

Its client list includes clients The Nobel Prize, Adidas, the Venice Biennale, and everyone's best-known Swedish brand, Ikea, on its food range packaging.

Now, an impressive new monograph is being released to chart the agency's work, processes and ethos. Covering the 20 years since it was founded in 1998, STOCKHOLM DESIGN LAB: 1998–2019, published by Victionary, the 568-page behemoth of the book aims to be an "inspiration for anyone looking to follow in the footsteps of giants," according to the publishers.

Open monograph featuring vibrant red, pink and orange curved shapes on the cover, displayed amongst design documentation and colour swatches

Stockholm Design Lab monograph showing a tall black spine and a large black cover with white text listing design project categories including Airplanes, Museums, Alcohol and Sports

Open monograph displaying a photograph of an SAS aircraft in flight across two pages

Open pages of Stockholm Design Lab monograph showing racing car photographs on left page and bold black typography on right page

The diversity of its clients is reflected in the diversity of the sort of work the studio creates. But it's united by its starting point – "an unswerving curiosity into human behaviour and an openness to the world around us," as the agency puts it, to form insights into user and business needs that form the starting point for its strategic and creative work.

"We believe in the power of strong ideas that make a real difference. Ideas based on truth, not triviality that are simple and intuitive enough to direct positive, permanent change and transform brands into powerful and valuable assets," says the studio. "Our work is all about moments of truth and long-lasting impact."

While many monographs offer a simple pictorial look at a studio's work, this two-decade history couples this with insights into the inspiration behind it, navigate the processes and also showcases behind-the-scenes anecdotes, early-stage mock-ups, and previously unseen images for some of its most notable client projects to date.

Open pages of Stockholm Design Lab monograph showing colourful botanical illustrations and heart-shaped ornaments with blue leaf designs

Open pages of Stockholm Design Lab's monograph displaying gold foil design elements and typography on white paper

Open monograph showing the Stockholm Design Lab book with grid layout of diverse project thumbnails across both pages

Multiple copies of the Stockholm Design Lab monograph arranged at angles, each displaying a white cover with a packaged design object inside a translucent window

Want to discover what it's like to develop the identity for the Nobel Prize? Or the NIO Formula E race car? Well, this is the book for you.

With a fairly hefty price tag (though obviously, this is a huge book—and naturally, a beautifully produced one); it's aimed mostly for graphic design, advertising and marketing students (or likely the institutions that teach them); working professionals, business owners and clients and general design enthusiasts.

But for anyone, there's a lot to be said for Stockholm Design Lab's focus on 'simple, remarkable ideas'; and taking 'a holistic approach' that encompasses 'the sum of all interactions that constitute the experience of a brand.'

STOCKHOLM DESIGN LAB: 1998–2019 is available now for £59.95, published by Victionary.