On Using Tech to Drive Meaningful Social Change
Explore the driving force behind L+R’s Anthem-honored work in merging strategy and aesthetics to empower impact teams worldwide.
Harnessing design and technology for social impact can lead to unprecedented solutions. The pioneering global consulting firm L+R leverages its expertise across tech, design and brand strategy to drive meaningful change through its clients.
From collaborating with UNICEF to empowering sustainability startups like Rethink Food, their work is fueled by a commitment to channel technology to make a tangibly positive impact on people’s lives.
We spoke with Founding Partner Alex Levin to uncover how their unwavering human-centric philosophy to digital work is shaping a better world. Dive into what inspires his mission and the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for purpose.
Can you tell us a bit about the work you do? How long have you been working in social impact?
L+R is a global design and technology consulting firm established in 2012. We specialize in strategy consulting, design and branding, digital product development, technology enablement, employee experience enhancement, and customer experience management. We also help by educating leadership in ways to apply emerging technologies. Our social impact work has been integral to our vision (“Improve life with design and technology”) since our founding over a decade ago, collaborating with large groups like the Ad Council, Candid.org, and UNICEF, growing leaders like Global Citizen/Global Poverty Project, and startups like Rethink Food, Turning Tables, and CommunityX.
Why were you drawn to this cause or social issue? Do you have a memory or moment that sparked your interest?
Our interest in social impact was sparked by a desire to use our skills to make a positive difference in the world. A memorable moment was attending the Global Citizen Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC, during Earth Day in 2015. We produced the Global Citizen mobile application for the event, which raised awareness and inspired tangible actions towards the launch of the UN SDGs. Seeing the collective effort and enthusiasm of the attendees reinforced our commitment to leveraging technology to make the world a better place.
“Our North Star is the belief that technology and design can drive positive change. Our mission is to maximize utility by creating solutions that provide the greatest benefit to society.”
What background or lens do you bring to this space? How do they shape the way you tackle projects or initiatives?
We are an international team, diverse in ages, backgrounds, disciplines, languages, and countries. We operate two of our main studios in the Americas and EMEA regions. Our team includes designers, engineers, and business strategists who work together to solve problems for our clients. We developed a proprietary framework called The Alliance that facilitates collaboration between these diverse groups. This diversity and structured collaboration allow us to create inclusive and innovative solutions as a single unit.
Who do you do this work for? Which communities are you interested in uplifting through your projects and why?
We work for individuals, organizations, and communities that are often underserved or marginalized. This includes local groups such as 18th Ward in New Orleans and Common Threads in Austin, Texas, as well as youth globally through initiatives like the NASA Space Apps Challenge and the Global Gamers Challenge with Google and Global Citizen. We aim to uplift these communities by both educating their teams and leveraging technology and design to create opportunities and improve quality of life. While we don’t focus on one particular group, our goal is to make a meaningful impact where it’s most needed, whether through partnerships with large organizations or ambitious startups.
In social impact, the work is long and the road isn’t easy. What is your North Star, principle or philosophy that keeps you going? What keeps you rooted?
Our North Star is the belief that technology and design can drive positive change. Our mission is to maximize utility by creating solutions that provide the greatest benefit to society. We are guided by the principle of creating value for society through innovative solutions. What keeps us rooted is seeing the tangible impact of our work on communities and the continuous collaboration with passionate partners and clients. The stories of those we help and the positive changes we witness inspire us to keep pushing forward, no matter how challenging the journey!
Interested in celebrating your impact work at The Anthem Awards? Please reach out to marycharles@anthemawards.com for more information.
