Standards, a design software startup, has launched a new website showcasing brand systems from leading companies like Cash App and Mailchimp. Originating from a successful Kickstarter project by Pentagram designers, the platform has experienced significant growth and aims to enhance transparency and practicality in design systems.

Multiverse Studio has developed a unique brand identity for software company Maiella, merging natural mountain aesthetics with digital innovation. By utilizing imagery related to mountaineering and sustainable practices, the design embodies the journey of data analysis while appealing to modern business needs.

The article critiques Software as a Service (SaaS) by suggesting that it often leads to vendor lock-in under a guise of modern branding and convenience. It argues that while SaaS platforms promise flexibility and ease of use, they can ultimately restrict user autonomy and create dependency on specific vendors.