CONCEPT STATEMENT

NEXT’s design is inspired by the local Lion’s Mane Jellyfish which embodiesthecompany’smissionforaninnovative,diverse,inclusive, and sustainable workplace and product. This jellyfish is highly adaptive to harsh environments and inspires NEXT towards innovation in these tumultuous times. In its nature as a brainless creature yet fierce predator, the Lion’s Mane celebrates overcoming adversity. NEXT’s commitment to sustainability is inspired by the most energy efficient animalonearth,thejellyfish.Theirfloorplanis adaptable with multi-functional spaces like the Lion’s Mane jellyfish which can thrive in cold, high pressure waters and in areas of high human activity. Because the jellyfish’s nervous system operates in subdivisions of active neurons diffused throughout its whole body, Nexters are also broken up into their teams spread across the building working together toward a common goal. Transparency is alsoanimportantfactortobothNEXT’sdesignanditsrelationtothe translucent jellyfish. The design is a play of volumes in space much like a jellyfish is the void of the ocean. Structural elements intentionally do not reach the ceiling to create a sense of floating in the space. To mimic the sea creatures’ bioluminescence, Next’s lightingisonly diffused.

The color palette is drawn from the Lion's Mane Jellyfish. Blues were chosen to both represent the ocean and because it has a psychological effect of creating both calmness and productivity for users in the space. The warm tones of coral pink and rust-orange were picked from the jellyfish's tendrils. These colors represent success, bravery, and strength which are necessary values for an innovative company like NEXT. The blue and orangecolorscreatea complementarycolorscheme.The brown and gray tones add neutrals to the color palette and are pulled from the jellyfish's top membrane. These colors represent technology, agreement, and honesty whicharekeyattributesforNEXT.

NEXT’s logo is directly inspired by the design concept, the Lion's Mane Jellyfish. The jellyfish is both connected to NEXT and leading it which is symbolic of the company's innovative mindset in the technology world.