Starbucks, which started celebrating Christmas with a nice tech piece (the coffee giant launched a mobile device app which animates characters on seasonal red cups in the U.S. and Canada), is planning to continue to enhance consumer experience with technology next year with introduction of it mobile app payment system to the UK market on January 5, 2012. The new service comes on the heels of the recent announcement about the upcoming launch of the My Starbucks Rewards program across the country.

BrandOpus have redesigned the packaging for Barefoot SOS, launching into stores now. BrandOpus were appointed to redesign the 12 product range for Barefoot Botanicals, which was founded in 1997 by homeopathic practitioners Jonathan Stallick and Hilery Dorrian. With the natural products sector becoming crowded, BrandOpus were briefed to sharpen the message create a pack design that demonstrates the efficacy and reflects of the quality of the product, shifting consumer perceptions of Barefoot SOS from niche beauty brand, to skincare range with a wider audience reach.

This week Popsop has interviewed Coley Porter Bell CEO Vicky Bullen, who has led the team to the international recognition amongst clients far beyond the UK, including Russia. She tells about the projects with Pernod Ricard Rouss and Krupskaya Confectionery, discusses overseas opportunities for the UK design businesses and spots how to prevent Creative Britain from going in reverse.