skip navigation
skip mega-menu

COVID has been divisive, creating a great demand for established online retailers; but has been devastating for traditional retail and businesses that rely on human interaction. And with consumer confidence forecast to remain low in 2021 in Europe, businesses need to do all they can to make next year as successful as possible.  

When I look at the market, I see businesses splitting into one of three buckets:

  1. Failing – Human and social businesses that rely on people moving and getting together. Businesses in the hospitality, entertainment and travel sectors are obvious victims here
  2. Flagging – Things are ok for now, but new inspiration is needed to look at ways to create efficiencies within their operations and create new routes to market to shore up the coming year
  3. Flying – These are businesses that can’t get enough products in boxes to ship to customers, or demand for their online service has grown dramatically. Grocers are a great example here. As are tech businesses like Amazon, or SAAS businesses like Zoom (share prices have quadrupled since February); and financial services companies – especially in the equity release market

Regardless of which bucket you find yourself in, there are three behaviours that all businesses will need to demonstrate to get ahead of their market.

Create a culture of invention

Creating ‘what if’ moments and looking at a way to innovate has always been an important part of growing a business. If ‘without innovation you are standing still’ was ever a truism, it absolutely is now.

Do new things at pace

Often paid lip service to in the name of ‘agile’ (and often left inside the IT department), truly agile ways of working that bring together multiple disciplines across an organisation are where real speed to market can be realised.

Do things together

I think empathy is going to continue to be a valuable currency in 2021. People – after all – is what drives any business. Developing a business culture that makes people feel they are making a contribution and are in control of their destiny will help create an empowered team that will be up for the challenges ahead.

The good news is, these three behaviours are relatively easy – and fun – to get underway.

In fact, there is a tried and tested method that creates the environment needed to instigate all three of these behaviours at once.

The Design Sprint

At Code, we have worked with Design Sprint methods for over 5 years, delivering them for diverse businesses such as Audi, Abel and Cole and Amnesty International. They are a rapid 10-day way to create new ideas, bringing together people from across a business – sometimes for the first time.

During COVID, we’ve created three tailored Design Sprints to help businesses in whichever bucket they are in:

Disruption Sprint

For businesses that are struggling to make their business models work, we can help to disrupt your thinking.

Growth Sprint

For businesses that are largely unaffected by Covid, now is the time to create market agility ready for an unsettled 2021.

Acceleration Sprint

For businesses that are thriving in these times, we can help you understand what to build, and look at how to build it whilst moving fast.

In just 10 days you could be solving some of the most pressing business challenges you have ever encountered, and we are here to help.

Explore jobs at EM Code

Senior Designer (UX)
Manchester

A bit about EM Code...EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove, is a trusted partner in customer experience, AI and innovation. For over 25 years, EM Code has shaped some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, brand-led creativity, human-centred design and software engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.We're part of something bigger...Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

EM Code
Conversion Lead
Manchester

A bit about EM Code...EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove, is a trusted partner in customer experience, AI and innovation. For over 25 years, EM Code has shaped some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, brand-led creativity, human-centred design and software engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.We're part of something bigger...Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

EM Code
Software Engineer (AI, React, Typescript, AWS Lambda, Microservices, IaC)
Manchester

A bit about EM Code...EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove, is a trusted partner in customer experience, AI and innovation. For over 25 years, EM Code has shaped some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, brand-led creativity, human-centred design and software engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.We're part of something bigger...Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

EM Code
UX Research Consultant
Manchester

A bit about EM Code...EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove, is a trusted partner in customer experience, AI and innovation. For over 25 years, EM Code has shaped some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, brand-led creativity, human-centred design and software engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.We're part of something bigger...Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

EM Code
Lead UX Research Consultant
Manchester

A bit about EM Code...EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove, is a trusted partner in customer experience, AI and innovation. For over 25 years, EM Code has shaped some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, brand-led creativity, human-centred design and software engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.We're part of something bigger...Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

EM Code
Senior UX Research Consultant
Manchester

A bit about EM Code...EM Code, formerly Code Computerlove, is a trusted partner in customer experience, AI and innovation. For over 25 years, EM Code has shaped some of the UK’s leading brands and businesses. We are renowned for our human-centred thinking, brand-led creativity, human-centred design and software engineering practices. Our eclectic client base includes big organisations like the BBC, fast-moving start-ups like LightSpeed Broadband, and local heroes like Manchester Pride. We even launched a global number-one app, The Higher Lower Game.Recognising the need for constant evolution, our agency is structured to help our clients and partners adapt to rapidly changing customer and market needs. Our approach is agile, collaborative and flexible. We start where we can deliver the biggest results, then test, learn, and improve before moving on to the next goal.We're part of something bigger...Since 2017, we have been part of EssenceMediacom North. Together, we reside at the vibrant WPP Manchester Campus, located in the heart of Spinningfields. Here, we collaborate with over 500 talented creatives and marketers, all contributing to WPP's esteemed global advertising and media network.Being part of EssenceMediacom North provides us with access to world-leading enterprise tools and resources. This enhances our extensive capabilities in communications, media, insights, customer experience, AI, and cutting-edge technology, allowing us to craft truly integrated solutions.

EM Code

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up here