Time Best Inventions of ‘24
October 31, 2024
Designing for Social Good
Back in 2014, Graham Dugoni (Founder of Yondr), came by our studio for a cup of tea and to share his vision for phone free spaces. We were immediately onboard! Since then Evolve has partnered with the team at Yondr to create culture shifting products in entertainment, education and at home — each with the intent of helping people reconnect with each other and their surroundings. Most recently Yondr’s work in the education space has gained worldwide attention for helping students and educators reclaim connection, focus, and creativity.
Time Magazine recently featured Yondr in The Best Inventions of 2024, Social Good category:
“Today, around 70% of Yondr’s business is from schools, whose leaders are worried about the impact of cellphone use in class. Some even ask Yondr’s hundreds of employees for policy advice alongside pouch orders. While teachers previously had to enforce school phone bans themselves, leading to classroom conflict, Dugoni says Yondr has sparked renewed interest in no-phone schools because it offers a simpler fix. Now, the National Center for Educational Statistics reports that about 76% of public schools in the U.S. prohibit non-academic use of cellphones or smartphones during school hours. Yondr claims millions of users across thousands of schools in 27 countries.”
TIME MAGAZINE - BEST INVENTIONS OF 2024
“It's an absolute game-changer. The climate and culture on our campus is so much more energetic and positive.”
Principal at the TIDE Academy
"Kids are paying attention, but they are also interacting in ways they hadn't—before. It's given children back their youth. We have a beautiful courtyard that no one used before we had the Yondr pouches. Now, they use it."
Teacher, West Philadelphia HS, US
"No phones means we minimize the risk of cyber-bullying or breaches of child protection during the school day.”
Student, De La Salle College, Ireland
We are delighted to see how Graham’s early vision has come to life, and by the recognition and response to this new product category.