The London-based proposition design consultancy worked with the Banks’ innovation team to launch the UK’s first design-driven banking innovation lab, open to the public. Opened Thursday 27th April, Studio B invites members of the public, squads of next generation innovators and talented young designers to come in and test, trial and provide feedback on new technology, develop new products and ideas and share insights on their banking behaviours.

Based on Kensington High Street, London, the lab encourages visitors to take part in short sprints to apply their perspective to challenges to create solutions to customer problems and work with and design technology to meet the needs of the next generation of banking customers. There will be interactive experiences as well as banking facilities and self-service branch technology to give visitors an immersive experience while allowing them to carry out practical banking activities using new technology.

Applicants can apply to join the studio through social media, design blogs, and creative networks and will be judged on their creative thinking and ability to work in teams via a short video interview.

Market Gravity led the four-week design sprint to design, research and launch Studio B and is coordinating the project, partnerships and sprints programme.

Nick Sherrard, managing director, Market Gravity Edinburgh, says: “We’re inviting young design thinkers to join in the short sprints in the studio, working with senior level tech partners to create new ideas and concepts. Studio B will be a unique experience featuring retail, experiential and interactive activities with a programme of creative and informative events to engage with audiences.

“It’s exciting to see the concept come to life and it’s great to work with such a forward-thinking team bringing disruption and innovation to the banking sector. We’ll be exploring voice recognition, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, Internet of Things, blockchain and other innovations set to disrupt the sector even further.”

Helen Page, Group Innovation and Marketing Director, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, says: ”We want to create the next generation of banking services delivered by the next generation of users. Studio B is our way of reaching out to identify the challenges within banking and to draw out creative and innovative ideas for solutions.

"With the development and launch of our super smart banking service "B" in 2016, and now Studio B, Market Gravity continues to be a brilliant partner. Their experience in banking innovation and disruptive new propositions perfectly complements the ambition and creativity within Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks. For us, pairing our tech partners with invited guests and members of the public will give us real insights into customer problems and together we will devise solutions that fit into modern, and future, lifestyles and we’re excited to see new ideas brought to market very soon.”