When the world's largest AI newsletter comes knocking, you know you're in for something special. That's exactly what happened when The Rundown AI approached us with an ambitious vision: to transform their wildly successful newsletter into a comprehensive digital ecosystem that would define how the world learns about AI.
We faced two distinct but interconnected challenges. First, their visual identity – described candidly as having a "Microsoft Paint aesthetic" – needed a significant upgrade to match their authoritative position in the industry. Second, they wanted to create the world's premier educational platform for AI skills, one that could serve everyone from marketers to developers.
For the brand refresh, we walked a deliberate tightrope. Revolutionary changes could alienate their existing audience, so we opted for evolution over revolution, preserving their recognizable elements while infusing them with the sophistication and polish that befits an industry leader. The result is a cohesive design system that works across all touchpoints, from their daily newsletter to their publishing platform.
The publishing site itself became a carefully orchestrated blend of objectives. It needed to serve as a daily destination for AI news and updates, support a robust tools section with affiliate opportunities, and effectively merchandise their educational offerings. Through thoughtful architecture and intuitive navigation, we created a seamless experience that guides visitors naturally through this ecosystem.
But the crown jewel of our collaboration is The Rundown University, an educational platform designed to democratize AI skills. We recognized that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't work for their diverse audience. Instead, we designed a system that personalizes the learning journey based on professional interests, allowing users to self-select into pathways designed specifically for developers, designers, marketers, or operators.
This segmentation extends throughout the entire educational experience from course selection to community engagement. Each professional track features tailored content, practical applications, and peer groups facing similar challenges and opportunities. It's education designed for the real world, where AI implementation varies dramatically across disciplines.
What makes this project particularly impactful is its scale. The Rundown AI isn't just teaching a few hundred people about AI, but rather is shaping how millions understand and implement this transformative technology. By designing an educational platform that's as accessible as it is comprehensive, we've helped position them to lead the next wave of AI adoption across industries.
The refreshed platform launched at the end of May, poised to become the definitive resource for professionals looking to enhance their careers with AI skills. It's proof that with the right strategic approach, educational content can be as engaging as it is informative…and that's a lesson worth sharing.
Rowan Cheung
The Rundown AI
About The Rundown AI
The Rundown AI has established itself as the definitive voice in AI education and news, reaching over a million subscribers daily. Founded by Rowan Cheung, this digital media powerhouse has become the trusted source for early adopters and professionals seeking to understand and implement AI across all aspects of their work. From breaking news to practical implementation guides, The Rundown AI delivers actionable insights that help readers stay ahead of the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
1.75M+
active subscribers across all newsletters
1M+
monthly website visitors
5000+
5-star ratings
Ask
Transform The Rundown AI from it’s initial startup vibe with a "Microsoft Paint aesthetic" into a premium brand befitting the world's largest AI publication, while designing an immersive educational platform – The Rundown University – to help professionals across different disciplines harness the power of AI.
Approach
We began by refining The Rundown's visual identity - not a revolution, but an evolution that preserved their recognizable elements while elevating the overall experience. The redesigned publishing platform became a daily destination that seamlessly connects articles, guides, tools, and courses. For the University, we created a personalized learning experience that segments users based on their professional advancement interests, whether they're developers, designers, marketers, or operators. This customized approach ensures everyone gets exactly what they need in their AI education journey
Impact
The refreshed brand and enhanced user experience have positioned The Rundown AI as the authoritative platform in AI education. The new marketing site successfully balances multiple objectives, and serves as a daily content destination, supporting tools and affiliates, and driving enrollment in The Rundown University. Most importantly, the educational platform is now set to make AI skills accessible to millions, regardless of their professional background.
