Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

With trust in Facebook on the decline, wrapper app Swipe offers a more secure way to browse the social network, boosting battery life in the process. But are we ready to step away from well-established tech giants to give power over our devices to smaller, less understood systems?

Everyone is now a ‘Google Handyman’. With nearly 680,000 YouTube channels dedicated to DIY videos, the information needed to fix thousands of household problems is just a click away. The Samurai Carpenter is helping people engage with woodwork, but what's behind its appeal?

In a connected world, it doesn’t take much for like-minded groups to develop. But while most are held together by a metaphorical glue, the online community that’s formed around Sugru – a mouldable substance that’s used to fix or customise almost anything – is held together by the real thing.

While the past decade has seen the rise of maker culture - from crafting to hacking - DIY retailers seem to have been left out. And yet, despite a shaky housing market, the desire to improve one’s home has never been stronger. So what’s behind this mismatch, and how can brands transform into buzzing hives for a new generation of DIYers?