## Introduction

The evolution of trends and styles is a constant. The 2000s marked an era of technological advancements and emerging digital platforms, while 2020s stands as a pinnacle of innovation and creativity. Join us on a journey as we explore the striking differences between design in the 2000s and the design landscape of 2020s.

## Aesthetics and Visual Language

![Image from FreePik](img/aesthetics-and-visual-language.jpg "Image from FreePik")

Image from FreePik\
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The design aesthetics of the 2000s were characterized by a combination of vibrant colors, flashy gradients, and glossy reflections. Websites and interfaces were filled with skeuomorphic elements, imitating real-world objects and textures. This approach aimed to create a sense of familiarity and novelty. Heavy graphics and flashy animations were prevalent, often overwhelming the user with sensory stimuli.
In 2020s we witness a significant shift in design aesthetics. Minimalism and simplicity have taken center stage. Clean lines, ample white space, and bold typography dominate the visual landscape. Flat design, known for its simplicity and clarity, has become the norm. Designers now focus on creating intuitive user experiences, prioritizing functionality over embellishment.

## User Experience (UX) and Interaction

The UX landscape has evolved significantly over the years. In the 2000s, websites were often cluttered, with an abundance of menus, buttons, and options. Navigation was complex, requiring multiple clicks to access information. Flash-based websites were popular but had limited compatibility and slower loading times.
Fast forward to 2020s, user-centric design principles dominate the industry. Websites and applications prioritize seamless navigation, intuitive interfaces, and efficient information retrieval. The rise of responsive design ensures a consistent user experience across various devices, catering to the needs of mobile users. Today, designers focus on creating user interfaces that are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for a range of devices.

## Typography and Branding

Typography has experienced a dramatic transformation over the years. In the 2000s, designers favored decorative fonts and excessive drop shadows to create attention-grabbing headlines. Branding often relied on bold, eye-catching logos with intricate details.
2020s, however, embraces simplicity in typography. Clean, legible fonts are preferred to enhance readability and convey brand messages effectively. Minimalistic logos with streamlined designs have become the norm, emphasizing brand recognition and versatility across different platforms. Today, designers understand the importance of creating a consistent visual identity that resonates with the target audience.

## Mobile-First Design

![Image from FreePik](img/mobile-first-design.jpg "Image from FreePik")

Image from FreePik\
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The proliferation of smartphones has revolutionized design practices. In the 2000s, mobile design was an afterthought, with websites primarily tailored for desktop users. Mobile versions often featured scaled-down content and limited functionality.
Now with the exponential growth of mobile users, designers prioritize creating responsive, mobile-friendly experiences. Content is adapted to fit smaller screens, and touch-friendly interactions are paramount. Today, designers understand the importance of delivering a seamless user experience across devices, ensuring that users can interact with content effortlessly, regardless of the device they use.

## Integration of Augmented Reality (AR)

One of the most significant differences between the 2000s and 2020s is the integration of augmented reality (AR). AR has transcended the realm of gaming and emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing user experiences. In 2020s, designers incorporate AR elements to provide immersive experiences, whether in e-commerce, education, or entertainment.
AR allows users to interact with digital objects in the real world, blurring the lines between the physical and the virtual. For example, furniture retailers now offer AR applications that enable customers to visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their own space. This integration of AR creates memorable and engaging experiences, driving user engagement.

## Conclusion

As we compare design trends from the 2000s to the current landscape in 2020s, it becomes evident that design has evolved to prioritize simplicity, functionality, and user experience. The shift from flashy aesthetics to minimalism, the rise of mobile-first design, and the integration of augmented reality reflect the ever-changing needs and expectations of users. Embracing these trends allows businesses and designers to remain at the forefront of innovation and create meaningful experiences for their audience.

Explore the evolution of design from the flashy aesthetics of the 2000s to the minimalism and functionality of 2020s. Discover how trends in aesthetics, user experience, typography, mobile-first design, and augmented reality have transformed the design landscape.

From Y2K to the Future: Web Design of the 2000s and Beyond

Despite the ongoing conflict, Japan, known for being the third-largest global economy and the leading Asian supporter of Ukraine, successfully organized a virtual pitch event on March 17th for Japanese businesses to discover promising and expanding Ukrainian startups, and took place in three separate sessions.\
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The event was coordinated by JETRO and Ago-ra IT Consulting, with the support of Kyiv IT Cluster. JETRO is a Japanese government-affiliated organization that promotes trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world, while Ago-ra IT Consulting is a Japanese firm that provides business consulting and IT solutions.

## Healthtech

The first session, held on December 22, 2022, was focused on healthtech and featured the following startups:

![](img/movadex-preview.png)

* [iCardy](http://icardytech.com/en.html#iCard): a healthtech company that provides a cardiac diagnostic and monitoring service. 
* [InDevLab](https://indevlab.com/#InDevLab): a healthtech company that develops wearable devices for remote patient monitoring. 
* [Movadex](https://www.movadex.com/#Movadex): a healthtech company that provides an AI-powered platform for personalized healthcare. 

## HR Tech

The second session, held on January 31, 2023, was focused on HR tech and featured the following startups:

![](img/hurma.png)

* [Handy.ai](https://www.handy.ai/): an HR tech company that provides an AI-powered chatbot for recruitment and talent management.
* [Matchit.me](https://www.matchit.me): an HR tech company that provides an AI-powered platform for employee assessment and development. 
* [Banza](https://banzait.com): an HR tech company that provides an AI-powered platform for employee engagement and retention.
* [HURMA](https://hurma.work/) Systems: an HR tech company that provides a platform for employee performance management and feedback.



## Internet of Things

Finally, the third and last session, held on March 17th, was focused on IoT and featured the following startups:

![](img/latengra.png)

* [Leantegra](https://leantegra.com/): an IoT company that provides a real-time location tracking and analytics platform. 
* [Smart House Systems](https://sh.systems/): an IoT company that provides a home automation platform for energy management and security. 
* [OoshEars](https://ooshears.com): an IoT company that provides a wireless audio platform for hearing assistance. 

A total of 10 Ukrainian startups participated in the event, each showcasing their exceptional products. The event was attended by almost 100 Japanese corporations, startups, institutional investors, government agencies, and research labs. The hosts and speakers for the event were JETRO, Ago-ra IT Consulting, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Despite primarily concentrating on Europe and the United States, Ukrainian firms are now shifting their attention to Japan. The event has generated enthusiasm within Ukraine's technology industry, and it is anticipated to encourage additional IT-related collaborations between Japan and Ukraine in the future.

## Conclusion

The virtual pitch event hosted by Japan for Ukrainian startups was a success, providing a platform for Ukrainian startups to showcase their products and establish potential partnerships with Japanese businesses. The event is expected to open new opportunities for Ukrainian firms in Japan and to strengthen collaborations between the two countries in the technology industry.

Despite ongoing conflict, Japan highlights promising Ukrainian startups in virtual pitch event. 10 startups showcased exceptional products to nearly 100 Japanese corporations, startups, investors, and government agencies. Event expected to encourage additional collaborations between Japan and Ukraine in the IT industry.

Japan Hosts Virtual Pitch Event for Ukrainian Startups

JETRO and Ago-ra IT Consulting Spotlight Ukrainian Tech Firms for Japanese Investors

# The Blockchain Crystal Ball: Inside Polymarket’s Quest to Monetize the Future

Have you ever wanted to bet on whether life will be discovered on Mars by 2027? Or perhaps whether a high-profile tech CEO will make his next big decision during a "meditative retreat"? Welcome to Polymarket – the world’s largest decentralized prediction platform, where the future has a price tag and every global event has its own odds.

Polymarket is more than just another crypto casino. It’s a hybrid of a social network, a stock exchange, and a bookmaker, where instead of trading shares in companies, people trade the probability of real-world outcomes.

### "Wisdom of the Crowd" or Collective Gambling?

The core philosophy behind the platform is the idea of "collective intelligence." Polymarket’s founder, Shane Coplan, argues that betting markets are far more accurate than traditional opinion polls. The logic? In a survey, people say what they think they should say; on Polymarket, they put real money (in the form of cryptocurrency) on what they actually believe will happen.

Every "Yes" or "No" bet shapes a probability curve. Today, journalists, analysts, and even politicians watch these charts like a weather forecast:

* Elections: Polymarket frequently predicts political outcomes more accurately than major polling firms.
* Pop Culture: From Oscar winners to the exact date of the next Taylor Swift album drop.
* Science & Tech:  Will AI become "alive" (sentient) and start thinking for itself this year? The market is already taking bets.

### The Ethical Fault Line: Betting on Human Suffering

However, where there is absolute market freedom, a darker side inevitably emerges. Because the platform is decentralized and largely driven by user demand, markets often crop up that make observers feel more than a little uneasy.

The most controversial section involves "tragedy betting." There are active markets on war zones, including Ukraine, where users bet on whether a specific city will fall by a certain date or when the next missile strike might occur. For a user in California, it might just be a red or green line on a screen representing a profit margin. For someone on the ground, it’s a matter of life and death.

With over $100 million already wagered on conflict-related outcomes, it raises a haunting question: Is it ethical to profit from catastrophe? When a financial gain is directly tied to the destruction of a city or a natural disaster, the line between "futurism" and "disaster voyeurism" becomes razor-thin.

### Manipulation and the "IPSO" Machine

Despite its image as a "source of truth," Polymarket isn't immune to the games of the ultra-wealthy. Research from Columbia University recently suggested that up to 25% of all wash-trading (fake bets) might be occurring on the platform to manipulate market prices.

This makes it a potent tool for shaping public perception. By injecting a few million dollars into a specific outcome, a single actor can artificially spike the probability of an event. Tomorrow, major news outlets like the BBC or CNN might report on it, citing the "market’s prediction", and suddenly, the narrative has been shifted. In this game, the house (and the whales) almost always win.

### What’s Next? The Evolution of Information

Polymarket has already partnered with Google, meaning betting odds for future events may soon appear in search results alongside the weather or stock prices. We are moving from "Googling" facts to "checking the odds."

Should we trust it? As a tool for analyzing human sentiment, Polymarket is undeniably powerful. But it’s vital to remember that behind every percentage point on the screen is a real-world event. While someone wins tokens on a war prediction, others are living through the reality. In the world of high-stakes predictions, we must ask ourselves: just because we can bet on everything, does it mean we should?

From election results to war zones: Polymarket turns the future into a stock exchange. Explore the ethics of tragedy betting, the risk of market manipulation, and why Google is integrating betting odds into search.

Polymarket: How Decentralized Betting is Changing Information

Wisdom of the Crowd or Disaster Voyeurism? How Decentralized Prediction Markets are Outperforming Pollsters and Turning Real-World Tragedy into Tradable Assets.

The Blockchain Crystal Ball: Inside Polymarket’s Quest to Monetize the Future

## Introduction

Developed in Ukraine, Kabukura.ai (registered in Delaware, USA) is planning to launch its service on January 8, 2024. The primary focus of Kabukura.ai is to cater to the unique demands and aspirations of retail stock investors in Japan, offering them a tailored and insightful platform for their investment journey. This service is a subscription-based online information platform where stock investors are able to exchange their own insights and interact with each other. It aims to be the next generation of social networking services that overcomes the problems of existing social media platforms, offering a comfortable and beneficial environment for information sharing for its users.

Most startups from Ukraine, including global and unicorn companies as well as IT outsourcing firms, have traditionally been registered outside of Ukraine, such as in the United States, and have not explicitly stated their Ukrainian origins. Sadly, most people are unaware that these companies are Ukrainian, partly because Ukrainians themselves have hidden this fact. However, Kabukura.ai is different; it has boldly emphasized its Ukrainian roots from the beginning, continuously advocating for Ukrainian technology and support. The core development and UI/UX design of Kabukura.ai were all carried out by a Ukrainian team in Ukraine.

Kabukura.ai's TV commercial is created using cutting-edge generative AI technology for its lyrics, composition, vocals, video, and narration.

**YouTube**

<https://www.youtube.com/@kabukura_ai/videos>

## Problems with Existing Social Media Platforms

First, let's identify the problems with existing social media platforms.

* Ad-based Model: Existing social media platforms adopt an ad-based model where services are free, but users are bombarded with a plethora of advertisements. The platformers profit by exposing users to a multitude of ads. Consequently, user browsing history is collected as data, and content is recommended based on algorithms. This has led to an influx of posts and ads from accounts that users do not follow.
* PV Supremacy: Advertisers on existing social media platforms desire as much exposure to their ads as possible. This has naturally favored users with high impression counts, leading to a proliferation of extreme statements and borderline defamation to garner attention and increase follower counts. However, the statements of users with many followers or those who are good at going viral are not always correct. Existing social media platforms have become breeding grounds for fake news and conspiracy theories.
* Slowing Growth: Moreover, user growth on existing social media platforms is slowing, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to gain new followers (there was a time when you could officially buy followers on Twitter). The system is designed to favor accounts that already have a large number of followers.

## Features of kabukura.ai

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TG4TeeU2cf8?si=W0iPAIaN6tgxDmhk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Next, let's discuss the features of the new social media platform, kabukura.ai.

* Subscription Model & Elimination of Ads: Kabukura.ai does not adopt an ad-based model; instead, it uses a subscription model. Inside the site, only user posts are displayed, with no ads or unnecessary algorithm-based recommendations. Essential information can be shared instantly with the entire community.
* New Opportunities: Kabukura.ai does not have the following system. Everyone sees everyone else's posts, organized by categories. This opens up the opportunity for anyone, not just influencers, to make good posts and gain a wealth of insights.
* Elimination of Nuisance Users for the Community: Kabukura.ai bans harmful accounts, including those that defame, impersonate celebrities, or commit investment fraud, in one fell swoop. Existing social media platforms allow the creation of unlimited accounts for free and have become too large to adequately deal with malicious accounts.
* Focused Community on Specific Themes: Kabukura.ai is a social media platform specialized in stock investment. Focusing on a theme allows people with similar interests and values to connect.

## In Conclusion

Kabukura.ai aims to be the next-generation social media platforms that overcomes the problems of ad-based models and PV supremacy found in existing social media platforms, offering a comfortable and beneficial platform for information sharing for many users.

**Twitter**

<https://twitter.com/kabukura_ai>

**Site address**

<https://kabukura.ai>


Discover Kabukura.ai, the next-generation social media platform designed for stock investors in Japan. Say goodbye to ads and algorithm-based recommendations, and connect with like-minded individuals in a focused and insightful community. Join Kabukura.ai and revolutionize your investment journey.

Developed in Ukraine, with all UI/UX design completed there, the AI service product Kabukura.ai is set to launch at the beginning of the New Year 2024!

WE INVITE ALL TALENTED AUTHORS TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY🤗 ADD YOUR PUBLICATION AND TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE!