A monumental year, and not only for Vi…
The year 1989! When Apple Macs were newly launched and innovations such as the Internet were on the verge of invention. Most importantly, Visual Identity was established!
Vi is one of the longest established award-winning agencies in Milton Keynes. Our experience in the industry has allowed us to build long term relationships with our clients. This has allowed us to support our clients across a mixture of services whilst constantly evolving with the times.
“The year that made us“
The World Wide Web was born
Sir Tim Berners-Lee came up with the idea of the World Wide Web. This was whilst he was working as a software engineer in Geneva, Switzerland. He saw it as a way for scientists around the world to share information, and the rest is history!
The near-miss!
In March 1989 an asteroid, 1,000-feet in diameter missed the earth by just 400,000 miles. A few months later, scientists told us we narrowly missed another passing asteroid. This one weighing a massive 400 million tons!
Blast off!
NASA’s highly anticipated Galileo blasted off into outer space. Scientists sent the spacecraft to study Jupiter, its moons, and other solar system bodies. Launched aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1989, it reached Jupiter in 1995 after gravity-assist flybys, deployed an atmospheric probe, and returned groundbreaking data on Europa, Ganymede and Io.
Same-sex unions became legal in Denmark
Denmark became the first country to legally recognise same-sex unions in 1989. The Folketing passed the Registered Partnership Act by 71–47, and it took effect on 1 October 1989. The law granted most marital rights to same-sex couples. Although the law initially excluded adoption and church weddings.
Stars were born
- English actor Daniel Radcliffe was born in Fulham, London, to a literary agent and casting agent. He landed the role of Harry Potter at the age of 11. He has since gone onto perform in multiple films and theatre productions.
- American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift (aka Swifty) was born in Pennsylvania, USA. She began her successful career at the tender age of 14.
- Madonna released: ‘Like a Prayer’. “Sometimes I‘m wracked with guilt when I needn‘t be, and that, to me, is left over from my Catholic upbringing. Because in Catholicism you are born a sinner and you are a sinner all of your life. No matter how you try to get away from it, the sin is within you all the time.”
The Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace prize
The Nobel Committee honoured the 14th Dalai Lama for his non-violent campaign. For nearly 40 years, he has advocated peaceful dialogue, cultural and religious freedom, and human rights for Tibetans while living in exile. Awarded in 1989, the prize recognised his consistent rejection of violence and his efforts to foster understanding between Tibet and China.
Nintendo’s Game Boy made its grand entrance
Released in Japan in April, it reached stores worldwide in August. It quickly became the decade’s defining handheld gadget, thanks to its sturdy design, long battery life, and interchangeable game cartridges. Bundled hits like Tetris turned it into a global phenomenon and set the template for portable gaming.
Doh!
Just in time for Christmas, The Simpsons debuted as a half-hour series with “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” on 17 December 1989. The episode introduced the family to a wider audience as Homer’s holiday plans collapse and they adopt Santa’s Little Helper. It launched what became the longest-running scripted primetime series in US television history.
Ready to make this your milestone year?
Since 1989, we’ve guided brands through launches, relaunches, and sustained growth. Whether you’re planning a rebrand, new website, or campaign, let’s begin with a free 20-minute strategy call so we can map your next big move.
