(Human) Hotspots
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Use digital, human, and social connection to build real pathways out of poverty — not through charity, but systemic inclusion.
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giffgaff and Big Issue flip the meaning of a “hotspot” by forming a human support network—connection and access powered by people, wherever they stand.
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giffgaff is a UK-based people-powered mobile network where members support each other, earn rewards, and benefit from lower costs passed back to the community.
In 2024, the company launched a multi-year partnership to distribute devices to Big Issue vendors across the UK, enabling cashless payments, boosting earnings, and expanding access to digital skills for people facing poverty.
Case Study Video
Online
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Out of Home
The Hotspots
Banners featuring a whiteboard-style panel at the top (for easy customization) would be placed outside hotspots, signaling to passersby that a session is coming up.
Purposeful Merchandise + Big Issue: human hotspots Edition
Notebooks and pens so people can write down what they learned; tote bags to carry resources forward; and pins worn by vendors and volunteers to signify their proud involvement.
We also released a special edition of Big Issue, to further involve vendors in this initiative—featuring Hotspot locations, updates, and the people behind the program. Hotspot locations coincided with vendor’s pitches, making it easily accessable to them, and providing opportunities to sell.
Art by Samantha Sanders & Zoe Rahaim Copy by Lily Smokler (concept all 3)