People have high expectations of brands, with one bad experience enough for some to make a switch. But research suggests that a tactful apology can win back business. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Subimal Chatterjee about how different ways of saying ‘sorry’ can inspire forgiveness in particular mindsets.

Are they even sorry? The science of brand remorse 

New Year's resolutions often end before February because any small hiccups before people reach their end goal can be enough to make them give up entirely. However, an approach termed the 'old year's resolution' encourages persistence by diminishing the stopping power of these stumbles.

Supporting failure encourages progress

Following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and the reemergence of COVID-19 restrictions, new research has found that confidence in a return to pre-pandemic normality has dropped to an all-time low in the UK, signalling a need for people to reconfigure their expectations.

Optimism for return to pre-COVID life at all-time low

The BIT and UN Women have partnered to explore interventions that could encourage men to prevent violence against women and girls. Clear and actionable messages lead to the highest probability of intervention, signalling that some men would benefit from more guidance and support.

Actionable advice educates men to be better allies

Despite nihilistic memes and irreverent online culture, Gen Zers are more optimistic about the future than other gens. In wealthier nations, however, they’re more pessimistic about their odds of social mobility than in poorer ones, highlighting important nuances when communicating with them.

Gen Zers feel better about the future than older gens

What causes impulse buying? With people feeling buyer's remorse about spontaneous pandemic buys, how can businesses make people feel good about shopping in the moment? Canvas8 spoke to Prof. Mathias Steicher about the mechanism behind this habit and its implication for brands.

Check out! The science of unplanned purchasing

'Hot vax summer' is a distant memory, as physical attraction is becoming less important to singles, and men, in particular, are finding sex post-pandemic less important in their romantic life. Tech dependence during lockdown has helped people to connect in ways beyond the superficial.

Single men get intentional about emotional connection

Societal norms and social media platforms are exacerbating the human tendency to compare successes with others, leaving people feeling threatened in their social status. High-status goods help people showcase their worth, and according to Dr. Dafna Goor, can boost self-esteem and wellbeing.

I’ve got two cars! The science of status pivoting

A Pew study highlights the extent to which US Latinx people believe having a darker skin tone holds them back from progressing in the US. With half saying that there's too little attention on racial issues concerning Latinx people, brands can both raise awareness and address systemic issues.

Dark-skinned Latinx people experience more colorism

How are Gen Xers tackling middle age on their own terms? Why should video game developers pay attention to this tech-savvy cohort? How might shifting perspectives of health and wellness among Gen X impact beauty brands? And why is the sandwich generation hesitating to splash out?

2021 Generational Snapshot of Gen X

Seasonal promotions are a long-established part of the retail landscape, with many shoppers waiting until occasions such as Black Friday to splurge. But to what extent do they incentivise purchases? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Jonne Guyt about the implications of super-saver events for brands.

For one day only! The science of super-saver events

Census data reveals fewer Americans are starting new households of their own than ever before, and the typical household composition is growing for the first time in 160 years. Multigenerational households, delaying parenthood, and more people staying single are all driving forces.

Americans are starting fewer new households than ever

The number of unpartnered Americans is on the rise and they’re being beaten by partnered Americans when it comes to educational and economic outcomes. As traditional relationship structures get a rethink and new ways of living emerge, they’re looking for support tailored to their choices.

Single Americans feel sharper economic impact

Lockdowns forced many people to take a look around their homes and re-evaluate their possessions. As they attempt to simplify their lifestyles, one behaviour is getting in the way – treasuring. Canvas8 spoke to Dr.​​ Jacqueline Rifkin about how this habit may get in the way of a decluttered life.

Saving it for later? The science of treasuring

Why are people quitting urban centres for the suburbs? Is cash finally losing ground to digital payments? And why, in the post-Merkel era, do voters still love centrist politics? This Cultural Snapshot looks at the key behaviours defining life in Germany this year.

A Cultural Snapshot of Germany 2021

The last mile of delivery presents a formidable economic and environmental challenge for retailers, one that intensified as COVID-19 increased online orders. Canvas8 spoke to marketing professor Katrijn Gielens about the solutions that can work best for both businesses and consumers.

I need it now! The science of the last mile fulfilment

Set to inherit a world order riddled with inequalities and complex societal challenges, the number of Gen Yers and Zers turning their backs on capitalism is on the rise. Voicing their discontent with the power structures at play, the call for revolutionary thinking is gaining traction online.

Gen Zers increasingly identify as anti-capitalist

While it's well-known that money can be a key cause of arguments among couples, a study finds that arguments may be more prevalent among couples with different risk preferences. That is, couples with different financial attitudes are more likely to get divorced.

Financial attitudes can make or break a relationship

Thanks to the reach provided by social media, fans can get closer to their idols than ever before. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Fan Yang, an assistant professor of communication at the University at Albany, about the implications of the resulting parakin relationships for stars and brands.

We’re like family! The science of parakin relationships

How are Gen Yers recalibrating their concepts of family? Why are they rejecting ‘hustle culture’ and gig working? What are they doing to advance the circular economy? And why is this generation so severely hampered by growing wealth inequalities?

2021 Generational Snapshot of Gen Y

As lives get automated, a future of consumer robotics may not be far away. But research finds that gazing into the eyes of humanoids has an effect on decision-making. For brands in the robotic space, ethical considerations are important when deciding how to use robots.

Eye contact with robots impacts decision-making

From stumbling upon a store to hearing a friend rave about the ‘next best thing’, we’ve all felt the joy of finding the perfect product completely by chance. Canvas8 interviewed Dr. ​​Aekyoung Kim, a lecturer at the University of Sydney, to find out how brands can tap into the magic of serendipity.

What are the chances!? The science of serendipity

With young people seeking to understand themselves – be it through self-help books or self-work – interest in behavioral science and psychology is increasing. Tapping this is The University of Chicago and Pentagram which have launched the world’s first behavioral science exhibition.

Self-knowledge seekers find truth in 'Mindworks' exhibit

People are looking for ways to teach their kids what's great about diversity. Combining this with the love of one of America's favorite foods, Vitamina T for Tacos celebrates the Latinx community while teaching kids the alphabet in a fun and engaging way.

Taco book helps kids embrace multi-ethnic America

The total percentage of people imprisoned in the US has reached its lowest level since 1995, and the racial divide between prison populations is smaller than ever. Calls for equality and allyship may be playing a role, as freedom from poverty has strong links to reducing crime.

The racial divide in US prisons is shrinking

Sports fans are returning to stadiums after many months of cheering on their teams from home. But how can teams and their sponsors best engage supporters? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Jessica Richards about the importance of fan zones and creating the perfect match day experience.

That’s my team! The science of fan zones

With the pandemic having turned life upside down, how are people responding when their beloved rituals get disrupted? Canvas8 spoke to Daniel Stein from the University of California about the importance of rituals in modern life and why altering them can make people upset.

I always do it like this! The science of ritual disruption

People are more forgiving of chatbots than other humans when it comes to mistakes – however, most still prefer to speak with real people when they're dealing with significant problems. This reveals an important nuance for brands to take into account when designing customer experiences.

People forgive chatbots' errors more than humans'

How are Britons displaying their community spirit both online and offline? What would help people feel more financially confident? And how will new pet owners care for their furry friends post-pandemic? This Cultural Snapshot looks at the key behaviours defining life in the UK this year.

A Cultural Snapshot of the UK 2021

From eco-credentials to delivery times, discerning shoppers have extensive checklists for brands to meet. But as people increasingly blend online and offline purchasing, what factors affect their buying decisions? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Andong Cheng about picky shoppers and how to spot them.

No thanks! The science of picky shoppers

Misinformation is not a new phenomenon. But during the pandemic, it became dangerous to public health as false information regarding COVID-19 and necessary precautions swirled online. However, a study finds that false stories do change people's behaviour, but only slightly.

Fake news may not have as much impact as expected

A study has established that algorithms are capable of predicting people’s esthetic judgments. The pivotal research finds that preferences of art can be clustered by AI into three groups, inviting significantly more use of machine-based learnings in the future of marketing and product design.

AI can accurately predict people’s art preferences

With consumers freer than ever to voice their dislike for companies, how should anti-brand communities be approached? Canvas8 spoke to Cleopatra Veloutsou, a professor of brand management at the University of Glasgow, to understand how digital spaces turn individual voices into collective clout.

I hate it too! The science of anti-brand communities

People are choosing cats over kids in China, as pet ownership soars against the backdrop of declining birth rates. For many young Chinese adults, this choice is a silent act of defiance against a government that is unnecessarily and overly involved in their family planning.

Cats over kids symbolises freedom for Chinese youth

Traditional narratives suggest that couples should have kids – and if people don't, there's an assumption it's because people are unable to have them. But research finds that ‘child-free’ adults are so by choice and are, in fact, happy without children - challenging old assumptions.

Child-free adults are changing archaic narratives

Past misdemeanors, easily searchable online, can impact a person's future prospects. As such, the Associated Press is removing the names and images of people charged with petty crimes. With employers increasingly cyber-vetting applicants, the 'right to be forgotten' is a debate with real repercussions.

AP protects future prospects from digital footprints

How are Gen Zers cultivating their digital identities outside of mainstream social channels? In what ways do their discussions about mental health differ from past cohorts? How are they disrupting traditional modes of investing? And why is nostalgic content so popular with younger audiences?

2021 Generational Snapshot of Gen Z

People who skip breakfast could be missing out on key nutrients, says a study by Ohio State University. Adults who do so consume less calcium, vitamin C, and fiber. Brands have the chance to help people incorporate these nutrients into their diets, whether they eat breakfast or not.

Skipping breakfast creates a nutrition deficit

Amid concerns about biases, programmers have worked to make algorithms more benevolent. But while people have grown more trustful of benevolent AI, they’re unwilling to cooperate with it as they would with other people. This poses challenges for the future of AI-human relations.

People may be ready to exploit benevolent AI

People are trying to boost their financial health, looking to brands to support them with more empathetic financial planning. However, research has shown that automated payments do not always help people to manage their debts – instead, being unaware of payments can exacerbate them.

Automation makes it harder for people to notice debt

A year of lost physical contact has prompted a rise in more self-sufficient and cerebral styles of intimacy among younger people. Swapping prolific dating for purposeful dating, a growing number are showing less interest in casual hook-ups post-pandemic.

Young Americans veer towards intentional dating

When pandemic lockdowns were announced, people flocked to stores to stock up on essentials – often leaving supermarket shelves bare. Research has shown that the people more likely to panic-buy are those who struggle with uncertainty and seek control through their actions.

Panic buyers struggle in the face of uncertainty

The pandemic accelerated the transition from print to digital for many newspaper brands. While this evolution has its perks, what might be lost in the process? Canvas8 spoke to Shuhua Zhou and Damon Kiesow to find out how the power of communication within print can translate to digital.

Update me! The science of news consumption

Unlike more reluctant older cohorts, the desire for the Pfizer vaccine among younger Australians is amping up feelings of frustration around the lack of agency and growing sense of generational discrimination. As a result, the pressure is mounting for a faster vaccine roll-out to be put into action.

Australian Gen Yers lose patience with vaccine delay

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in decision-making for many shoppers, more brands are leaning into buzzwords like ‘green’ and ‘compostable’. But the definitions of these terms remain cloudy, meaning many people are falling prey to greenwashing.

Eco-conscious shoppers are swayed by 'green' buzzwords

Social media’s endless feeds are part of everyday life. But how does mindless scrolling make people feel? Canvas8 spoke to PhD candidate Ludmila Lupinacci to understand why some people struggle to escape social media’s rabbit holes while others see the infinite scroll as a form of self-help.

Into ‘the pit’: the science of mindless scrolling

From plant-based recipes to nutritious meal prep ideas, Pinterest is home to countless posts about healthy food. But a study has found that these often don’t end up on people’s plates. The findings underscore how important it is for brands to emphasize flavor, not just healthiness.

Healthy posts get likes but don’t influence real meals

A study has found that uncertainty exacerbates partisan ideology on both sides of the political spectrum. The findings underscore ways that liberals and conservatives could see eye-to-eye, as well as spotlighting opportunities to improve feelings of certainty and safety when consuming news.

Uncertainty exacerbates partisan ideology

How has COVID-19 created new expectations for personalized care? Why are niche services able to compete with giants in the streaming race? And how are gig workers setting new standards for employee power? This Cultural Snapshot looks at the key behaviors defining life in America this year.

A Cultural Snapshot of the US 2021

High living costs and debt are some of the reasons that Chinese Gen Y and Z couples are putting off having children, leading to one of the world’s lowest fertility rates. As more people openly discuss these issues on social media, they’re fighting against the stigma of ‘leftover women’.

Chinese Gen Yers and Zers are reluctant to start families

Social norms have a big impact on our decisions – for instance, it’s commonly understood that we’re influenced by our friends’ and familes' food choices. Research shows that even the eating habits of our wider social networks such as colleagues can play a pivotal role in shaping our food choices.

Food choices can be shaped by wider social networks

Crafting and promoting a strong personal brand is key to finding success as an influencer, but is this creative labour always a solo activity? Canvas8 spoke to Colten Meisner, researcher at Cornell University, about how livestreaming creates a unique interplay between fans and creators.

Fans in action! The science of participatory branding

'Best-before’ food labels could potentially mitigate food waste, but a study has found that many Americans don’t understand what these labels actually mean. As sustainability efforts continue to grow, clearer explainer labels may offer a solution to help improve understanding.

Clearer ‘use-by’ labels could help curb food waste

Despite reliable sources being readily available, misinformation on topics such as climate change, vaccines, and genetically modified food persist. People are increasingly split along group identity lines when it comes to accepting facts, an issue that’s exacerbated by a polarised media.

Misinformation spreads due to ingrouping instincts

How does a person’s political affiliation affect their perceptions of food? According to research, people see food as healthier when it’s marketed in a way that aligns with their ideology, findings that have implications as brands increasingly take a stand on political issues.

Political leaning can shift views on food healthiness

More over-50s are starting new chapters of their life, with divorce rates among this group on the rise. These winds of change reflect a shift in social stigma around divorce for Boomers, and may also be borne from how COVID-19 has driven people to prioritize self-care and renewal.

‘Grey divorces’ rise as COVID-19 inspires soul-searching

When it comes to illegally pirating content, research shows that people are more often motivated by a lack of access to content, as opposed to a desire to avoid paying fees. For streaming services, this means more widely accessible content could slow illegal streaming and increase growth.

Lack of access to streaming services drives up piracy

Whether they've listened to music on vinyl records or captured memories with Polaroid cameras, Gen Zers have found comfort in nostalgia during the pandemic. According to research, this emotional affinity for eras not personally experienced is called 'communal nostalgia'.

Retro products offer a sense of 'communal nostalgia'

As the pandemic brings the fragility of life into acute societal awareness, it's forcing people to confront traditionally uncomfortable conversations and practices surrounding death head-on. As a consequence, in China, more young people are preparing wills than ever before.

COVID-19 makes young people in China prep their will

Across Australia, the idea of eating meat as a signifier of masculinity persists, despite its eco-impact and the rapid growth of meat alternatives. With a reduced meat diet known to have health advantages, it's up to brands to help advocate meat-free benefits and alter the meat-masculinity narrative.

Masculinity ideals stop men adopting plant-based diets

With more of day-to-day life taking place online, the sense we’re being watched is hard to ignore. But is there a way to hide our personal personas from professional prospects? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Brooke Duffy about how students are altering their digital presence to resist employer surveillance.

Who's there? The science of imagined surveillance

Few people purchase things online these days without at least a cursory read of the product reviews. Yet while online reviews have a considerable impact on consumer decisions, research suggests that ratings are too kind, denting the reliability of these online review systems.

Inflated star ratings make online reviews less reliable

From caskets jazzed up with LED lights to Cadbury-inspired coffins, Australians are increasingly looking for ways to breathe some life and personality into solemn funeral rituals. COVID-19 has shone a light on the business of death, and people are calling for outdated traditions to be disrupted.

Bespoke caskets ease the solemnity of funerals

How has the pandemic impacted children’s relationship with screen time? Why are they opting for plant-based snacks? How are Roblox natives making more money than friends on the digital platform? And what impact will a year in lockdown have on the next generation’s long-term mental health?

2021 Generational Snapshot of Gen Alpha

Zoom fatigue is impacting women more than men, according to research. As people shape their ideal working environment post-pandemic, they need targeted support that recognises and caters to their needs – offering an opportunity for brands to help create optimum, inclusive working environments.

Women are bearing the brunt of Zoom fatigue

The key to fighting online extremism and misinformation could lie in freewill, according to research. A study finds that emphasizing choice when it comes to viewing propaganda-like statements online could be a powerful tool in guiding people to reject extremist messages.

Free will makes people more likely to reject extremism

Online dating has amped up in the pandemic, but the standard yes-or-no swiping of most dating apps is somewhat lacking in spontaneity and fun. Feels is looking to shake up the monotony of dating apps by adding more dynamic content and giving people more decisions.

Feels nixes swiping for more personal online dating

They may be the communication form of choice for many digital natives, but do young people recognise the civic power of memes and hashtags? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Paul Mihailidis to learn how teens relate to these online ecosystems and the impact of digital interventions on their attitudes.

Memes for good? The science of digital civicism

For managers, it's a delicate balancing act to ensure that employees feel supported as they WFH while also keeping an eye on performance. Productivity tracking tools are gaining steam, but a survey has found that people would rather a non-judgemental algorithm monitor them than a human.

People prefer tech to track productivity over humans

From manifesting to TikTok tarot readings, social media is awash with new age practices. It comes as little surprise then that Australians are opening their minds to conversations around spirituality. The phenomenon speaks to a cultural desire to find meaning at a time of collective trauma.

Pandemic prompts Aussies to explore spirituality

In times of uncertainty, people often make purchases that reaffirm their identity – yet many ‘global citizens’ championed local firms during the pandemic. Canvas8 spoke to Sharon Ng of Nanyang Technological University to understand the impact of global-local identities on shopping habits.

Think global, buy local! The science of identity shopping

Ideologies once considered fringe are becoming more prevalent across society. One example is the anti-science movement, which has moved into the mainstream, opening up opportunities for brands and individuals to work together to combat the spread of potentially dangerous beliefs.

Anti-science movement gains traction as views polarise

A district in Beijing is offering monetary incentives in exchange for immunisation as they try to accelerate the country’s vaccination campaign. Thanks to China’s early success in curbing the virus, there’s a lack of urgency among Chinese people, which could pose issues for reaching herd immunity.

Grocery vouchers incentivise Beijingers to get jabbed

The proliferation of misinformation on social media continues to be a growing issue. A psychological study seeking to explore the contrast between what people believe and what they share on social media has found that people are twice as likely to share articles than they are to view them as accurate.

People can identify fake news but share it anyway

What impact is Hindu nationalism having on shopping habits? Why are Gen Yers becoming careful spenders? And what role might tech play in changing relationship norms? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore the behavioural norms shared by Indian people in 2021.

A Cultural Snapshot of India 2021

A study has found that teens are more likely than adults to be struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation as a result of the pandemic, due in part to loneliness and exposure to media coverage of the crisis. With this in mind, brands have a role to play in supporting Gen Zers’ wellbeing.

Teens' mental health hit hardest by pandemic stress

Balancing privacy concerns with optimal experience has been a challenge for digital marketers. But when or why are ads seen as more acceptable by consumers? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Tami Kim, assistant professor of marketing, to understand why people feel negatively about targeted advertising.

Why am I seeing this ad?! The science of ad transparency

Everyone knows somebody who’s prone to exaggeration, or who distorts the truth in order to sculpt the perfect story. While the occasional white lie can be unproblematic, research has found that people who engage in frequent ‘bullshitting’ are vulnerable to falling for BS themselves.

‘Bullshitters’ spread fake news because they believe it

With millions of people across the world continuing to work from home, video meetings have become the norm, but Zoom fatigue is impacting mental health. A Stanford study has investigated the causes behind the phenomenon, underscoring how brands can help mitigate the problem.

Constant Zooming is causing cognitive overload

In the age of contact-tracing apps and high-profile data breaches, most people say they’re concerned about data privacy – but their actions don’t always align with their beliefs. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Kirk Plangger to find out why people have such divergent attitudes to data privacy.

To share or not? The science of data disclosure

From the roar of a stadium crowd to the chatter of strangers on a bus, the everyday sounds we hear have been greatly limited by COVID-19. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Salomé Voegelin, the author of Sonic Possible Worlds, about how the loss of accidental sounds may be adding to our sense of isolation.

Salomé Voegelin on the benefits of ambient noise

Though perfectly edible, fresh produce with cosmetic imperfections is often avoided by consumers. That is, unless it’s labeled correctly. Researchers have found that labeling flawed produce as 'ugly' can increase the purchase of unattractive fruit and veg.

'Ugly' labels increase sales of imperfect produce

First impressions are key, meaning that a name, often the first thing that people learn about a brand, plays a vital role in those impressions. A study has found that feminine brand names are perceived as more likable, especially when it comes to hedonic products like chocolate.

Feminine brand names give positive first impressions

Algorithms are part of our online lives, impacting everything from shopping decisions to viewing habits. But do we put too much faith in them? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Sachin Banker, assistant professor at the University of Utah, to understand whether people are overdependent on algorithms.

Pick this one! The science of algorithm overdependence

As people take an interest in the corporate composition of their favourite brands, they're expecting them to step up and lead on ethical standards. Research finds that UK consumers are influenced by data on the gender pay gap, opting out from brands that fall short.

Brands’ gender pay gap impacts UK consumer choice

How have savviness, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for respect come to define older adults? Why has the COVID-19 pandemic been so influential in their adoption of technology? And how might a rise in multigenerational living arrangements shape their relationships with culture?

2021 Generational Snapshot of Older Adults

As men continue to engage in conversations around toxic masculinity and its detrimental effects, they're looking for more nuanced representation from brands. In fact, two-thirds of men in the UK say that negative male stereotypes in advertising cause psychological damage.

Young British men want ads that better reflect them

A psychological study has found that, for women, reflecting on death may actually be beneficial to their body image. This has implications for brands looking to boost self-esteem as the COVID-19 pandemic pushes mortality towards the front of people's minds.

Confronting mortality may improve women’s body image

Algorithms have become central to discovering new music and products online – but are machine-led recommendations always welcome? Canvas8 spoke to Chiara Longoni, an assistant professor at Boston University, to understand how people’s goals impact their willingness to trust AI.

Trust an AI? The science of the ‘word-of-machine’ effect

When something belongs to you, you tend to take care of it. You develop a personal sense of responsibility as opposed to if it were public property. According to research, ownership also increases prosocial behaviour, meaning that activating this feeling can prompt people to be more generous.

Feelings of ownership prompt prosocial behaviour

A study shows that extroverts are more likely to use certain types of words – findings that could prove helpful for brands trying to target a particular consumer mindset. Using linguistic predictors to assess personality type could be the future of targeted marketing that better appeals to people.

Extroverts reveal themselves through word choice

How are Gen Zers ushering in the end for gender binaries? Why might city life change for good? And what might solo living look like in the post-pandemic era? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore the behavioural norms shared by Japanese people in 2021.

A Cultural Snapshot of Japan 2021

Unlike physically exchanging coins or cash, the haptic buzz or quick ping of cashless payments are making transactions speedier – and subtler. But researchers have found that the seamless nature of these exchanges can cause people to make unhealthy food choices.

Cashless payments can lead to unhealthy choices

A study has found that people can be persuaded by the social influence of a crowd majority, regardless of their political leaning. The findings provide an opportunity for media platforms to consider how to decrease political polarization – or at least not exacerbate it.

People are swayed by crowds regardless of politics

The desire to get married is on the decline in Japan, with women in particular becoming less interested in settling down. With the pandemic impacting women and inspiring people to rethink their priorities, traditional life milestones are taking a backseat as individual wellbeing climbs up the list.

Japanese women are falling out of love with marriage

The pitch of anti-press sentiment is the most fevered it’s been, with an Edelman report showing the highest-ever percentage of American distrust in the media. As polarizing disputes over COVID-19 and elections continue, people are continuing to lose faith in the notion of objectivity.

Media distrust is becoming central to American identity

AR apps often have a ‘wow factor’ that can keep users entertained for hours – but this excitement is often short-lived and doesn't lead to action. Canvas8 spoke to marketing professor Dr. Chris Hinsch to learn how a nostalgic touch can inspire people to act upon their experiences with this tech.

Buy now! The science of inspiring action through AR

While heartwarming and humorous ads remain the popular choice for both marketers and viewers alike, research from the University of Illinois has found emotionally engaging ads aren’t the most memorable, and they may negatively impact consumers' immediate product recall.

Emotional ads aren't memorable in the short-term

Whether it's a dancing potato or a hatching Pokémon, AR tech is often associated with novelty and joviality. While that may be fun, marketers often struggle to turn this into meaningful action. According to research, the key to ongoing interaction with an AR brand experience may be nostalgia.

Nostalgia inspires action when interacting with AR

Research has shown that people who believe in conspiracy theories display a cognitive bias known as the jumping-to-conclusions bias. As conspiracy theories move from the fringes of our society to the mainstream, understanding this could be key to confronting big issues in the years ahead.

Conspiracy theorists tend to jump to conclusions

Bikelife’s organised protests could be seen as an outlet for dispossessed inner-city youths to distract from corrupt gang violence. However, the guerilla movement is garnering success in its attempt to highlight socio economic problems and effecting real change.

Behavioural sciences