While people are craving memorable and immersive experiences, there's no longer a singular definition of what this might look like. Some are embracing maximalist hedonism through clubbing and extreme tourism, while others are tapping into more gentle, inward-looking, and contemplative experiences.

People are taking a patchwork approach to self-expression to feel like they have control over how their identity is generated. Yet as individual expression becomes more mutable and mistrust in social systems abounds, there’s one place above all that people are seeking integrity and guidance: brands.

With people looking for elevated brick-and-mortar store experiences, many are choosing to shop with brands that inject fun into IRL retail. Westfield is turning its shopping centres into entertainment destinations, attracting shoppers looking for fulfilling and interactive retail experiences.

In May 2021, social media and camera company Snap announced the release of its latest product, Spectacles 4 – a move that reaffirms its commitment to making the AR experience more seamless and intuitive, ultimately enabling the virtual world to better merge with the physical.

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.

Combining neural networks and artificial intelligence, Trillion facilitates hyper-realistic try-on experiences for online luxury jewellery shoppers – increasing buyer confidence through AR technology. How are immersive and personalised shopping experiences changing the face of e-commerce?