The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked immediate and lasting change on human behaviour. With over a fifth of the world's population having been in lockdown, a recession on the horizon, and brands under pressure to adapt, our aim is to help business prepare for the future. We've developed a framework of decision making to help you navigate these cultural and behavioural shifts. Get in touch to find the right solution for you.
Since the start of March 2020, we’ve been shifting our focus to analyze the surprising impact of the pandemic crisis, resulting in the production of the Pandemic Culture ‘Living Report’. Designed around a Pandemic Response Framework considering the five stages of a crisis response, we’ve been activating our network of academics, thought leaders, and cultural experts to widen our community’s understanding. We’re sharing the key learnings on our weekly webinar series, building up a living record of the biggest shifts from the past few months on our Library, and sparking debate with our LinkedIn Pandemic Culture Community.
The Canvas8 Library in an exclusive insights platform containing 26,000+ original research signals, reports and case studies. Our members get access to the latest insights in consumer behaviours and the research underpinning our Pandemic Culture series.
Lockdown access offers a free trial to our Library and a taster of life as a Canvas8 Member. This includes use of our daily updated COVID-19 section, access to our six unique macro behavioural shifts that have emerged from the pandemic and our weekly curated insight mailers direct from our analysts.
Canvas8 works at the intersection of commercial understanding, behavioural sciences and popular culture. For the latest insight into how the pandemic is impacting culture and the industry, explore the latest posts on our Keeping TABS blog.
Single Indians are using video chat as ‘pre-date’ step
With the onset of the pandemic, dating apps quickly pivoted to video chats to keep users engaged. According to Bumble, singletons are embracing this new form of courtship, with video calls seen as a ‘pre-date’ that lets people screen their potential matches before meeting up in real life.
Oatly enlists teens to nudge stubborn dads to alt milk
Oatly has launched a campaign showing how teens can sway their dads towards embracing oat milk. Released off the back of research showing that older men aren’t interested in environmental issues, the ads aim to empower teens to educate them and change their minds.
Instagram wine brands help with digital discovery
As the number of people on the hunt for good wine continues to rise, they're seeking wine connoisseurship online. From natural wine to curated viticulture, brands are using Instagram as a playful place to reach new and loyal grape fans, offering people entry to their favourite tipples.
Cashless shoppers could kill off the wallet
Many people would rather not handle cash or touch a germy ATM in the era of COVID-19, and as a result, the wallet is facing potential extinction. Given that the wallet is a traditional entry-level product, luxury brands will have to innovate to attract new audiences.
Disney World: post-pandemic experience economy
Once the place people went to escape from it all, Disney World’s attendance has been drastically affected by the pandemic. But people still want their fix of Disney magic so the world-famous theme parks are switching up the way they operate to ensure safety, enjoyment, and trust.
Citizen science booms as trust in experts returns
During the pandemic, citizen science is thriving, as amateur astronomers and aspiring bird-watchers peer at the world and share their findings. After a gruelling year where doctors and researchers very publicly saved the day, the surge in citizen contributions gestures towards a return to trust in science.
Sony’s immersive experience goes beyond music
At Sony’s immersive studio, the music giant creates elaborate virtual worlds to prop up its artists’ offerings. But COVID-19 has robbed much of the hype from content-consumption rituals like concerts – so Sony is focusing instead on the tactile and social aspects of the ‘concert experience’.
Slower WFH mornings mark a return to big breakfasts
Breakfast is back. After years of cereal bars and to-go coffees, the slower pace of WFH mornings has boosted demand for sausages, waffles, and cereals. And with remote working looking likely to stick to some degree, food manufacturers are confident this shift will continue post-pandemic.
'Blue Monday' myth impacts mental health needs
While it's often said that the third Monday of January is the saddest day of the year, data suggest that people’s mental health is more likely to take a tumble in April. Rather than frame wellbeing as episodic, there's a growing need to appreciate how impacts on mental health can be cumulative.
Virtual library offers kids free lockdown learning
Oak National Academy, an online learning platform, has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to develop a free virtual library for children in the UK. With lockdowns causing major disruptions to learning, there's a need for accessible tools that promote and enable continuous education.
Greener Champs-Élysées aims to strengthen local ties
The tourist-swarming, traffic-burdened Champs-Élysées was among the many city landmarks that were reclaimed by locals during the pandemic. With new urban plans approved, the celebrated boulevard is set for a green make-over in a bid to entice Parisians to rebuild ties with their city
Net-A-Porter rewards loyal fans at social-first e-event
Pandemic restrictions have seen people turn to tech for democratic and digital access to brands’ products and services. Tapping into this is Net-A-Porter, whose digital festival ‘The Beauty of You’ utilises social features to deliver brand edutainment and deliver loyal fans exclusive content.
