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.
Singaporeans are curbing cabin fever with 'daycations'
Whether chartering a yacht or cruising to nowhere, people have been finding new ways to escape from their daily lives through ‘daycations’. As people grow tired of continuous travel restrictions, there’s room for brands to get creative when it comes to recreating the excitement of a holiday.
Dog owners aren't researching before buying
During lockdown, many people adopted puppies as their new stay-at-home lifestyle gave them more time to devote attention to pets. However, research suggests that many are not doing their research beforehand – resulting in the boost of illegal trade.
Flexible work is driving desire for more kids in Japan
Pandemic-induced flexible work is inspiring parents in Japan with young kids to think about having more. With many calling for a more equal approach to parenting, workplaces have the opportunity to reassess their paternity, maternity, and parenting policies to align with what people want.
Pandemic revitalises collective buying in China
Group-buying is on the rise in China, powered by WeChat groups set up in lockdown. As people tighten their purse strings, retailers and restaurants are encouraging people to pool their purchasing power and get discounts when buying in bulk, not just for groceries, but luxury items, too.
Barbies are helping parents distract kids from screens
Working from home has been far from easy for parents. As many turned to technology to keep their children occupied, concerns about the amount of time they spent on screens arose. One unexpected outcome: the sales of Barbies have surged as parents encourage physical play.
People with skin diseases seek mental health support
From eczema to psoriasis, skin diseases can not only be physically debilitating, but they also take a toll on mental health. In fact, almost 100% of people with skin diseases feel the condition affects their emotional well-being, and yet, the majority don't have any mental health support.
Patrick McGinnis on entertainment FOBO
While It may seem unlikely that people would have FOMO amid a global pandemic, Canvas8 spoke to Patrick McGinnis, author of FOMO: Practical Decision Making in a World Overwhelmed by Choice, to understand the role media and entertainment play in generating FOMO during lockdown.
People are 'comfort buying' trusted food brands
Comfort foods have surged into popularity in 2020, not only because people need a pick-me-up, but also due to an affinity for tried-and-tested products. With people eating at home in larger numbers, trusted brands have fared well as people turn away from niche labels and products.
Hummer aims for a rebrand with luxe EV supertruck
The Hummer had its heyday in the 90s and early aughts, but the gas-guzzling car fell out of favor as people became more budget- and eco-conscious. In 2020, the carmaker is launching a luxury electric supertruck in a bid to make its brand recession-proof and open the door to clean energy.
'Quarantine palette' soothes 'pandecorators' at home
As the pandemic means the home continues to be the main hub for work and leisure, people are looking for ways to create spaces that simultaneously help them to focus, relax, and stay calm. As a result, they're changing their wall paint colours to match new moods.
‘Blobjects’ bring whimsical, joyful touch to home decor
Shapeless, colorful furniture is sparking joy in the US, signaling a shift in interiors as people gravitate towards objects that make them happy. As the pandemic continues to keep many people inside, ‘blobjects’ are lifting their spirits and making the home a more playful space.
Pandemic worsens young Britons' mental health
The number of mental health disorders in children is increasing, and COVID-19 is making matters worse. Studies show that mental health issues worsen with age, so schools and wellness brands that educate children at early stages can help them better manage in the future.
