Mergers and acquisitions are altering retail faster than most brands can plan for. Every deal creates the same question: who’s going to design the network now? Choosing an agency partner is kind of like dating. It’s easy to end up with an agency that can pull off a great-looking flagship. It’s much harder to find […]
How to Choose a Retail Store Design Agency for Multi-Location Rollouts Read More »
The kitchen knife is one of the most common tools in a home. Most of us use one almost every day without thinking much about where it came from, how it was made, or why one knife might perform differently from another. This level of familiarity presents an interesting challenge for retailers. How do you
How ZAKU Knives Elevates Experience Using the Blink Factor Read More »
Over nearly four decades, our firm has stayed ahead of evolving consumer behavior. Our latest 2026 Trend Report signals that packaging is entering a new era. This transition is not just about sustainability or AI. The real disruption is behavioral. The rise of GLP-1 drugs is changing how consumers behave when it comes to food.
You don’t need a stadium ticket to feel the pulse of the 2026 World Cup. Across the 16 host cities, these events are turning entire urban streets into the ultimate backdrop for the tournament, captivating crowds before, during, and after the matches. Naturally, brands are getting involved. But it’s not just about who has a cool
5 Activations Elevating The FIFA Fan Experience Read More »
In the fast-moving foodservice industry, you can win or lose customer loyalty in a heartbeat, and just being a recognizable brand isn’t enough to keep it. Most fast-food spots are highly visible, but there is a disconnect between being seen and being loved. Our second edition of the 2026 ThinkBlink Studies explores how foodservice brands show up
Winning Hearts in Foodservice: Why Visibility and Basic Service Are No Longer Enough Read More »
AI’s role in content and commercial production has steadily expanded over the last decade. Brands of all sizes are now experimenting with AI tools such as Google Veo 3, which have made full-motion commercial content possible at a fraction of traditional costs. Experts predict that in just a few years, AI could be responsible for
The Emotional Gap in AI Content Creation Read More »
For most telco leaders, the dashboard still focuses on churn, ARPU, cost-to-serve, call resolution, and network performance. These measures matter, but they do not show whether customers trust the brand, feel supported, or believe the experience is worth staying. That is the real issue. SLD’s research highlights a common challenge in business strategy: organizations often
Telcos are Measuring the Wrong Things: Why Return on Experience Matter More Than Ever Read More »
In our 2026 SLD Trends Report, we identify how nationalism is influencing the way people trust and choose brands. Shoppers are looking closer to home to find more meaning in their purchases. A recent poll reveals that 53% of Canadian shoppers are intentionally choosing local options, even if it means paying a bit more. For
Navigating the New “Local”: Nationalism in a Global Community Read More »
Current headlines are fixated on the hype surrounding AI’s potential to transform business. Most experts believe the technology can dramatically enhance telecom operations, and many companies are already leveraging it to improve back-of-house operational efficiency. However, a singular focus on cost savings often overlooks the power of AI for customer engagement. Researching the AI-Ready Customer
The New Telco Growth Bundle: Emotional Connections, AI, and Seamless Experience Read More »
Ask anyone who works in hospitality, and they’ll tell you the party feels a little tame these days. Not since Generation X has nightlife seen raucous, regular partying, and the night economy is taking a hit. Millennials came out but ate more and drank less, increasing emphasis on foodie experiences. But Gen Z? They’re not
As we enter the new year, we’re going to talk about how the Blink Factor extends beyond the world of branding and design, creating a fun design trends guide. Here are our top picks for the biggest Blink Factor design moments of 2025. Immersive Live Experience at Eurovision Eurovision 2025’s stage show took inspiration from
Top Blink Factor Design Moments of 2025: The Year’s Standout Read More »
From subtle changes like Walmart’s new logo to Cracker Barrel’s brand design crisis, 2025 was a year full of brand and logo design stories. 60% of customers report avoiding a brand if its logo feels unattractive or outdated. With brand logos and branding related to customer trust, these are essential items that every brand needs
What were SLD’s favorite brand redesigns of 2025? Read More »
Looking ahead isn’t just about following trends; it’s about understanding the deeper shifts that shape consumer thinking and behaviour. As we enter 2026, the brands that stand out won’t simply adopt new tools or aesthetics they will leverage these shifts strategically. This year, we’ve identified five emerging signals of change that marketers should watch closely
Think Ahead for 2026: What Undercurrents Beyond Trends Brands Need to Know Read More »
Seasonal moments can be emotional touchpoints that invite consumers into a shared celebration. Whether it’s a limited-edition drop or festive packaging design, brands that master well-timed storytelling often find themselves at the center of cultural conversation. Already this year, Starbucks has once again taken the seasonal spotlight with the release of its limited-edition “Bearista Cup”.
Winning the Moment: How Brands Use Seasonal Occasions to Spark Connection Read More »
Walk into any store today and you’ll quickly sense whether a brand understands its customers, or if it’s just selling to them. From the lighting and layout to the artwork and materials, every design detail tells a story about the brand’s culture and how it values its customers and communities. Today’s consumers want to feel
How Community-Driven Retail Design Is Redefining Brand Differentiation Read More »
These days, going green is a must for CPG brands, but while environmental consciousness is at an all-time high, so is consumer skepticism. Years of exaggerated claims and vague buzzwords have led to the rise of eco-cynicism, where even genuinely sustainable brands now face distrust. The heightening awareness of greenwashing poses a new challenge for
Diversity has become a contentious topic across North America, as companies navigate shifting political pressures while developing their strategies. These pressures have created differing perspectives on the value of diversity, leaving many brands uncertain about the right path for their organization. Some have fully embraced and reinforced diversity initiatives, while others have scaled back or
Designing for Diversity: Why Inclusive Branding Is More Than Just Representation Read More »
You’ve likely seen them trending on your social feeds or lined up in specialty stores. The blind box craze isn’t slowing down anytime soon. But what is behind their viral appeal? Blind boxes spark nostalgia, deliver surprise, and leverage the Blink Factor by prompting quick, emotional decisions. They show proof of how a single, well-designed
What the Blind Box Craze Reveals: How Consumers Make Decisions Read More »
The healthcare industry is undergoing massive changes, from the introduction of robotics capable of intricate procedures to AI bringing deeper insights into diagnostic tools. However, with all of these new technologies comes a heightened risk of patient and staff anxieties silently impacting their health and wellness. The facts speak for themselves, with nearly 4 in
How to meet patients’ emotional needs in healthcare Read More »
While digital banking continues to reshape the industry, physical branches remain a vital part of the customer journey, especially when it comes to life’s bigger financial decisions. Their enduring relevance highlights the value of human connection in a world of automated transactions. Today’s most forward-thinking banks are transforming their branches into relationship-driven spaces, blending intuitive
What Keeps Customers Walking Into Branches Read More »
