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year full of brand and logo design stories. 60% of customers report avoiding a brand if its logo feels unattractive or outdated.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 Retail Design Can Create Community, Connection, and Cultural Relevance 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
The Gamification of Blind Boxes 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
Why Customers are Still Using Bank Branches Read More »
The Better-for-You (BFY) movement isn’t just a trend, it’s a complete shift in how people eat, shop, and think. Today’s consumers want it all: health, transparency, and convenience, without sacrificing taste. As the demand for feel-good, do-good snacks grows, BFY has become a driving force in reshaping the global food landscape. In response, brands are
In recent years, branding has been all about polished storytelling, aspirational lifestyles, and curated perfection. But somewhere between the perfectly aligned flat lays and hyper-curated copy, something got lost: realness (a.k.a “authenticity”). Some brands are trading polish for personality, control for chaos, and perfection for raw, messy humanity. We see the anti-brand strategy commonly adopted
Perfect Is Boring: What Big Brands Can Learn from the Rise of the Anti-Brand Read More »
Healthcare systems around the world are struggling to meet the needs of patients. Governments hope pharmacies can fill the gap by allowing them to offer a wider range of services. In many countries, patients are accustomed to seeking out a pharmacist’s advice, often in place of going to a doctor. North American consumers, however, see
How to Successfully Offer Health Services at Retail Pharmacies Read More »
Color and shape not only catch the eye, but they also guide our perception and emotions. Together, these elements transform a logo into an icon, a package into a feeling, and a brand into a relationship. Studies show we process images 60,000 times faster than text, as the majority of information we absorb is visual,
A Quick Guide on How to Use Shape and Color Choices to Influence Buying Decisions Read More »
A new aisle for CPG brands has fragmented the path to purchase. As the line between social media and e-commerce gradually blurs, platforms like TikTok and Instagram aren’t just influencing buying decisions they’re becoming the shelf. With 34% of consumers shopping online at least once a week and 70% of online purchases influenced by social
The Role of Social Commerce in CPG: Designing for the Scroll, Click, and Buy Journey Read More »
Concerns about theft in retail have been mounting since the pandemic. What’s behind the shifting dynamics of shrink and how can brands address it? Design is only one element of loss prevention, but it’s a key component. Before we get into how design can help, let’s take a look at how theft in retail stores
How Can Design Help Retailers Reduce Theft? Read More »
The Decline of Customer Service According to Forrester’s CI Index, customer service is the worst it’s been since they first started collecting data in 2016. Other reports from Cavell, Customer Contact Week Digital and the National Rage Survey confirm the findings: around half of consumers feel service has gotten worse in the past few years.
How To Turn Around Poor Customer Service In Retail Read More »
The State of Open Banking As we enter the next decade, Open Banking will accelerate from the regulatory to the implementation stages in North America. Look no further than Europe for positive clues of the impact on consumer banking with now more than 63 million Open Banking users led by the UK, followed by Germany,
Exploring Open Banking Branch Experience Opportunities Read More »
In 2024 brands continued to push for personalization, sustainable materials, and big shelf impact with their package design. What trends can we expect in 2025 and what will lose momentum? Here are our predictions for the coming year. Front-Of-Package Nutritional Warnings – What’s Coming In Canada, the final push to comply with new nutritional Front
Package Design In 2025 – What’s Hot and What’s Not Read More »
2024 was somewhat subdued when it came to new store openings, likely a result of economic uncertainty. However, many notable retail experiences launched around the globe, ranging from high-end luxury to highly accessible. Here is a selection of some of our favorite new stores from 2024. 1. Best Use Of Color Trinny London is one
The Best New Retail Stores of 2024 Read More »
