AI Unleashed: Elevating Shopper Experiences with the Engagement Principle

By: Dr. James McFarland, People Scientist Discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) are inescapable in 2024 – flooding the news, overflowing our inboxes, and for good reason. AI is empowering businesses of all sizes and industries to automate, optimize, and innovate at unprecedented levels. In Retail, recent data suggest that an increasing … Continued Read more →

The Neurological Revolution: How Technology is Reshaping the Brain

By Dr. James McFarland, People Scientist For consumers and marketers alike, we obviously live our lives split between the digital and the physical. But are there deeper implications? Whether your C-Suite openly acknowledges it, every business today is a digital business. In fact, nearly 80% of consumers decide whether to engage with brands based on … Continued Read more →

Super Bowl LVIII Psych Awards

Did you get your fix of dopamine (CHNO) at Super Bowl LVIII? Let’s gather around the digital water cooler to discuss the most important aspect of the game — the ads! It’s time for Intermark’s annual Super Bowl Psych Awards, where we put on our lab coats and analyze each commercial through the lens of … Continued Read more →

Social Influencers vs. the Meta-Analysis

By: Dr. James McFarland, People Scientist I know we’ve covered the value of social media and impact of influencers in the past, but the release of a new meta-analysis on this topic brings fresh insights and evidence to the table. So we’re revisiting this subject to ensure marketing and brand leaders – like you – are well … Continued Read more →

Game On: The Power of Gamification in Modern Marketing

By: Dr. James McFarland, People Scientist In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing and maintaining the attention of consumers is no easy feat. Traditional marketing strategies are evolving to fit this modern landscape, and businesses are seeking innovative ways to engage their audience. Enter gamification – a powerful tool that leverages the principles of game design … Continued Read more →

The Rise of Digital Humans in Storytelling Marketing

By: Dr. James McFarland, People Scientist Parables, childhood antidotes, juicy gossip, humans love a good story. With trends coming and going, marketing has evolved over the years, but storytelling will remain a timeless and incredibly powerful way to focus, captivate, and motivate consumer interest. Especially today when content overload and instant gratification are the norm. … Continued Read more →

The Power of Touch

By: Dr. James McFarland, People Scientist This week we are going to talk about physical touch. No, wait. That sounds cringey. I mean, we are going to explore the incredible power that touch has over us as human beings… Hmmm, that didn’t help. Let’s just say physical touch can play a safe, constructive, and legitimate role in your marketing strategy.  As part of the Sensory Marketing arsenal, physical touch and experiential marketing campaigns can help inform and transport consumers along their purchasing journeys, … Continued Read more →

A Tale of Two Consumers

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… Okay, maybe that is a bit much for an opening, but stay with me here, Charles Dickens’s famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities, might have more in common with the psychology of modern-day consumers than first meets the eye. Read more →

Masstige and Happiness

Okay, who here is familiar with the term “Masstige?” Don’t feel bad if you aren’t. It’s one of those five-dollar terms that makes you sound smart at dinner parties. A term that your Econ 101 instructor may have used at some point, but the passage of time (yes, let’s go with that) has since erased its meaning from your college memories. Read more →

Connecting With The Disconnected (Part 2)

In our previous blog post, we covered the effects of ostracism on today’s consumer and how warm and “cuddly” messages (including images of teddy bears) can reduce those lonely feelings and help build brand preference and loyalty. This week we are diving even further into some of the best scientifically proven ways to connect with those who are feeling disconnected. Read more →