Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top immunologist, has attracted a dedicated stanbase due to leading the US in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. His popularity sheds some light on how people’s attitudes to experts, and leaders, may change in a post-pandemic world.

A podcast is looking to build compassion across state lines in the run-up to the election. Created by a national network of community groups called People’s Action, the docu-podcast tackles stereotypes of rural Americans and highlights the need for people to listen to and try to understand one another.

From Obama’s ‘Hope’ poster to Trump’s red MAGA hat, strong visual cues are capable of rousing Americans’ energy for civic engagement – for better or for worse. But just how impactful is design in shaping the minds of voters? And how is it being used in the 2018 midterm elections?

It’s hard to escape news about politics in 2020, and while engaging with it can make us feel bad, it can also lead to action. That’s according to a study that looks at how negative emotions brought on by the ‘chronic stressor’ of politics can be the impetus people need to want to change the system.