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.

Over four decades, China has undergone massive economic shifts, with rapid urbanisation and policy changes leading to a competitive property market. But how are constrained spaces and budgets reshaping the notion of ‘home’? And what impact might COVID-19 have on domestic dreams?

Amid the chaos and unpredictability of 2020, people have stayed in their homes to shield from the virus and protect themselves from any social and political unrest. The home has become an essential safe space, and Americans are maximizing this sense of security with smart tech.

More and more Americans are harnessing connected devices as household guards, secretaries, and entertainers. But as privacy fears mount and constant notifications add to digital fatigue, tech risks wearing out its welcome in the home. How can gadgets be better integrated into domestic settings?

Algorithms have become central to discovering new music and products online – but are machine-led recommendations always welcome? Canvas8 spoke to Chiara Longoni, an assistant professor at Boston University, to understand how people’s goals impact their willingness to trust AI.