Pantone has chosen Classic Blue as its color of the year, which the brand says “highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation.” As people grow more uncertain about the state of the world, they’re seeking out calming, uncomplicated products that reflect elements of the natural world.

People have responded to the crisis in different ways – either due to personal choice, privilege, or circumstances outside of their control. Canvas8 spoke to Juliana Horowitz and Dr. Grant McCracken to understand how brands can uncover the nuances of the pandemic experience for their audience.

The spread of COVID-19 has seen people frantically stock their cupboards and freezers, with empty supermarket shelves a common sight worldwide. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Leonard Lee, a marketing professor at the National University of Singapore, to understand the human needs that fuel panic-buying.

The Coronavirus Diaries is a series of dispatches from Slate highlighting first-hand experiences of how life is changing as a result of the outbreak. In a media climate of fake news and pandemic scaremongering, real experiences are a source of truth that most people can, on some level, relate to.