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.

With VR an established part of young people’s digital lives, brands can lean on its immersive style of interaction to drive deeper engagement. 'Project (Hi)story of a Painting: The Light in the Shadow' uses VR to give people an interactive introduction to the history of art.

Technology has become central to shopping as COVID-19 has led people to seek out touch-free experiences. But how will augmented reality fit into the future retail landscape? How can it bridge the gap between e-commerce and brick-and-mortar to deliver convenience, safety, and a personal touch?

The trauma of pandemic life has left many people yearning for a sense of escapism – some took to gaming, others to crafting. Now, Gen Z's desire to get away is playing out in the form of ‘reality shifting’ – a TikTok trend that involves shifting consciousness from one reality to another.

AR apps often have a ‘wow factor’ that can keep users entertained for hours – but this excitement is often short-lived and doesn't lead to action. Canvas8 spoke to marketing professor Dr. Chris Hinsch to learn how a nostalgic touch can inspire people to act upon their experiences with this tech.