Speed and convenience have become the consumer norm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, when people worldwide were introduced to instant access to goods and services via apps and digital platforms, the supply and demand considerably grew and splintered. The 'I need it now' culture shows no signs of slowing down, ye...

The mainstreaming of AI is setting a new precedent for how people relate to non-human sources of intelligence. While automation on a consumer level has typically focused on specific tasks like replying to emails or budgeting, it’s now swiftly expanding to a more dynamic range of applications.

Automated in-store services mean people are losing an element of human interaction while grocery shopping. French supermarket chain Carrefour is hoping to find a balance with its ‘Blabla’ checkouts, where customers can take their time to chat with the cashier and have more meaningful interactions.

Trigo is looking to bring seamlessness to supermarket experiences with its checkout-free technology. Frictionless shopping has become a necessity rather than an enhancement for businesses and consumers alike, leading to more innovations that cater to a demand for smooth customer journeys.

EzyCart was developed to streamline the grocery shopping process, with payments, weighing, and more taking place directly in the tech-enabled cart. With people holding reservations about AI yet wanting to automate menial tasks, these kinds of products show how the tech can be useful in daily life.

When shopping online, French people are willing to undergo extra security steps to protect their accounts – but research shows that they’re not willing to compromise on a frictionless shopping experience. This creates opportunities to explore how tech innovations can cater to both needs.