Jean-Pierre Lacroix

AI Regulations

How will AI be Regulated? What Brands Need to Know

Brand Strategy, Communications, Organizations, Retail, Thought Leadership /

Lawmakers around the world are scrambling to regulate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The European Union (EU) recently passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, while President Biden has signed several executive orders regarding advanced AI. Canada’s Bill C-27, not yet passed, attempts to regulate AI but has come under heavy criticism for being insufficient. As retail […]

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From 2023 to 2024

Think Ahead for 2024: What Brands Need to Know

Brand Strategy /

2023 has witnessed many changes in brand transformation, from the controversial rebranding of Twitter to X, Nokia’s futuristic wordmark, and PepsiCo’s new logo and identity. Many of these changes were driven by the need to remain relevant to existing consumers while appealing to younger segments who look for brands to reflect their self-image. With the

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Banking Advice

The Future of Seamless Banking and Financial Advice: EU/UK vs. North America

Digital Experiences /

Shikatani Lacroix Design (SLD) was invited to speak at the ebankIT Summit in Portugal on the future of seamless advice and its impact on customer loyalty in the banking sector. The presentation was based on a consumer study with a detailed comparison of the banking industry in North America and the EU/UK. It revealed nuanced

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Seamless Banking

Unlocking a World of Seamless Banking: Empower Customers at Every Step

Digital Experiences, Financial Services /

The financial industry is transforming rapidly. From multi-channel approaches to omnichannel experiences and the rise of AI-driven seamless banking, institutions are embracing changes at various stages. This transformation is being accelerated by Europe’s enthusiastic embrace of open banking, which will shortly be followed by open finance. Together, they offer customers greater control over their financial

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What can CPG Brands Learn from Packaging Design in South America?

Packaging Design /

In our packaging series from around the world, we’ve approached and dissected diverse packaging design styles from continents like Asia, Europe, and Oceania. For our journey into South America, rather than styling, we’ll be appreciating packaging design in the context of specific beverage categories, including coffee, tea, wine, and beer. South American beverages are some

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Packaging

What can CPG Brands Learn from Packaging Design in Oceania?

Brand Engagement, Brand Strategy, Packaging Design /

In our packaging design journey around the world, we’ve explored the diverse styles of Asia and the classic elegance of Europe. Now, we will venture into the scenic and vibrant world of Oceania, a region famous for its natural landscapes, fruits, and veggies. Oceania’s packaging design features positivity and a dash of the sunny, carefree

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Grocery

5 Great Examples of Private Label Design in Grocery Retail

Brand Engagement, Brand Strategy, Corporate Identity, Packaging Design /

In a world where inflation and the rising cost of living have become increasingly apparent, private labels are emerging as go-to brands for affordability and quality. These private labels, not limited to grocery chains but also found in discount retailers and cosmetics brands, offer a compelling alternative to national brands. What makes these private labels

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What can CPG brands learn from packaging design in Europe?

Packaging Design /

In the previous blog, we explored how culture influences creativity, starting with inspiration from the continent of Asia. This time, we’re heading to Europe, a place where packaging design has a long and fascinating history. European packaging design is known for its versatility, combining both classic and modern styles of design. It’s a diverse world

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Seasonal Packaging

5 Great Examples of Seasonal Packaging

Brand Engagement, Packaging Design /

Holidays and seasons are key occasions in the fast-paced world of retail, defining consumer wishes and expectations. Packaging undergoes a transformational trip from the scorching days of summer to the ominous ambiance of Halloween and the heartfelt joys of the holidays. It transforms into a canvas on which designers artfully weave the essence of the

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What’s Annoying Customers With Digital Signage and How To Fix It

Digital Experiences, Retail Design /

Digital signage, when used effectively, can be a powerful weapon for capturing the hearts and minds of consumers during their shopping experience. Many merchants now use digital signage to promote bargains, content, and other offerings throughout their networks. The misuse of digital signage, on the other hand, can irritate customers, leading to complaints about obtrusive

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Grocery Cost

Value-based Grocery Shopping: The Opportunities for CPG Brands

Brand Strategy, Packaging Design /

In today’s challenging economic landscape with high inflation, many consumers are becoming increasingly budget-conscious with grocery shopping. As a result, discount and value-based retailers have been more popular as go-to destinations for some shoppers trying to minimize food costs. Research by Statista shows that the share of grocery store shoppers using Dollarama has increased by

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Indie Brand Launch Kit: How to Set Your Brand Up for Success

Brand Strategy /

Starting a business is like building a house – there are some fundamentals you must get right to ensure it stays standing and provides a foundation for the future. From building a business case to naming and branding, this toolkit will help entrepreneurs and indie brands build a solid foundation. This easy-to-follow worksheet will help

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Store

The Power of Concept Stores with Little or No Inventory

Retail Design /

Concept stores are an innovative departure from conventional brick-and-mortar stores, offering carefully curated, immersive encounters with a brand. Investing in a store that features minimal or no products on-site seems bold and costly. Why should brands consider such an investment? While profitability might not be the immediate outcome, concept stores possess great marketing potential. Their

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Trust

Building Brand Trust in an Age of Deep Fakes, Bot Factories & Angry AI

Brand Strategy /

In 2021 we launched a consumer study series to understand how misinformation impacted consumers. We discovered that despite an emerging skepticism, there was a high level of optimism as the pandemic appeared to be subsiding and life was finally “returning to normal.” Today, inflation, the war in Ukraine, climate-related extreme weather, and political division unfolding

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Think outside the box

Breaking Category Norms: 6 Brands That Went Against The Flow

Brand Strategy, Digital Experiences /

In the world of brand strategy, there are norms in each category that are considered to be the wisdom of the day. These rules are in flux, responding to changing market dynamics and consumer expectations, but it is uncommon for brands to deviate from norms. Occasionally, however, someone decides to go against the flow. In

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Theft versus Experience: A Behavioral Approach to Self-Checkouts

Retail /

Self-checkouts should be working better than they do. Although consumers are warming up to them, theft related to a cashier-less experience is so extreme that some retailers are pulling them out. Others are amping up deterrence measures, but many of these practices are rubbing consumers the wrong way. Is there a better approach? In this

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What Can CPG Brands Learn From Packaging Design In Asia?

Design Innovation, Food and Beverage, Packaging Design /

In Canada, an ethnically and culturally diverse country, it’s not hard to find CPG products imported from Asia. What can CPG brands in North America learn from their designs? From the sleek simplicity of Japanese packages to the playful charm of South Korean designs and the intricate artistry of Indian creations, the variety and creativity

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Automation and human interaction

How can AI shape customer experience design?

Retail /

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in various industries, and its impact on customer experience (CX) design is undeniable. AI starts to affect our work and daily lives, giving us answers, helping us with complex tasks, and lowering risks. With AI-powered solutions, the promise is that businesses can revolutionize customer interactions, engagement, and

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