It was perhaps only a matter of time but its surprising that Toshiba’s new object recognition scanner hasn’t created more of a fuss.  Basically what it does is dispense with the need for barcodes as it can recognise products from their colour, shape, labelling etc.  Its being trialled by a supermarket in Japan and shows lots of potential.  The really interesting extension of this technology is what could be done with it in smartphones, Google goggles and other AR applications.

The Psychology of Retail: What Cows and Casinos Reveal About Customer Behaviour

The Psychology of Retail: What Cows and Casinos Reveal About Customer Behaviour

What do dairy cows and casinos have in common with supermarkets, airports, and resorts? More than most retailers realise. This article explores the behavioural systems that shape customer flow, reduce friction, influence time perception, and drive sustainable yield. From routine and reinforcement to stress and throughput, the mechanics behind milk production and gambling floors reveal powerful lessons for retail strategy, customer experience design, and revenue optimisation.

When You Can’t Leave: Designing for the Flight Reflex in Airports, Venues, and Hospitals

When You Can’t Leave: Designing for the Flight Reflex in Airports, Venues, and Hospitals

In high-stimulus public spaces, our bodies do more than react – they strategise.
Airports, hospitals, and stadiums all evoke subtle “Flight” responses: scanning, pacing, early exits.
Understanding how threat appraisal drives behaviour can help architects and planners design calmer spaces – and reveal why relaxation, not excitement, predicts dwell, spend, and satisfaction.

The Last Ten Minutes of Luxury

The Last Ten Minutes of Luxury

Guests pay for days yet remember minutes. The peak end rule explains why a stay often lives or dies on one high moment and the day of departure. What works, what fails, and how to design the arc so memory carries your brand home.