Insights | VML

Neo humanoid. Courtesy of 1X Technologies

Insight

The humanoids shift

The next generation of artificial intelligence is shedding its screen-based constraints to walk, stretch, and pray alongside humanity.

Quartz concept ring. Courtesy of Modem and Retinaa

Insight

Proof of humanity

The digital world is facing an identity crisis and people want proof of life.

Photography by Hani Almuzaini. Courtest of Pexel

Insight

Olfactory archaeology

Perfumers are pioneering a new frontier in sensory storytelling by bringing the ancient and extinct back to life.

DogTV

Insight

Five pet care innovations

Even as the cost-of-living rises, petrents continue to splurge on their pets.

Alibaba

Insight

Superapp sovereignty

The race is on. Companies are competing to build the single app that will command every corner of our lives, redefining convenience and control.

United Airlines’ Relax Row transforms a standard row of three economy seats into a couch-like sleeping space. Courtesy of United Airlines

Insight

Elevated economy

If economy used to mean compromise, airlines are now quietly rewriting the deal.

What appears to be a classical tapestry on closer inspection depicts a crowd of adoring women around another in the centre wearing jeans and a denim shirt.

Insight

Tastemaking brands

For brands looking to cement their tastemaking credentials, Milan’s Salone del Mobile provides a showcase.

Insight

The human premium

In a world flooded with AI, the human touch is everything.

Vigloo hero

Insight

AI micro-dramas

If micro-dramas were built for speed, AI just pressed fast-forward.

Heinz Trade Up

Insight

Functional billboards

Billboards go beyond advertising and are now guiding commutes and sparking social interactions.

Bar interior featuring paneled wood booths, mirrored wall, teal blue divider screens and round black tables, with retro style globe lamps.

Insight

Retro-futurist design

In an era of technological overwhelm, the future looks more like the past.

A gourmet dessert or breakfast dish of stacked muffins sits on a wooden table in the foreground. In the blurry background, chefs in white uniforms and hats work in a professional kitchen.

Insight

Dining diversifies

Diners still want the experience of eating out, without a three course commitment.

Image by Mart Production. Courtesy of Pexels

Insight

Five new work formats

From microshifting to job-hugging – the work landscape is evolving in myriad ways.

Insight

SXSW 2026: Trends & insights

Welcome to the era of applied AI.

Aza Raskin on stage at SXSW 2026. He wears a beige casual jacket, white shirt and black jeans and is gesturing with his hands.

Insight

SXSW 2026: Wild intelligence

AI is breaking the ultimate language barrier: between humans and nature.

Mikael Kågebäck wears a light button-up shirt and sits against a softly blurred indoor background. He has a shaved head with a reddish-brown beard.

Insight

SXSW 2026: Q&A with Mikael Kågebäck, CTO at Sleep Cycle

"Sound is an incredibly rich signal for health"