October 2021
Making the shoe fit
Empathy is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, often followed by the suggestion to “put yourself in the other person’s shoe.” OK… but with the world going digital and AI at our doorsteps, making the shoe fit isn’t always easy. Empathy plays a significant role in our EQ (emotional intelligence), so how do you apply this very human quality to someone sitting behind a screen?
MUST-READS
AE: Artificial Emotions
We’ve been programming robots to think for years, but teaching them to feel is a bit more complex. And it’s not about helping them develop the capacity to write love songs (leave that to the algorithms). It’s about taking data analysis to the next level. Take a deep dive into consumer habits to understand the “motivations, attitudes, values and fears” that drive people to their favourite brands and products. AI might help us solve for X, but empathy provides us with the all-important why.
Human problems require human solutions
HCD. It’s not some new kind of high-def TV. It stands for human-centered design. HCD is all about connecting with consumers on a human level. It teaches us that a target audience is more than the sum of its parts and views are no indication that people are actually paying attention. So what’s the answer? One word: empathy. Instead of digging through a mountain of KPIs, you’re better off going for a human-based approach that prioritizes engaging with your audience and focusing on their journey.
A different kind of empathy
Empathy (that’s its name) is a new app making waves among investors and users alike. The app is designed to help those in mourning deal with everything that comes after the loss of a loved one. From helping people find counsellors to dealing with complicated estate paperwork and funeral arrangements, the app takes digital empathy to another level.
SEIZE THE DAY
No, I did not forget anything...
Step into the shoes of Camden CEO Mathieu Bédard as he walks through the streets of Lyon to visit the agency’s French contingent. With certain travel restrictions lifted, an in-person get-together with some members of Camden’s global network was a welcome change.
BY THE NUMBERS
67
According to a study by Indeed, 67% of workers had increased feelings of burnout during the pandemic. Vacation (more like staycation) might temporarily alleviate symptoms but with certain restrictions still in place and the new normal being less than ideal, it’s hard for people to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it’s communicating with employees, coworkers, or customers, empathy can go a long way.
EARWORTHY
And now, a word from our sponsors…
Did you know there are different types of empathy? Did you know it’s a trait that can be learned? Stuff You Should Know hosts Chuck and Josh take a close look at empathy. They answer the big questions on the subject with a conversation that goes beyond questions of good and evil and why a lack of empathy doesn’t necessarily make you a sociopath.
