Search Results

What makes intelligence? Is it the ability to solve puzzles, recall facts, or predict outcomes? A compelling view is that intelligence emerges from the union of two core abilities: the use of language and the use of memory. Language gives shape to thought. A sommelier can detect and describe subtle differences in wine not only because of sensory skill but also because of vocabulary. Words sharpen perception, making distinctions visible that might otherwise go unnoticed. Memory, by contrast, provides continuity. It preserves what has been learned, tested, and refined. Without memory, even the richest vocabulary collapses into scattered impressions. Together, language and memory create the scaffolding of expertise.

When the Most Promising Waters Turn Red You may be familiar with the “football theory of inflation,” an analogy introduced by economist William Nordhaus. It describes how spectators stand up to gain a better view, prompting others to follow suit, until eventually everyone is standing. No one’s view has improved, yet everyone is less comfortable. A similar effect can be seen in traffic jams: when navigation systems recommend the same detour, too many drivers take it, creating new congestion that leaves all worse off than if they had stayed on the original route.

It’s one of the least inspiring but most important truths in marketing: big brands have an unfair advantage. Not because they shout louder or spend recklessly, but because they’ve already built something smaller brands are still chasing: existing ad stock to fall back on . The pivotal work from Paul Dyson, amplified by Mark Ritson, already a similar case: brand size is the most important factor for campaign impact. In his meta-analyses across thousands of campaigns, he found brand size to be the biggest driver of advertising profitability. In simple terms: the bigger the brand, the better the odds that your advertising actually works.

We are proud to share that DVJ Insights received an ESOMAR Award for Best Use of Data. The project integrated AI-generated cognitive demand with solid pre-testing to better understand how advertisers could engage consumers better. It shows that there is an optimum of cognitive demand and an ideal build during a commercial. With this study advertisers and agencies are better equipped to make campaigns that create impact. A big thank you to Jelle Quak, Jori van de Spijker and Mark Vroegrijk for this outstanding idea and execution.

Reducing Friction in Online Shopping Shopping online should be easy. You find what you want, click a few buttons, and it’s on its way to your home. So why does it go wrong so often? For many shoppers, the journey from browsing to buying is riddled with obstacles. Confusing menus, missing product details and clunky checkout processes frequently derail purchases.