The article is written by Greg Taylor, Director of Brand Provocation at Elmwood, London

Having emerged this week from the coldest May for 100 years, the sun has burst through at last and there’s a collective spring in the step of the folks here in Fitzrovia. I never cease to be amazed by the power of nature and its effects on the human psyche. When we experience nature at its best, it magically frees our spirit. Our senses are triggered, we feel more alive, we feel good. But why? And how can we find ways to tap into nature even when the sun doesn’t shine?

The article is written by Jamey Wagner, Creative Director and Steve Leder, Associate Creative Director at Interbrand, USA

Reflecting busy consumers’ demands for convenience in today’s fast-paced world, some food brands are offering the nutritional benefits of solids in liquid form. Take, for instance, V8, the original drinkable food, applesauce in pouches with pour spouts, Fruit2Day’s “new way to eat fruit,” and yogurt’s evolution from Go-Gurt to a full-blown frenzy of drinkable options.

The article is written by Greg Taylor, Director of Brand Provocation at Elmwood, London

Feeling under pressure? Caught up in a frenzy of non-stop socialising on Facebook, Twitter and Yammer? Constantly being bombarded by brand extroverts making the most of their newfound ‘transmedia’ opportunities? These days, it’s almost impossible to escape the various digital demands of ‘your community’ or the intrusive molestations of brands. It’s at times like this I long for Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk’s calming lyrics, ‘It’s, oh, so quiet shh, shh. It’s, oh, so still shh, shh. You’re all alone shh, shh. And so peaceful….’

The article is written by Greg Taylor, Director of Brand Provocation at Elmwood, London

Those who’ve been around the block a few times, readily admit that for any industry to remain vibrant, it needs to bring in new talent. It’s what refreshes the gene pool, and without it, progress eventually stalls. Past experience also tells us that it’s when an industry is facing its toughest challenges that it needs to refresh its gene pool the most—no new-bloods, no refreshment.

Have your say, share your thoughts on this article written by Kathy Oneto, Vice President, Brand Strategy at Anthem Worldwide, USA,  San Francisco

There are a number of macro forces at work in the world that are impacting the Movement and Progress we expect. Those are covered here. From those, we predict a number of Sightings to expect in the new year that can inspire brands and businesses to move and progress themselves forward, as well.