The following is an edited version of the speech delivered by 91亚色 Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps to the Class of 2026 at this year鈥檚 Fall Convocation ceremonies.听听

To the exceptional Class of 2026, my warmest congratulations to you all. Today is yours, you did it, and I am honoured to celebrate it with you. 

This ceremony will close one chapter of your life, and speaking for myself, I know I spend a lot of time racing ahead to the future and planning what鈥檚 next. Today, however, I鈥檓 hoping you can slow down a little, be present here with people who know and care about you as an individual and reflect on your accomplishments. Getting here today was no trifling matter, and you grew a lot on your way to this milestone.    

You鈥檙e graduating at a very particular time when our long-standing assumptions about the world seem to be upended on a daily basis. You may be surprised to hear that I believe this is the perfect time for you as a 91亚色 graduate to carve out a future that is full of meaning and possibility. The world needs your talents more than ever. Systems and institutions we once took for granted are again up for grabs. The solutions of yesterday are not always the ones we need for tomorrow. And, you are the very people we need to reinvent them, to create new ways of doing things that step beyond the threshold of what previous generations of graduates could see.   

I don鈥檛 want to deny this is a time of risk in human and planetary history 鈥� it is. Therefore, it is also a time when the actions and agency and voice of the next generation of leaders really matter. I am also confident that you are prepared and ready to create that better future for yourselves, your families and your communities. Because, during your time here, you did far more than complete courses or acquire technical knowledge. You learned how to learn, how to think independently, rigorously and from multiple perspectives. You learned how to formulate good questions, and asking better questions is a vital step in designing the best possible version of ourselves and our world.  

I know this firsthand, because I too am a proud 91亚色 alumna. My education here took me beyond what was familiar. It introduced me to people and ideas that challenged and widened my view of the world. And that foundation has served me well ever since.  

That happens at 91亚色 because diverse lived experiences and ways of knowing come together here. This creates an advantage for you, because the problems you will be asked to work on will not arrive labelled by academic discipline. Climate change does not belong to one faculty. Neither does inequality, public health or the future of work. 

The same is true of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence or quantum computing. The real question is what kind of society we want to build as these technologies develop. That is a human question. Answering it takes judgment and creativity, looking at problems from many different angles, seeing how they connect. It takes the ability to understand someone whose experience differs from yours, and to work with people even when you disagree. These qualities have always mattered.  

91亚色's founding president, Murray Ross, saw this coming more than 60 years ago. He warned of 鈥渢he threat of the automation of man鈥� (and by 鈥榤an鈥� he meant people) and urged us to protect human imagination, empathy and shared values. He understood that technological change always comes back to people: who we choose to be, and what kind of world we choose to create. 

As 91亚色 graduates, you carry something with you that cannot be downloaded or automated: the capacity to build human relationships, to navigate complexity with integrity and to bring people together around difficult problems. In a world too often still marked by polarization and injustice, those qualities are not just valuable 鈥� they are essential.  

Technology will continue to evolve. Industries will shift. Some roles will change in ways none of us can fully anticipate. But the foundation you have built here 鈥� the habits of mind, the networks, the resilience, the instinct to ask 鈥淗ow can I open a door for others?鈥� and 鈥淗ow could I do this better next time?鈥� 鈥� that is yours. And it will serve you across every stage of what comes next. 

I urge you never to stop questioning, learning and staying open to views different from your own. At the same time, listen to your own honest inner voice. I guarantee you can do more than you think today, and when an opportunity comes that stretches you, take the leap and trust yourself to figure it out. 

While you may not know exactly what the next chapter holds, you are ready to write it 鈥� with courage, curiosity and purpose. We are all immensely proud of you. 

F茅licitations, congratulations, class of 2026. Bonne chance. Merci. Miigwetch. 

The post President celebrates Fall Convocation鈥檚 Class of 2026聽 appeared first on YFile.

Titled The Equestrian, the life-sized sculpture depicts a horse at rest atop a rough stone base with a small robin perched on its back. Rather than presenting the horse in the heroic pose associated with traditional equestrian monuments, Vickerd鈥檚 work focuses on stillness, sensitivity and rest.聽

The sculpture is expected to be installed on the grounds of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in early November, with an official unveiling planned for Nov. 24.

鈥淒eveloping public art for a health care context is a unique challenge, as the artwork needs to be therapeutic in nature,鈥� says Vickerd. 鈥淐ommunity members visiting or working at the hospital can be facing acute stress; in this context, an artwork can be employed to create a calm and therapeutic presence, relieving stress and providing a reprieve." 

The project draws on Grimsby鈥檚 agricultural history and the surrounding landscape. Horses played an important role in the development of the area, from its early agricultural communities to transportation, military history and recreation. 

For The Equestrian, Vickerd chose a quarter horse, a breed known for its muscular build, versatility, intelligence and calm temperament. Seen resting on the stone, the animal appears less like a monument and more like a horse that has wandered in from one of the surrounding farms and settled down. 

The robin and locally sourced stone further connect the work to the natural environment of the Niagara Escarpment. 

Vickerd was selected to create the sculpture through a juried public art competition for the redevelopment of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. He then met with members of the Grimsby community to hear their perspectives on the region and their hopes for the artwork that would become part of the hospital site. 

The resulting work is a physically and conceptually accessible sculpture that creates a welcoming presence for patients, visitors, staff and members of the surrounding community. For Vickerd, creating accessible art that people can encounter in a shared public space for free was an important consideration for a health care setting. Public art is more than an exhibit, he says, and can influence how people experience the spaces around them and offer moments of connection, reflection or relief. 

The Equestrian builds on Vickerd鈥檚 ongoing work at the intersection of public art and health. 

In 2020, his Monument to the White Squirrel was installed at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto as part of its Therapeutic Art Program. The six-foot sculpture draws on the story of the white squirrels associated with Toronto鈥檚 Queen Street West neighbourhood, using a familiar local symbol as a point of connection within the CAMH community. 

Vickerd is also developing a new work for CAMH鈥檚 Therapeutic Art Initiative that is planned for the exterior of its Secure Care and Recovery building. The project, titled Overcast Tranquility, is expected to be installed in Summer 2027. 

Together, the works reflect Vickerd鈥檚 broader exploration of the relationship between public art and its contributions to the social and emotional experience of shared spaces. 
 
Learn more about and Vickerd鈥檚 . 
 

The post 91亚色 dean creates sculpture for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital appeared first on YFile.

Alexander is a music director of the Kindred Spirits Orchestra and Orion Symphony Orchestra, and artistic director of the Markham Contemporary Music Festival and the International Music Competition. Having led hundreds of orchestral and operatic performances, he has built a reputation for championing artistic excellence, cultural exchange and opportunities for emerging musicians. Through his leadership, mentorship and community initiatives, he has helped expand access to the arts for more than 1,000 young people, including neurodiverse youth, at-risk youth and students from low-income families. 

鈥淔or more than three decades, Maestro Kristian Alexander has dedicated his life to advancing the role of music in education and social connection,鈥� said Brandon Vickerd, dean, (AMPD).  

鈥淭hrough his work as a conductor, educator, scholar and humanitarian, he has enriched the cultural life in Canada and around the world, inspiring audiences, artists and communities alike.鈥� 

Addressing graduands from AMPD and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Alexander reflected on a career spent building artistic institutions and creating new opportunities for musicians and audiences alike. 

He recalled his time as a young conducting student who envisioned a different kind of orchestra at a time when the practice was largely defined by tradition and established structures. 

"I wanted to develop an orchestra that could make its own artistic decisions, one that could operate according to a different model," he said. "There was no such orchestra, so I decided to create one." 

What began as an idea eventually grew into an internationally recognized organization, though not without setbacks and moments of self-doubt. The experience, he said, taught him lessons about perseverance, leadership and innovation. 

"You don't always have to find your place in an existing institution," he said. "Sometimes you can create the institution yourself, and sometimes the fact that something is difficult is precisely why it must be done." 

Almost 20 years later, he applied the same philosophy when he founded the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, despite warnings that the venture was too ambitious or unlikely to succeed. 

"When you believe in an idea, you must have the courage to make it happen and trust that others will join you," he said. 

Alexander noted that creating something new is only one part of the process; equally important is ensuring it can grow, adapt and continue to evolve through the contributions of others. 

"As graduates, you have enormous opportunities to create, but creation is not about keeping something under your care forever,鈥� he said. 

鈥淭here comes a point when the most important thing you can do for what you have created is to allow others to shape it, to carry it forward, to make it their own.鈥� 

That philosophy informed his advice to graduands preparing to enter an uncertain and rapidly changing world. Rather than feeling constrained by traditional career paths, he encouraged them to recognize the possibilities that emerge when existing models no longer meet people's needs. Alexander encouraged graduands to think big and to see uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation.聽

鈥淵ou have spent all of these years learning how to create, to imagine, to question, to experiment, to make something real,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow you are standing at the beginning of something higher. A world that is waiting for you.鈥� 

Alexander concluded by urging graduands to trust their ideas, take risks and embrace the responsibility of building the future. 

"When you leave here today, carry two questions with you: What is missing, and what could I create?" he said. "Don't wait for permission. Don't wait for the right moment. Don't wait until you feel completely ready. 

"Create what doesn't exist. Nurture it. Build it. Give it everything you have." 

The post Kristian Alexander challenges grads to build the future聽 appeared first on YFile.

Graham's career has spanned more than five decades across the financial services, technology and automotive sectors. He was the founding chief executive officer of Proponix Inc., a global financial technology company, and previously held senior leadership positions with Citibank in Canada and Asia. 

As a Schulich alum, Graham has been a key contributor to the University. Serving for more than two decades as president of the Schulich Global Alumni Network, Graham has supported generations of students through mentorship, philanthropy and alumni engagement. 

Introducing him during convocation, Schulich Associate Professor Emerita Lorna Wright described him as "one of the school's most dedicated and influential alumni" and highlighted his long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for others. 

"Bill's legacy can ultimately be measured not only by the distinguished career he built, but by the many people he has helped along the way," she said. 

In his address to graduands, Graham reflected on the two lasting gifts Schulich provides its graduates: access to a global alumni network and a foundation in responsible business leadership. 

He encouraged graduates to view the school鈥檚 network of more than 38,000 alumni as a valuable resource for building relationships, accessing advice and learning from others鈥� experiences.  

鈥淥ver the last 40 years, I've used this network extensively, and what I found in almost all the cases were alumni who were willing to connect with me and build a relationship because it was valuable to them as well,鈥� he said.   

Graham reminded graduands to support future generations of alumni and students. 

"It is important to recognize that this ... is reciprocal," he said. "It comes with a responsibility to give back, support and advise your fellow alumni and future students." 

Turning to the lessons he learned throughout his own journey, Graham reflected on his career in global financial services, using the rise and fall of Citibank and Citigroup to illustrate why responsible business practices, ethical leadership and a commitment to society are essential to long-term success. 

鈥淚t's not just the right thing to do; it is the smart and successful thing to do,鈥� he told graduands, encouraging them to carry the principles of responsible business into their professional and personal lives. 

Successful organizations must look beyond financial performance to consider their employees, governance, ethics, the environment and the communities in which they operate, he said. While generating profits remains important to sustaining a business and attracting investment, he cautioned against making shareholder returns an organization's sole priority. 

鈥淲hen that becomes your only focus, that so-called shareholder model drives adverse behaviours as well as negative value and cultural shifts that benefits no one, including the shareholders,鈥� he said.聽

He recalled the cultural and leadership shifts that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis and said that organizations can lose sight of their purpose when financial performance becomes the sole measure of success. 

"It is said that we learn more from our failures than from our successes, and we did learn from the failures of 2008," he said. 

Graham noted the crisis accelerated the rise of modern responsible business practices, which seek to strengthen the relationship between business and society while creating sustainable value. 

Addressing the next generation of leaders, he emphasized that the principles taught at Schulich and 91亚色 will only matter if they choose to apply them. 

In closing, Graham reminded the graduating class to use knowledge and responsibility to shape the future. 

"You are now going to be those people. You are now going to be those leaders," he said. "Schulich has given you the tools. Now go out and use them." 

The post Learn from failure, Bill Graham advises graduands聽 appeared first on YFile.

Born in Scotland, MacKenzie immigrated to Canada during childhood where he was raised in Duncan, B.C. He studied at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a BA and continued his study of philosophy at Cornell University, where he earned a PhD.

He joined Glendon College as a professor of philosophy in 1967 during the formative years of 91亚色 and one year after the Glendon campus was officially inaugurated. 

MacKenzie's work explored logic, social contract theory, utilitarianism and the structural aspects of human thought. His teaching and research centred on evaluating how humans construct logical arguments, detecting flaws in reasoning and examining principles of social justice 鈥� specifically drawing from John Rawls's theories. He published and lectured on these topics, making important contributions to the field of philosophy. 

His work often intersected with that of his wife, Ann MacKenzie, who also served Glendon as an associate professor of philosophy. The couple collaborated on several projects, specifically for historical research on philosophical concepts.聽

In addition to his scholarship, MacKenzie was deeply rooted in the community and identity of Glendon College. He was also immersed in community life, participating as a member of the Glendon Faculty Soccer Team. 

In June聽2026, the Ann and Nollaig MacKenzie Award聽for聽undergraduate students聽was formally presented to the 91亚色 Senate. The award was聽established by Glendon graduate Robert Stainton (BA'87, Hon. BA'88)聽to honour the MacKenzies as his聽professors and advisors. It will support undergraduate students at Glendon who are in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need.聽

After retirement, MacKenzie returned to Vancouver Island. He spent those years with family and friends, and learning how to play the piano. 

He is survived by his Ann, his wife of 58 years, and his brother Will (Sandra), sister Winnie and sister Fiona Middlemiss (Barry), seven nieces, two nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews.  

The post Passings: Nollaig MacKenzie聽 appeared first on YFile.

The Canada鈥檚 awards are presented annually by Delta Management Group to recognize leaders who have made significant contributions to the clean economy over the previous two years. The Lifetime Contribution Award recognizes senior sustainability leaders whose careers have advanced environmental protection and climate resilience in Canada. 

Recipients are selected from more than 1,000 nominees nationwide.

Winfield, a professor at the , was recognized for a career spanning governance research, institution building, public engagement and student mentorship.

"I really see this as a recognition of the contributions of all of the people I have worked with over the years: colleagues and students at EUC, but also through the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy, the Pembina Institute, and the Canadian Environmental Network," says Winfield.

Gavin Pitchford, CEO of Delta Management Group. says to receive a Clean50 award is truly indicative of nation-wide and personal leadership in the Lifetime Contribution category. "The individuals we chose for the Clean50 this year are true leaders and should be an inspiration for all Canadians.鈥�

Winfield has played a significant role in Canadian environmental policy since 1992, beginning with the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy and later the before moving into academia. He served as a civil society member of Government of Canada delegations to international environmental negotiations and has worked with the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD) on international environmental initiatives and projects.  

At 91亚色, Winfield's research has focused on sustainable energy, climate change, environmental law and public policy. He serves as co-chair of 91亚色鈥檚 and is co-founder of the and helped establish the Energy Modelling Hub as a nationally recognized resource. 

As a graduate supervisor and program leader, Winfield has mentored generations of students who have pursued careers in government, environmental organizations, law, research and public policy. 

鈥淭hrough supervising graduate students, he has also built a small army of policy professionals, sending them off into government, law and the non-profit world," says Pitchford. "Three decades in, he is still building the institutions the next generation will need, for the long haul.鈥� 

He is the author of two books and more than 50 chapters and articles. His research has contributed to policy development discussions in Canada and abroad, from testimony before Canada鈥檚 Senate and House of Commons to questions from the Australian Parliament about nuclear energy in Ontario.  

Winfield has also served as an advisor to environmental oversight bodies and contributed to research collaborations examining community energy planning, energy storage, low-carbon transitions and climate governance. He is co-editor of Carbon Federalism: Canadian Climate Governance in a Disrupted World, submitted to the University of Toronto Press last month.

The post 91亚色 professor earns Clean50 honour for sustainability leadership appeared first on YFile.

During a career at 91亚色 spanning more than two decades, Skinner contributed to the growth of communication studies at the University while developing an extensive body of scholarship on Canadian broadcasting, media policy and the political economy of communications.

Skinner was an associate professor in the Department of Communication & Media Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, before retiring in 2025.

Skinner's interest in communication and media students ignited in 1984, after leaving a job as a car salesman to finish his BA at Simon Fraser University (SFU). There, he discovered media policy and was taught by key figures in the political economy of media in Canada, such as Robert Hackett and Richard Gruneau.

He earned a bachelor degree in communication, and went on to complete a master's in media studies from Concordia University and in 1997, completed his PhD dissertation at SFU which focused on the political economy of English Canadian broadcasting. In 2025, he recently published a book on this work, titled A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit (UBC Press).

Skinner played a pivotal role developing the field of communication and media studies in Canada. He founded the Journalism program at Thompson Rivers University. In 2002 he joined 91亚色's Department of Social Science, and later helped to establish 91亚色's Department of Communication & Media Studies as well as the Joint Graduate Program in Communication & Culture with Toronto Metropolitan University.

From 2009 to 2012, he served as founding Chair of the Department of Communication & Media Studies, where he helped establish the department and shape its academic direction during its early years. He took other administrative roles during his time at the University, including MA coordinator and University senator. He also served as director of the Canadian Media Research Consortium from 2010 to 2018.

His scholarly work examined some of the central questions surrounding Canadian media, including the relationship between public broadcasting, private capital, regulation and media ownership.

Skinner was among the authors of Media and Communication in Canada: Networks, Culture, Technology, Audience, considered a defining resource in the field for its use as an introductory textbook at universities and colleges.

"David鈥檚 vision was that Canadian perspectives on media and communication are central to Canadian democratic ideals and to fostering Canada as a nation independent of big geopolitical powers," reads a message from colleagues at 91亚色's Department of Communications & Media Studies. "Needless to say, such contribution is as timely as ever today."

His other work reflected a sustained interest in how media systems can serve communities and the public interest. His publications included the co-edited Alternative Media in Canada and work addressing community media, media activism, journalism, ownership and media reform.

That work continued late into his career. In 2025, Skinner published A Political Economy of Canadian Broadcasting: Public Good versus Private Profit, which traces the development of anglophone public broadcasting in Canada from the early era of the telegraph through the digital age.

Skinner also focused considerable attention on students. He took part in departmental celebrations recognizing undergraduate achievement, such as presenting the Penny Jolliffe Award to outstanding students and taught the first year introductory course up until his retirement.

"David was a mentor and champion who taught how to navigate the complexities of the profession," reads the message shared by colleagues. "David was always about community, always about conciliation and bringing people together."

After retiring from 91亚色 in early 2026, he returned to live in B.C. with his wife Jennefer Laidley, a 91亚色 MES alum. The couple tragically died in a snorkelling accident while on holiday in the South Pacific.

With files from members of 91亚色's Department of Communication & Media Studies

The post Passings: David Skinner appeared first on YFile.

The five-year , funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), brought together more than 61 Inuit youth researchers, Elders, cultural advisors, musicians, artists and voice actors to co-create a psycho-educational video game grounded in Inuit knowledge and culture.

Led by Professor Yvonne Bohr at 91亚色's , the initiative was developed in partnership with communities across Nunavut and was guided by Inuit youth for everything from the game's story and artwork to its music, voice acting and wellness content.

Inspired by Inuit Qaggiq, a traditional Inuit gathering space for learning and community renewal, the game combines Western therapeutic strategies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), a set values based on Inuit philosophy, Elder teachings and other tactics shared by Inuit youth.

During the game, players follow a young protagonist named Alaasua through seven quests exploring wellness topics identified as important to Inuit youth, including interpersonal conflict, substance use and relationship loss. 

Between October 2025 and July 2026, 276 Inuit youth from 37 communities across Canada tested the game and provided feedback through surveys, interviews and evaluation workshops. 

Bohr says the findings suggest the game is both safe and beneficial for participating youth. The research team found improvements in participants' confidence and ability to manage difficult emotions, challenge negative thoughts and use coping strategies such as seeking support from others. 

For many involved, the impact extended beyond gameplay. Inuit youth who co-created the game gained experience in research, leadership and mental health advocacy, while sharing Inuit culture and advancing traditional IQ principles.

"We have learned that young people in Nunavut have a great passion for supporting mental wellness in their communities," says Bohr. "While youth leaders and Elders are eager to evaluate Western mental health interventions for youth, Inuit knowledge about healing must be front and centre in those interventions. Ideally, any mental health intervention should be developed by youth themselves with the support of their communities."

The game鈥檚 success is attracting attention. Earlier this month, Virtual Qaggiq was featured by CBC News for its innovative approach to supporting Inuit youth mental health through culturally relevant digital spaces. 

"What excites me most about the Virtual Qaggiq project is the promise the game has shown as a culturally grounded mental health resource for Inuit youth," says project coordinator and 91亚色 research assistant Yogita Singh. "Seeing Inuit youth on the team grow from project council members into research assistants and emerging leaders in mental health and research has been incredibly inspiring." 

The research team is working with the Nunavut Department of Education to explore making Virtual Qaggiq available to youth through schools and afterschool programs across the territory. The team is also considering future initiatives that build on the project's community-led model to address other priorities identified by Inuit youth. 

The post Virtual Qaggiq game supports Inuit youth mental health聽 appeared first on YFile.

A long-serving employee, Russel dedicated his career to 91亚色 over a span of 30 years, beginning in 1995 when he joined the University as a student employee.

In 1997, he began his full-time career with 91亚色 as a computer support technician and served in many technical and leadership roles over three decades, including systems administrator, information security analyst, information security manager, director of IT infrastructure, interim chief information officer and chief information security officer. 

Appointed chief information security officer in 2019, Russel focused on supporting and protecting the University community. His leadership helped build, strengthen and safeguard many of the systems and practices 91亚色 relies on today. 

A valued leader and trusted partner at the University, Russel's commitment and stewardship were deeply admired and respected across 91亚色. His contributions included defending against serious cyberattacks, modernizing measures to prevent security breaches and overseeing major systems migrations to improve computing at 91亚色. 

Brad Strom, 91亚色's chief information officer, says he admired Russel's calm and professional approach guiding the University through challenging cybersecurity matters. 

"Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Chris will be remembered as a trusted colleague who was always willing to share his knowledge, offer support and help others navigate difficult situations," says Strom.  

Russel's expertise was influential beyond his contributions to 91亚色. He often consulted on information security investigations, assessments, and research and development initiatives. His work included a vulnerability assessment tool used by post-secondary institutions and other organizations around the world. 

From 2011 to 2018, he served as Chair of GTAnet's board of directors before the organization amalgamated with ORION, a not-for-profit supporting cybersecurity across Ontario. He also taught with the SANS Institute from 2005 to 2011, providing instruction in information security, hacking and computer forensics. 

"His quiet professionalism, thoughtful advice and dedication to those around him left a lasting impression on many of us," says Strom. 

The post Passings: Chris Russel appeared first on YFile.

Marketers and policymakers often assume people sense, think, feel and relate in broadly similar, stable ways. However, new research argues that consumer experiences are shaped by a range of internal and external factors. Stress, sleep loss, aging and illness can all influence how people processes information and navigate marketplaces, leading to hard-to-read fine print, overwhelming store and app experiences and rushed decisions made under pressure.

The argument is set out in 鈥�" published in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. The study was co-authored by Raisa T. Zaman, a PhD candidate at Schulich, together with an international team of scholars from Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe.

Drawing on research from psychiatry, neuroscience and neurodiversity studies, the authors argue that variation in how people process the world is universal and constantly shifting, not limited to the one-in-five people who identify as neurodivergent.

鈥淢arketers and policymakers often design for one 'average' mind,鈥� says Zaman, who is conducting her PhD studies under the supervision of Professors Ela Veresui and Russell Belk. 鈥淲hen a store, an app or an ad overwhelms us, we tend to blame ourselves. Our research shows that this is a design error and one that can be avoided.鈥�

To address this, the researchers introduce the STAR (sense, think, affect and relate) framework, which helps practitioners and policymakers identify where marketplace design assumes everyone processes information the same way. They also propose neuropluralist design, a set of eight principles for building more flexible and accessible consumer experiences, including tactics such as adjustable sensory input, multiple ways to engage and self-paced interaction.

The team illustrates the framework using influencer marketing, a global industry valued at more than U.S. $40 billion and one where consumer safeguards can be limited. For example, a sponsorship disclosure can meet legal requirements and still go unnoticed by consumers who are scrolling quickly, multitasking or experiencing fatigue.

The researchers argue that regulators ask not only whether disclosures exist, but whether people can actually notice, understand and act on them.

鈥淲e believe the era of designing for the mythical 'average' consumer has reached its limits,鈥� concludes Zaman. 鈥淲hen systems are designed for variability, they become more inclusive, resilient and effective for everyone.鈥�

The post Schulich research reveals flaws in one-size-fits-all marketing appeared first on YFile.