Schools of Thought

Life’s Hallways: The Role of Liminality in Consumer Decision-Making A new way of thinking about customer journeys

As consumers transition through life’s milestones—whether turning 50, becoming a parent, or retiring—they enter a liminal state, caught between who they were and who they are becoming. This fascinating article explores how these threshold experiences shape decision-making and behavior, often creating moments of uncertainty or hesitation. By understanding liminality, market researchers can uncover deeper consumer motivations, enhance customer journey mapping, and identify new opportunities to support consumers in these transitional phases. From hallways cluttered with old shoes to the design of luxury resorts, this piece reveals how physical and symbolic spaces impact identity shifts—and how brands can leverage these insights for more meaningful engagement. […]

Book Reviews

Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live by Becca Levy, William Morrow, 2022 and Stage (Not Age): How to Understand and Serve People Over 60 by Susan Wilner Golden, Harvard Business Review, 2022

The world’s population is getting older, but businesses struggle to address this consequential shift. Two new books, Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & Well You Live, and Stage (Not Age): How to Understand and Serve People Over 60, explore the many negative ageist perceptions and self-perceptions that constrain business opportunities within the aging population. […]