Preview: Visual ASMR

04 : 04 : 2016 The-Emotional Economy : Advertising : Digital

Global – This week’s microtrend profiles a new type of visual fetishism emerging in creative communications.

  • Digital creatives are drawing on sensory phenomena such as ASMR
  • Visual stimuli are used to evoke a pleasurable sensation
Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström
Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström
Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström
Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström
Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström Physlab by Anny Wang and Tim Söderström

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is characterised by pleasurable tingling in response to certain sounds such as whispering. Now, new creatives are experimenting with using moving images to imitate tactility and give viewers similar sensory satisfaction.

‘The goal is for the the viewer to be able to imagine the tactile sensation from knowing the real-life experience,’ Tim Söderström, one half of the duo behind the Physlab series of animations, tells LS:N Global. Working with designer and illustrator Anny Wang, Söderström created short vignettes that depict inflated objects squeezing through tight openings, and ceramic vases being shattered in slow motion. The videos elicit a palpable, sensory satisfaction.

The Big Picture

In The E-motional Economy brands are increasingly using visual and tactile cues to create more emotive and sensory communications. To find out more about this new visual language, read our Visual ASMR microtrend.

Discover More Daily Signals
Pinterest reveals how parents are designing tech-free childhoods

Daily Signals

Pinterest reveals how parents are designing tech-free childhoods

Parents are increasingly seeking ways to raise children away from screens, according to a new parenting trends report from Pinterest.
Parenting : Technology : Childhood
M&S turns compliments into a marketing strategy

Daily Signals

M&S turns compliments into a marketing strategy

Retailer Marks & Spencer is building its positioning around positivity and everyday affirmation with a new campaign encouraging shoppers to sha...
Marketing : Celebrity Endorsements : Retail
Stat: China’s record travel surge signals opportunity for outdoor brands

Daily Signals

Stat: China’s record travel surge signals opportunity for outdoor brands

China’s 2026 Spring Festival generated record-breaking travel and spending, underscoring the scale of domestic mobility and the country’s growing a...
China : Travel : Statistic
Iga Węglińska explores the power of sensory restraint

Daily Signals

Iga Węglińska explores the power of sensory restraint

Designer Iga Węglińska’s Perfect Sense explores how design can recalibrate human perception. The project comprises a series of six masks that inves...
Design : Transhumanism : Senses
Foresight Friday: Martin Raymond, co-founder and editor-in-chief

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Martin Raymond, co-founder and editor-in-chief

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, co-founder Martin Ra...
Foresight Friday : Strategic Foresight : The Future Laboratory
Stat: Poor health and education drive female unemployment, new research shows

Daily Signals

Stat: Poor health and education drive female unemployment, new research shows

New research shows young women are increasingly falling out of the workforce in the UK, even as unemployment among young men declines.
Workplace : Unemployment : Women
Heineken turns winter chill into pub footfall with new campaign

Daily Signals

Heineken turns winter chill into pub footfall with new campaign

Heineken has launched a temperature-triggered digital out-of-home campaign designed to guide people out of the cold and into nearby pubs. 
Advertising : Marketing : Campaign
Why the opening of Tramp Health signals the rise of the wellness paradox

Daily Signals

Why the opening of Tramp Health signals the rise of the wellness paradox

London’s renowned private members’ nightclub Tramp is preparing to turn from late-night revelry to longevity culture.
Health And Wellness : Travel And Hospitality : Wellness Paradox
Stat: Canadians join global retreat from alcohol

Daily Signals

Stat: Canadians join global retreat from alcohol

A new report from Statistics Canada reveals that the country has recorded its largest annual decline in alcohol earnings since tracking began ...
Drinks : Satistic : Alcohol
Coach spotlights banned books in Explore Your Story campaign

Daily Signals

Coach spotlights banned books in Explore Your Story campaign

Luxury brand Coach has partnered with publishing company Penguin Random House and a range of independent publishers across Asia-Pacific to create f...
Luxury : Design : Marketing
You have 2 free Daily Signals remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN