Each and every week the Square Holes team are deep in the bowels of a number of projects, working to mine all of the insights that we can to help grow businesses and support thriving cities.

These insights are used by businesses and organisations to innovate their offerings, move into new markets, track their impact and hone their products and output. Each week we will be sharing a broad insight that we have learnt for you to use in your own work.

Let us know what you find valuable!

Jason: Vote of confidence

This week I’ve been moderating focus groups related to an upcoming election. It is interesting hearing different perspectives on voting – from it being important and a fundamental right to help steer the State or Country in the right direction, to it being a necessary evil, or such a hassle it is worth not voting and risking a fine. There is a lot of scepticism out there. What’s the point? One’s attitudes are helped shaped by friends and family surrounding us. Group think, confirmation bias and social proofing. We feel our attitudes are the ‘norm’ only because those friends, family and workmates who surround us share similar views. People new to Australia may come from countries in which the voting system was somewhat corrupt and where few voters genuinely decide the leaders who guide the future. Australia is a breath of fresh air. Our democratic right is a privilege. Others, such as Aboriginal people or those who feel ignored or not represented, may feel their vote is pointless. Not voting is worth the fine. It then becomes hard to influence the apathetic, to shift them from ‘what’s the point?’ to taking their vote seriously. Making it easy is step one, no excuses, then ensuring everyone takes their right as a serious privilege.

Dylan: Brain vs machine

The idea of impacting cognitive abilities because of an overreliance on AI (and other technologies) is something I’ve been reading a lot about the last few weeks – with data showing a steep decline in average intelligence in the digital age compared to previous generations. This has made me reflect on how easy it is to lean on AI for everything and without noticing, and let our own thinking muscles get weaker. It feels like the more we give ourselves and our tasks over to machines, the less practice we get at figuring things out ourselves. Maybe the biggest threat isn’t that AI becomes too smart for us to handle, but us becoming quietly less sharp. This has been a solid reminder to constantly be seeking ways to keep my brain active and challenged.

Mahalia: Assess your access 

Humans aren’t designed to be constantly accessible. We need time to sit in quiet, reflect, and allow our bodies and minds to rest. But the advent of the smart phone and social media has changed the expectation around access – with friends, family and workplaces demanding the ability to connect 24/7. We are starting to expect it from businesses and each other, and it’s draining us so much that AI seems like a good solution to sub out some of the those things that take time and focus – like creativity and writing. But these are the things that make us human – so wouldn’t it be better to bring back in some boundaries about how online and engaged we are? Instead of signing over the tasks that challenge and enliven our brains to computers, maybe we make more space to disconnect and go offline to cultivate our creativity and curiosity, before we lose it.

Think your business or organisation could do with some insights? Contact us here.