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Musings of a Design Economist


A Picture (Frame?) is Worth a Thousand Words
A medical treatment succeeds 90% of the time. The same treatment fails 10% of the time. These statements contain identical information,...
8 min read


Culture as Infrastructure
For decades, Nigeria has been framed through a single economic lens: oil. Politicians debate resource management, economists analyze commodity price volatility and development strategists focus on diversification away from petroleum dependence. Yet this framing may be fundamentally misguided, overlooking Nigeria's most valuable and sustainable economic asset, which is its cultural capital.
9 min read


Branding by Sound
The business world runs on invisible signals. Among the most powerful is sound. When you hear the MGM lion roar or the Intel chime, your...
3 min read


The Silent Language of True Value
Authentic luxury speaks in low tones that the truly discerning can hear. This fundamental feature shapes how luxury brands build and...
3 min read


The $300 Billion Dollar Bottle
A square water bottle sells for 40% more than a round one. This single design choice creates market power worth billions of dollars....
2 min read


Classical Conditioning: The Economic Power of Learned Behavior
Consider Apple's signature unboxing experience: • the slow-lifting lid, • the perfectly fitted components, and • the pristine...
4 min read


Frozen Assets: The $10 Ice Cube Revolution in Modern Dining
On a quiet Monday morning in Manhattan, a chef at a three Michelin starred restaurant spends 45 minutes contemplating ice. He examines...
3 min read


The Paradox of Time: When Slower Means Better
In an era obsessed with speed and efficiency, a curious psychological phenomenon persists: we often associate longer wait times with...
3 min read


Local Culture and Professionalism
In the bustling tech corridors of Bangalore, manufacturing hubs of São Paulo, and financial centers of Lagos, a quiet revolution seems to...
3 min read


The Power of Social Proof: How Others Shape Our Decisions
Have you ever chosen a restaurant because it was crowded, assuming it must be good? Or felt more inclined to buy a product after seeing...
3 min read


The Power of Color
Ever wonder why certain brands always use the same colors? Or why some websites make you feel calm while others energize you? The answer...
2 min read


The Psychology of Pricing: How Neuromarketing Shapes Consumer Behavior
Ever wonder why certain price tags seem to jump out at you while others fade into the background? Or why some products feel like a steal...
3 min read


This Cucumber Salad Trend is Reshaping Restaurant Menus and Supply Chains
Have you noticed cucumber salads popping up everywhere lately? This refreshing dish is making waves not only in the culinary world. Let's...
2 min read


Economics of Exclusivity: Insights from a $280,000 Watch
When we look at the world of ultra-luxury goods, traditional economic principles often seem to operate differently. A prime example of...
2 min read
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