Business & Entrepreneurship

Why walkable neighborhoods aren’t just about distance

Katy Hill — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:10:05 +0000

Why walkable neighborhoods aren’t just about distance Katy Hill Wed, 03/11/2026 - 11:10

Katy Marquardt Hill

Ever found yourself driving to the grocery store or a coffee shop even though it’s a 10-minute walk and perfectly nice day? New research suggests the reason isn’t just distance—it’s how the walk feels.

Traditional walk scores like the ones featured on real estate websites claim to measure how pedestrian-friendly a home is, but in reality, most just gauge how close you are to stores, cafes or parks. So a 10-minute walk counts the same whether it’s along a tree-lined street or a car-heavy road with little to see. But it’s the sights, street life and amenities along the way that strongly shape whether people decide to walk, according to preliminary research shared ahead of formal journal publication.

“Distance still matters a lot,” said Sentao Miao, an assistant professor of operations management at the Leeds School of Business and a co-author of the paper, which was posted online in July 2025. “But beyond that, the bigger factor is how interesting the walk is. A boring stretch of road will discourage walking, while a street lined with shops, cafes and parks—even if you don’t enter them—encourages people to walk instead of drive.”

Designing for walkability, Miao said, requires thinking about what people see, pass and experience on the way to their destination—not just how close that destination is.

Street experience

To figure out what makes a walk appealing, the researchers, who also included Haoran Guo and Wei Qi of Tsinghua University in Beijing, and Jian Cui and Zhenning Dong of Amap Alibaba Group, studied anonymized travel data from about 100,000 people in Beijing, covering roughly 3.4 million trips over one year.

The data tracked where people started and ended their trips, how long the trips took and how they got around (locations were rounded to 100-meter blocks to protect privacy.) The researchers looked at the trips alongside maps of nearby shops, cafes and parks to see how neighborhood layout affects walking.

“You want the walk to be interesting, with different types of facilities along the way,” Miao said. “Even if you don’t go into the stores, passing by shops, cafes or parks makes the street feel lively and increases the chances people will choose to walk.”

The researchers grouped pedestrians into two types: hedonic walkers, who stroll for fun or shopping, and utilitarian walkers, who walk with a purpose, like commuting or running errands. Hedonic walkers are drawn to shops, cafes and entertainment, while utilitarian walkers care more about easy stops, like a corner store or grab-and-go café.

Human-centered design

The way neighborhood amenities are arranged also influences whether people choose to walk, the researchers found. In already walkable neighborhoods, spreading shops and restaurants throughout several streets makes walking more enjoyable. In less walkable areas, clustering amenities along a single “main street” creates an attraction and encourages people to walk.

“If your neighborhood isn’t very walkable, clustering shops and services along a single street can create a real attraction,” Miao said. “People will go there because there’s a lot to do in one place—like a Main Street. But if the area is already pedestrian-friendly, adding everything to one street doesn’t help much. It’s better to spread things out so the whole neighborhood feels lively.”

The findings have practical implications for urban planners, real estate developers and city officials, Miao said. Rather than overhauling an entire city, small, targeted improvements like adding amenities along certain streets, improving pedestrian experience by adding trees or benches, or carefully locating parks, can make walking a more attractive option and potentially shift residents away from driving for short trips.

The research also points to the importance of human-centered design. What works in one city might not work in another, and cultural habits and personal preferences also influence whether people actually walk. Looking at what residents really choose to do, or simply observing how they move through their neighborhoods, can help planners design places that better fit how people live, Miao said.

“You want to understand what people actually need,” Miao said. “Designing a neighborhood should be human-centric. It’s not just about the map—it’s about the experience.”

New research finds that the experience of a walk plays a major role in whether people leave their cars behind.

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Record-low snowpack tests Colorado's recreation economy

Katy Hill — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:07:34 +0000

Record-low snowpack tests Colorado's recreation economy Katy Hill Wed, 03/11/2026 - 07:07

Katy Marquardt Hill

Colorado’s snowpack is at its lowest in over 40 years this winter, raising alarms not only for skiers but for the many communities whose economies depend on outdoor recreation. While the lack of snow is highly visible on ski slopes, its effects stretch far beyond lift lines and even beyond Colorado’s borders.

Natalie Ooi

Natalie Ooi, a teaching professor who is the director of the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program and leads the Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry specialization, studies sustainable tourism and recreation economies. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Today recently spoke with Ooi about why this season stands out, how towns built around outdoor recreation can adapt, and what longer-term conversations communities across the Mountain West and beyond should be having.

How unusual is this winter’s snowpack, and what makes it significant?

Mountain and recreation-dependent communities are seasonal by nature, so they expect some year-to-year variation and understand that weather influences visitation. But as Russ Schumacher, the state climatologist at Colorado State University, has reported, this winter’s lack of snow is the most severe since SNOTEL data began in the early-mid 1980s. (SNOTEL, which stands for snowpack telemetry, is a network of backcountry weather stations that gather and transmit snowfall data.)

One of the challenges in talking about the outdoor recreation economy is that while we often focus on mountain resort communities, there are recreation-dependent communities across the entire state. What’s unique about this season is that all of Colorado is effectively experiencing drier than normal conditions. Typically, you might see some areas below average, others at or above average. This year, it’s widespread. That scale is worth highlighting.

It’s easy to focus on mountain resorts because snow—or the lack of it—is so visible. But it’s just as important to think about river-based and other recreation-dependent communities and what this will mean for them in the spring.

Beyond skiing, which activities feel the impact of a low-snow winter?

River-dependent activities like rafting, tubing and fly fishing are also affected. At these record low snowpack levels, some rivers may limit recreation from a conservation perspective to protect aquatic species and overall river health if water levels drop too low. That creates a difficult dynamic for communities whose economies depend heavily on outdoor recreation and visitation. This isn’t just about ski towns—businesses tied to camping, backpacking, guiding, gear rental, retail and campground operations also feel the effects when visitation patterns shift.

In mountain resort and ski communities, there’s always season-to-season variation. Many ski industry managers will tell you average snowfall years are actually the best for business. Too much snow can create operational challenges and even deter some visitors. But in an average year, there’s enough snow to keep serious skiers happy while still being manageable for beginners and intermediates.

Why is this season particularly hard for ski resorts?

I think this season is more challenging because you have that double whammy of not just a lack of snowfall, but high temperatures as well. If it’s cold and there’s a lack of snowfall, most ski areas can make enough snow to build a solid base and open a good percentage of terrain that the majority of visitors and residents will use. They can still operate at a capacity where people continue to ski and aren’t canceling vacations.

This year, though, the combination of low snow and high temperatures makes that much harder. It’s just not feasible to make enough snow when it won’t stick around. The energy and water demands required to make snow that quickly melts simply aren’t a sound management decision.

What does low snowpack mean for spring and summer river economies?

Low snowpack affects not just total water levels but also runoff timing. Shorter, earlier runoff windows can compress rafting and fishing seasons, making it harder for outfitters to plan staffing and reservations.

How does wildfire complicate the picture?

Wildfire is a real challenge for Colorado and the West. One of the biggest issues is how far-reaching the impacts are because of smoke. There are legitimate public health and safety concerns about being outside and inhaling that level of smoke.

Even if Colorado doesn’t have a wildfire in a major tourism region, a fire in Wyoming, Utah or elsewhere can still affect the tourism season. As the climate warms and wildfire risk increases, that disruption could become more common across multiple states.

How do resorts try to adapt in the short and long term?

It’s hard to pivot in the short term. That kind of rapid adaptation is challenging. But over the years, many ski resorts have adopted diversification strategies to reduce their reliance on winter and ski tourism as their sole focus.

If you look at Alterra Mountain Company and Vail Resorts as examples, there’s a reason they own and/or manage resorts across the U.S. and internationally. This season, for instance, the East Coast is having a phenomenal year. That likely means above-average visitation and revenue there, which can help offset declines in places experiencing poor snow conditions. Geographic diversification is one key strategy.

What ripple effects are communities seeing beyond lift ticket sales?

Lift ticket revenue is obviously a key part of a ski resort’s business, but it’s not the only one. This season provides a clear illustration of that dynamic.

For example, Vail Resorts reported that season-to-date skier visits were down 20% compared to the prior year. But lift revenue was down just 1.8%. That gap is largely due to season pass sales, which provide more stable, upfront revenue.

At the same time, other categories saw much steeper declines: Ski school revenue was down nearly 15%, dining revenue down almost 16% and retail and rental revenue down about 6%.

So even when lift revenue appears relatively stable, the broader resort ecosystem is feeling much sharper impacts.

Lower visitation can also affect seasonal employment, reducing hours or shortening contracts for workers who rely on winter tourism income. That hurts resort companies, but it also impacts the supporting businesses—often mom-and-pop shops or other chains—that rely on visitation. When overall visitation drops, all of those businesses feel it. The ripple effect across the entire community is significant.

What conversations should communities be having right now?

Economic diversification is key. Outdoor recreation is a powerful way to bring in visitors and outside dollars, especially in rural places that can’t attract manufacturing or may never become the next tech hub. But communities need to think strategically about broadening their economic base and leveraging their outdoor recreation infrastructure as a quality of life attractor for other industries.

Some places are already doing this. Steamboat Springs, for example, has built out an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is rooted in outdoor recreation and the mountain lifestyle but is separate to the tourism economy. Grand Junction has leaned into mountain biking and its access to public lands, while also seeking to attract outdoor recreation brands to diversify its economy beyond traditional extractive industries. These kinds of investments help communities spread risk across seasons and industries.

It’s also about managing the visitation they do have and maximizing visitor spending. How do you encourage people not just to camp on adjacent BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land and leave, but to come downtown? How do you design trail systems so they start or end downtown, prompting visitors to buy an ice cream, a coffee or a meal?

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Today regularly publishes Q&As on news topics through the lens of scholarly expertise and research/creative work. The responses here reflect the knowledge and interpretations of the expert and should not be considered the university position on the issue. All publication content is subject to edits for clarity, brevity and university style guidelines.

Outdoor recreation expert Natalie Ooi explains how low snowpack is testing mountain and river communities, reshaping tourism strategies and raising questions about climate resilience.

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Research sheds light on unintended consequences of money laundering regulations

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:34:07 +0000

Research sheds light on unintended consequences of money laundering regulations Megan M Rogers Tue, 03/10/2026 - 11:34

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder economist Alessandro Peri finds that when authorities cracked down on offshore money laundering, criminals redirected that money into domestic businesses and properties.

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Tax rules are changing: What to know before filing in 2026

Katy Hill — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:34:29 +0000

Tax rules are changing: What to know before filing in 2026 Katy Hill Tue, 03/03/2026 - 09:34

Katy Marquardt Hill

A new tax law brings several updates that could affect your 2025 return and how you file in 2026, especially if you earn tips, are 65 or older, claim family credits, or own a home and itemize state and local taxes. Most changes take effect Jan. 1, 2026, while some apply retroactively to 2025 as part of last summer’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Nicole Lazzeri

“For many people, the biggest differences won’t be shocking,” said Nicole Lazzeri, assistant teaching professor at the Leeds School of Business. “But certain provisions, like how tips and overtime are treated, can have an immediate impact on your refund or tax bill.”

Lazzeri recently spoke with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Today to explain the changes to watch for, who is most affected and what steps taxpayers should take now.

What do taxpayers need to know about the recent tax law changes?

The legislation makes permanent many of the temporary tax changes from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and adds new provisions affecting tips and overtime, standard deductions, family credits, and benefits for seniors. Some updates apply retroactively to 2025, while most take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Certain provisions, like tax treatment for tips, overtime, and student loan benefits, can have an immediate impact on refunds or tax bills.

What’s the biggest change for taxpayers this filing season?

The biggest change affects people who itemize deductions, which is about 10% of taxpayers right now. But this could increase that number: The state and local tax deduction (known as SALT) has increased from $10,000 to $40,000, although there’s still an income threshold of $500,000. This is a big deal for middle-income homeowners who previously didn’t benefit enough to itemize, like someone who just bought their first home. This means a couple paying state income taxes, property taxes and mortgage interest could now exceed the standard deduction and reduce their taxable income by thousands more than before.

Will everyone benefit from this change?

Not necessarily. If you don’t own a home or you only pay state income tax, it’s less likely that you’d benefit. Charitable donations or other deductible expenses can make itemizing more worthwhile, but otherwise, many people will still just take the standard deduction.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder VITA program at a glance

What: Free basic tax preparation
Who: Qualifying taxpayers, including those earning about $67,000 or less
Who prepares returns: IRS-certified �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder student volunteers
Cost: Free; Schedule your appointment here

Did the standard deduction change?

Yes, it increased by $750 for everyone. It’s a modest increase, so it won’t have a huge impact for most people.

Will this change how much tax I actually owe?

Potentially, but it won’t be a huge impact for most taxpayers. The tax brackets increased slightly, meaning you’ll pay a bit more or less in each bracket, but withholding estimates weren’t changed. If you’ve been over-withholding, you might get a bigger refund. If you’ve been under-withholding, you could still owe, just slightly less. So your refund will depend on how much you have already paid toward your 2025 tax liability.

Will the new rules affect tip income?

Yes. If your tips are included in your W-2 income—or if you’re self-employed, like an Uber driver—you could get a significant deduction, up to $25,000. The reporting requirement doesn't begin until 2026, but the tips need to be included in income. This is expected to impact a lot of service workers.

Are there any new tax breaks for older taxpayers?

There’s a $6,000 “senior deduction” for taxpayers over 65. It helps reduce the portion of Social Security that’s taxable. Social Security is still reported, but for many seniors with fixed incomes, this deduction can significantly lower their taxable income. The limits are $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly, so higher earners may not benefit.

Tax changes at a glance

Standard deduction: Slight increase lowers taxable income for most filers
SALT cap: Raised to $40,000, helping homeowners who itemize
Child tax credit: $2,200 per child, now indexed to inflation
Senior deduction: Extra $6,000 for taxpayers 65 and older; offsets Social Security income
Tips and overtime: Up to $25,000 (tips) / $12,500 (overtime) tax-free

Has the child tax credit changed?

The child tax credit increased from $2,000 to $2,200 and will now rise with inflation. It’s available to many taxpayers—up to $200,000 for single filers or heads of household, and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. Part of the credit is refundable for lower-income families, and there’s an additional child tax credit of up to $1,700 per child that can give money back even if you owe little or no tax.

When should I consider getting help filing my taxes?

If your tax situation is more complex than just a W-2—like if you have tips, self-employment income, investments or multiple deductions—it’s a good idea to get help. Even if you don’t owe taxes, filing can get you a refund and protects against identity theft.

Free support is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and certified or trained volunteers can ensure you claim all deductions and credits correctly. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder students from the Leeds School of Business are offering free, in-person tax preparation through the VITA program from Feb. 20 through April 11, 2026. The program serves qualifying residents, including students, lower-income filers, seniors, people with disabilities and non-English speakers.

A Leeds tax expert explains how the new law changes deductions, credits and other tax rules.

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Startup brings cancer care technology to Lab Venture Challenge

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:54:01 +0000

Startup brings cancer care technology to Lab Venture Challenge Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/26/2026 - 14:54

Doctoral student William Frantz is developing microscopic droplets designed to help doctors track radiation therapy in real time. His pitch at the Lab Venture Challenge highlighted how the technology could make cancer treatment more precise and less harmful, particularly for pediatric patients.

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Snow news day: The challenge of climate reporting as newsrooms cut back

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:59:49 +0000

Snow news day: The challenge of climate reporting as newsrooms cut back Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/13/2026 - 11:59

College of Communication, Media, Design and Information

The College of Communication, Media, Design and Information's Water Desk has expanded the services it offers to resource-starved reporters who need help covering complex stories around the Colorado River and climate change.

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After the boom: Colorado craft beer enters its next chapter

Katy Hill — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:01:57 +0000

After the boom: Colorado craft beer enters its next chapter Katy Hill Tue, 02/10/2026 - 13:01

Katy Marquardt Hill

After years of explosive growth, Colorado craft beer is setting into a new phase. Rising costs, changing drinking habits and slowing demand are forcing familiar taprooms to shutter, signaling a sobering shift for the industry.

In 2025, more than 40 breweries, taprooms and brewpubs closed, pushing total closures since 2020 past 140. The losses hit hard, but industry experts see it as a reset rather than a collapse. With more than 400 breweries still operating, they say Colorado’s craft market has entered a more mature phase where success depends less on expansion and more on connection.

“The craft beer industry grew so fast that supply outpaced demand,” said Jeff York, a professor of entrepreneurship at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Leeds School of Business and co-host of the podcast “Creative Distillation.” “That created a perfect storm for some breweries to fail.”

“They can’t just open more locations or chase every trend anymore,” York said. “The ones that endure focus on their taprooms, connect with their local communities and stay true to their brand.”

Jeff York

Two Front Range breweries illustrate how that strategy plays out in different ways: Holidaily Brewing Company in Golden and Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company in Lafayette.

Growth slows

Beer sales in Colorado fell about 6% in 2025, a bit more than the national decline. Health-conscious trends and the rise of the “sober curious” movement have nudged many drinkers toward smaller pours or away from alcohol altogether.

Liquid Mechanics takes that reality in stride.

“Flat is kind of the new growth,” said CEO and co-founder Davin Helden. “Sales dipped a bit last year, while many other breweries saw much bigger declines. So in a way, flat feels like winning.”

Helden, a �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder biochemistry graduate with an MBA from the Leeds School of Business, started Liquid Mechanics in 2014 with two fellow biotech professionals. He’s upfront about where the business actually makes money.

“Our tasting room has always been the main focus,” he said. “There’s very little profit in cans; we might make a dollar on a four-pack. Our goal is to get people into the tasting room.”

Brewing connections

On an unseasonably warm February afternoon, Liquid Mechanics’ taproom hummed with activity: Bar stools were full, patio tables were occupied, and dogs lounged beneath them.

“It’s the same people coming in, at the same frequency. But they're drinking less,” Helden said.

That change shows up across the industry: People may be drinking craft beer a bit less often, but more than ever are trying it at least occasionally, according to the Brewers Association.

Packaged beer keeps a brand visible, but the margins can be thin given the rising cost of materials. For some breweries, taprooms are a primary source of profit. For others, they’re a way to build relationships, even if distribution drives the bigger picture.

“The profit is in pulling pints,” Helden says. “Distribution reminds people we exist. But the taproom is where the relationship is built.”

At Liquid Mechanics, community is part of the business model. It makes collaboration beers with other breweries, enters competitions that build recognition, and hosts fundraisers for local nonprofits. Inside the taproom, trivia nights and a mug club that requires repeat visits before joining help turn customers into regulars.

“By the time someone’s in the club, we're going to know your name, and chances are good we’ll have the beer you like to drink already poured before you sit down,” Helden said.

Connection over expansion

Holidaily Brewing faces similar market pressures but takes a slightly different approach. The taproom is for connection and brand experience, while the brewery’s main growth engine is distribution. Founded in 2016 by Karen Hertz, the brewery specializes in gluten-free beer brewed with millet and buckwheat instead of barley and wheat.

“When people hear ‘gluten-free,’ they assume it’s a tiny market,” said Hertz, a �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder alumna with an MBA from �鶹��Ѱ��Denver. “Celiac affects about 1%. But many more people are cutting gluten.”

Holidaily’s appeal stretches beyond dietary restrictions. Its bright, playful “make every day a holiday” branding celebrates fun and community as much as what’s in the glass.

For many customers, that mix is more than novelty.

“Some people have never been able to walk into a taproom and order anything on the menu,” Hertz said. “Sometimes you see it on their face. It’s social freedom. That emotional connection is powerful.”

In Golden, Holidaily’s taproom serves as the heart of the brand, drawing a mix of regulars and newcomers, dogs included, who come to talk, sample and make an afternoon of it. The brewery operated a second taproom in Greenwood Village from 2021 to 2024, an experience Hertz said helped clarify priorities. Managing multiple locations added complexity and ultimately reinforced the decision to refocus on Golden.

The taproom is central to connecting with customers, Hertz said, while the company’s long-term focus stays on distribution. “I started the company to get great beer to people with dietary restrictions who otherwise might not be able to share a beer with friends,” she said. “That’s where we’re choosing to invest our time, energy and resources.”

Changing tastes

For both Holidaily and Liquid Mechanics, adapting to changing tastes doesn’t mean chasing every trend. Holidaily uses sales data to fine-tune its lineup, adding fruited versions of its best-selling blonde ale to expand its appeal without overhauling the brand.

Liquid Mechanics experiments with new styles selectively, brewing only what aligns with its focus and meets its standards, while supplementing the lineup with offerings like seltzers and nonalcoholic beers from other producers.

For both breweries, the focus is on connections and experiences, not just growth. Turning breweries into community hubs instead of growth machines is what experts, including York, see as Colorado craft beer’s next chapter.

“Focusing on taproom business is a good way for a brewery to weather this storm,” York said. “Also, staying true and authentic to your brand—that is what the people that are still drinking craft beer are going to value.”

As growth slows, breweries focus on taprooms, community and authenticity.

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Can a chatbot make you feel less lonely?

Katy Hill — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:36:19 +0000

Can a chatbot make you feel less lonely? Katy Hill Mon, 02/09/2026 - 15:36

Katy Marquardt Hill

As AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot get better at engaging in conversation and picking up on emotional cues, millions of Americans are interacting with them in everyday life. A June 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 34% of U.S. adults—and 58% of adults under 30—have tried ChatGPT.

Jason Thatcher, a professor of information systems at the Leeds School of Business, is in the early stages of a research project that explores how emotionally adaptive chatbots could be designed to better support users, including whether they might address loneliness.

Jason Thatcher

“If we’re going to design AI that’s emotionally sensitive and able to adapt to people’s identities and ways of thinking, then loneliness is an obvious place to focus because it’s a real problem,” he said.

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Today recently talked with Thatcher about his research into emotionally adaptive chatbots and how design choices could shape human-AI interaction.

How should chatbots adapt to what users actually want from them?

People don’t always want the same kind of interaction from a chatbot. Sometimes they need a friend or companion; other times, a teammate, mentor or straightforward expert.

A well-designed chatbot should adjust both what it says and how it says it—including tone, clarity, cognitive demand and alignment with the user’s values and context. Emotional responsiveness doesn’t always mean being warm or encouraging. Sometimes users want clear, direct guidance. The goal is to meet the user’s needs in that moment rather than assuming one style fits all.

Why focus on loneliness?

Loneliness is widespread and often described as a crisis. If emotionally adaptive AI is meant to improve lives, helping people feel less lonely is a meaningful, socially relevant starting point.

How will you study whether adaptive chatbots reduce loneliness?

We plan to track people over time and check in regularly through experience sampling. The goal is to see whether these adaptive designs actually make users feel less lonely—something we don’t yet know.

Are there risks to designing emotionally adaptive chatbots?

Yes. People can become overly reliant on bots that feel supportive or persuasive. There’s also the risk of manipulation, that AI could replace or weaken human connections rather than complement them. That’s why it’s important for designers to set clear boundaries.

What should designers keep in mind when building chatbots?

Not every chatbot should be a friend. Designers should build bots for the role users need—whether that’s companion, teammate, expert or coach—rather than assuming emotional closeness is always the goal.

Can you give examples of matching a bot’s style to its task?

A companion bot might focus on support and reducing loneliness. A productivity bot should minimize cognitive load. A learning bot might nudge someone firmly to stay on track, while a coach or mentor bot should assert authority and guidance.

How do you prevent chatbots from becoming too human-like or crossing boundaries?

One important step is asking users directly what they’re comfortable with. There’s also an issue where systems that feel too human can make people uncomfortable or even repelled. Designers need to be careful about how realistic or emotionally expressive bots become and give users control over those settings.

We have to be really careful about the boundary conditions. When is the bot being a good helper, and when does it start to become manipulative? When is it actually leading people to believe that it cares? We don’t want people to be fooled into thinking the bot is sentient.

Any advice for people just starting with AI chatbots?

Learn the basics of what chatbots can and can’t do. Be mindful of what you upload because content shared with a chatbot could potentially be stored or subpoenaed. And remember that just because a bot feels conversational doesn’t mean it’s a person.

Experiment to understand its capabilities. For example, ask the bot to take on a specific perspective to challenge your assumptions and provide analytical feedback instead of always agreeing.

For example, ask what would a skeptical expert or an adversarial attorney think of this? Or ask it to give you a smart, sensitive person's reaction to an email you wrote. Ask it to take on the role of a fussy copyeditor. Just remember that the bot is approximating based on what you told it to do.

How do you see AI fitting into human work and creativity overall?

AI isn’t replacing human skill or judgment. Like spellcheck changed writing without ending it, AI can support decision-making and creativity, helping people think more clearly rather than doing the thinking for them.

What’s the goal of this research?

What we’re really interested in is how people feel when they interact with these systems. If the bot listens well and people feel like they can communicate effectively, that’s meaningful. But we have to ask: Are they actually less lonely, or just interacting more with technology? That’s what we want to find out.

Information systems expert Jason Thatcher explores how emotionally intelligent chatbots could support users and why it’s important to design them with clear boundaries.

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Playbook for a winning Super Bowl ad: Embrace risk, seek emotion

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:58:31 +0000

Playbook for a winning Super Bowl ad: Embrace risk, seek emotion Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/05/2026 - 09:58

College of Communication, Media, Design and Information

An advertising professor from the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information, who's produced Super Bowl spots for Coca-Cola, shares what makes a commercial memorable (or not) during the big game.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder partners with Denver International Airport on new travel index

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:58:05 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder partners with Denver International Airport on new travel index Megan M Rogers Wed, 02/04/2026 - 08:58

Casey Bauer

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is partnering with Denver International Airport (DEN) to launch the Denver International Airport Travel Index, a new quarterly survey focused on how travelers across the region expect to fly in the months ahead.

Developed by the Business Research Division (BRD) at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Leeds School of Business in collaboration with the airport, the DEN Travel Index tracks expectations for business, leisure and personal travel. The results will offer an early signal of near-term travel demand and help inform airport planning, air service decisions and route development.

“This ongoing research with DEN will shed light on near-term travel expectations and offer a window into the general health of regional businesses and the economy,” said Brian Lewandowski, BRD executive director. “By tracking data over time, we can analyze how external economic factors are impacting travel expectations across the region.”

The travel index will be administered quarterly, allowing researchers to track shifts in traveler sentiment over time. Beyond travel intent, the data will also reflect broader economic and behavioral factors shaping travel decisions including tourism and business activity in the Denver metro area, as well as how economic conditions influence when and why people travel.

“DEN’s passengers are our greatest source of insight into the future of air travel,” said Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport. “Their continuous feedback, paired with �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s expertise in the development and administration of comprehensive surveys, will equip us with timely, in-depth intelligence to help the airport continue to expand its global connectivity.”

Turning research into real-world insight

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Business Research Division brings decades of experience conducting applied economic research and tracking economic trends across Colorado. The division is known statewide for its ongoing economic indicators, business confidence surveys and annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook, which provide data-driven insight used by business leaders, policymakers and public agencies.

Through this partnership, BRD researchers will oversee survey design, data collection and analysis, ensuring the travel index reflects regional travel sentiment in a consistent, methodologically sound way. The approach mirrors the division’s broader work of tracking expectations over time to better understand how economic conditions translate into real-world behavior.

The findings will supplement the airport’s existing research and support longer-term planning—helping the airport anticipate demand while offering insight into how broader economic conditions may shape travel, tourism and business activity across the region.

How to participate

Take the survey

Denver International Airport is inviting travelers from Colorado and neighboring states who pass through the airport to take part in the survey. Participants will be asked to continue participating on a quarterly basis, helping build a consistent, long-term dataset.

The survey opens Feb. 4 and will remain available through Feb. 27.

A new quarterly survey developed by the Leeds School of Business and Denver International Airport will measure traveler demand and expectations, offering insight into near-term air travel trends.

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