About Us

HOTBUTTONS is a boutique insight and brand-development agency, rooted in Africa and connected globally. The company was started in 2002 by German-born Johannes Cichorius. After years of working in large corporate research agencies, both in Europe and South Africa, Johannes decided to develop and grow his own agency.

We are not just another research agency that works transactionally on projects. Our vision is to increase our clients’ corporate intelligence and know-how. Through our focus on applied psychology and our work for major brands in numerous developed and emerging markets over 20+ years, we help maximise growth in 3 ways:

1. We get under the skin of the consumer and build a body of knowledge that helps clients intuitively know their target markets. This in turn enables them to predict what will and won’t work in the future.
2. We pinpoint and optimise the very best possible solutions that will provide the maximum return on investment, whether it is packaging, brand or communication research.
3. We help mitigate risk wherever possible.