Howard Wu Keynote Speaker

Howard Wu

Customer Success
Articles
286
Views
2,647,000
Location
Victoria, BC, Canada
Member Since
Mar 2008
Howard Wu resides in his native Victoria, BC, Canada. He is a certified chess master and believes the producer of Trailer Park Boys to be a business genius.
What is unique that's not in your bio?
I'm the exception to a lot of rules.
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
Paying attention to what's around me--the trends are there!
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
Seeing the popularity (or non-popularity) of any given trend.
How do you reset to be creative?
Paying attention to what's around me. The ideas are there!
What inspires or excites you?
Original simplicity.
Multitasking Meal Accessories
Multitasking Meal Accessories
The Hands-Free Sandwich Holder is Hilarious
In today's fast-paced business world, this hands-free sandwich holder can come in handy for those who feel the need to work through their lunch breaks. Dubbed as the Bluetooth of sandwich holders, this… MORE
Creepy Crawly Vinos
Creepy Crawly Vinos
Shocking Asian Snake Wine From Southeast Asia
Asian snake wine and scorpion wine can be found in mainly in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia. In these ornamental bottles, cobras or scorpions are pickled in rice wine liquor and herbs. The wine… MORE
Trippy Novel Installations
Trippy Novel Installations
The Scanner Book Cave is Incredibly Mesmerizing in Design
This featured Scanner Book Cave by Slovakian artist Matej Krén is an elaborate structure, made mainly from books. The cylindrical shaped book cave features arched ceilings, narrow corridors and strategically… MORE
Bleached 80s Artifacts
Bleached 80s Artifacts
Cody Hamilton Whitens & Preserves 1980s Items
In his collection titled "Relics," Texan photographer Cody Hamilton has found an artistic use for many once-popular, but now obsolete items of 80s merchandise. With a simple coat of white paint, the 1980s… MORE
Dog Fitness Water
Dog Fitness Water
Pet Sweat is an Energy Drink for Dogs
The Pet Sweat energy drink isn't just another funny foreign brand name that got lost in translation. The name actually has some descriptive merit, although the drink is made for pets rather than out of… MORE
Bemusing Boy Band Ads
Bemusing Boy Band Ads
This Vodafone BlackBerry Commercial Targets All Indian Markets
To promote Vodafone BlackBerry cell phones in India, this BlackBerry Boys commercial makes an effort to target a wide cross section of the Indian market. The gimmick of this ad is pretty catchy, as… MORE
Interactive Freedom Sculptures
Interactive Freedom Sculptures
Put Yourself into this Sequential Wall Art
The sculpture titled 'Freedom' by Zenos Frudakis is an interesting interactive work located in Philadelphia, PA. In his description of 'Freedom,' Frudakis describes the depiction of the struggle to break… MORE
Reverse Undercuts
Reverse Undercuts
The Tim Tebow Rookie Haircut Makes for One Odd Hazing Ritual
Rookie hazing in professional sports is nothing new, with traditional rituals including shaved heads and silly costumes, but the Tim Tebow haircut is odd—to say the least. For his hazing, Denver Broncos’… MORE
Social Media Art Projects
Social Media Art Projects
'Masterpiece 2.0' is a Crowdsourced Animated Music Video
Coordinated by Baschz and SelfControlFreak, “Masterpiece 2.0” is a social media art project using Web 2.0. The basic concept is a multi-layered canvas and animation, created by online... MORE
Wedding Party Swimsuits
Wedding Party Swimsuits
Hockey Star & TV Personality Wedding Makes a Fashion Statement
NHL Detroit Red Wings hockey star and Swedish TV personality Emma Andersson’s recent wedding pre-party has made quite the fashion statement. The newlyweds, as well as several of their guests, showed up… MORE
Finger Piercings
Finger Piercings
An Uber Permanent and Modern Way to Wear a Wedding Ring
Finger piercings are just part of the long list of growing jewelery and piercing trends, although this one does not appear to be too common yet. I'm not sure whether the pictured ring was intended for… MORE
Sneaker DJs
Sneaker DJs
Japanese DJ Duo Higafa Uses Iconic Brand Shoes as Musical Instruments
As a leader in athletic footwear and pop culture, the Nike brand continues to be synonymous with professional athletes and their product endorsements and now they have been endorsed by Japanese DJ duo… MORE
Real Estate Guessing Games
Real Estate Guessing Games
'Crack Shack or Mansion' Tests Your Perception of Property Value
The 'Crack Shack or Mansion' website will test you on your real estate savvy. You see, in Vancouver, Canada, real estate value assessments aren't easy. In desirable neighborhoods, housing prices come at… MORE
Cardboard Beer Boxes
Cardboard Beer Boxes
New Eco-Friendly Cardboard Kegs Will Revolutionize the Way You Drink
Although beer purists might argue that carbonation can't be maintained in cardboard kegs, this new design by Australian student Thomas Hussey might prove them wrong. These four-liter cardboard kegs are… MORE
40s Lamp Revivals
40s Lamp Revivals
Robolux Flower Power Lamp Projects a Floral Pattern on Your Wall
The steel casing of this vintage 1940s-styled Robolux Flower Power Lamp fan and lamp combination projects a flower pattern on the wall when turned on in a dark room. The casing's interior is painted orange,… MORE
Five Dollar Services
Five Dollar Services
Fiverr.Com Shows What People are Willing to Do For Five Dollars
At Fiverr.com, people can advertise any goods or services (services more often than not) that they are willing to provide for the nominal price of $5. Some such services include art lessons, web promotion,… MORE
Trend Forecast Maps
Trend Forecast Maps
Geography by Innovation is Better Than the Weather Network
When I first saw this Trend Forecast map mimicking a weather forecast, it provided a good demonstration of how images can be more informative than words. I have no idea where the data was taken from,… MORE
Spicy Frozen Treats
Spicy Frozen Treats
Tabasco Brand Jalapeno Ice Cream Mix Will Trick Your Taste Buds
The Tabasco brand's jalapeno ice cream mix is another odd dessert idea that combines a cold refreshment with a spicy component. Jalapeno ice cream probably won't become a traditional Mexican dessert anytime… MORE
Instant Pizza
Instant Pizza
Natural High Pizza Toppings Add Alternative Meals to Camper Diets
Natural High Brand's 'I Can't Believe It's Sausage Pizza" and "I Can't Believe It's Cheese Pizza" are not gag gifts. They're instant meals designed for campers. Complete with "just add water and stir"… MORE
Offensive Animal Candy
Offensive Animal Candy
Camel Balls Chewing Gum isn't as Revolting as it Sounds
The novelty behind the extra sour, liquid-filled Camel Balls chewing gum is not purely its rare taste. The clearly illustrated camel testicles shown on the box can help sell these treats to all sorts… MORE
Prisoner Blogs
Prisoner Blogs
The P:Log Journal Scanning Device Allows Inmates to Post Online
Since inmates are separated from society at correctional facilities, allowing the use of the P:Log device is supposed to be an innovative method of encouraging prisoners to use written communication as… MORE
Bad Taste Exhibitions
Bad Taste Exhibitions
'Museum of Things' in Berlin Celebrates Design Mistakes
The annual “Bad Taste Exhibition” at the Museum of Things in Berlin, Germany, began 100 years ago as the “Cabinet of Bad Taste” display by Gustav E. Pazaurek. Rather than the current connotation… MORE
3 Sleeve Snuggies
3 Sleeve Snuggies
The Snuggie D-Lux is Designed Just for Men
The Snuggie D-Lux is clearly the naughty adult version of the Snuggie infomercial brand. With the color and animal print variants already being common place among all those familiar with the original Snuggie,… MORE
Alligator Bread
Alligator Bread
This Wildlife-Themed Baking Bites, in a Good Way
I just had to post this alligator bread picture for no other reason than because it’s funny. From what I can tell from the photo and YouTube video, it doesn’t look like the alligator was pieced together… MORE
Hybrid Dryer-Heaters
Hybrid Dryer-Heaters
Dryguy Apparel Dryer and Heater is a Delicate Way to Dry Your Gear
DryGuy’s collection of hybrid heater and dryer combination devices are a must for anyone using any non-washable winter apparel. The array of devices is comprised of electric heaters in various shapes,… MORE
Giant Bicycling Santas
Giant Bicycling Santas
Didi Senft is Crazy Santa Claus on Wheels
Didi Senft (also known as El Diablo, or a crazy Santa Claus) is a renowned German cycling enthusiast who has designed a giant pedal-powered sleigh, measuring over 3 meters high, and 7 meters long. I’m… MORE
Snow Motorbikes
Snow Motorbikes
ATV and Dirt Biking Meet Snomobiles for the Winter Adrenaline Junkie
'SnomoX' might just be the next big extreme sporting YouTube hit. With their snow kits for dirt bikes, SnomoX has given ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts a new winter activity. These winter-ready drive trains… MORE
Fur-Ball Tech Covers
Fur-Ball Tech Covers
Magnhild Disington Designs Non-Peta-Friendly Geek Accessories
Danish textile designer, Magnhild Disington, has come up with these furry fashion accessories that disguise USB keys and cell phone covers so well that you’d never guess their true function. In other words,… MORE
Animated Toothpaste Heads
Animated Toothpaste Heads
Silly Cartoons to Make Dental Hygiene Fun
These toothpaste heads by Spread Heads are a fun way to promote good dental hygiene among children. The visual idea of an animated dog or cat spewing out a bright neon coloured gel onto a toothbrush might… MORE
Mirrored Watches
Mirrored Watches
SDWorks' Dual-Purpose 'Mirror Watch' Wins China's 2009 Design Award
The Mirror Watch by SDWorks is a pretty simple idea, with a great presentation. As a winner at China’s Most Successful Design Award competition, Cheuk Kee Lai’s design features an LED digital watch… MORE
Cyclist Mega Gadgets
Cyclist Mega Gadgets
The Puyl is a Battery-Free Combination Bike Pump & Light
Winner of the 2009 Eurobike Award, the PUYL is sure to be on the Christmas wish list of any avid cyclist. The combination bicycle pump and light uses electromagnetic induction, which charges the battery… MORE
Automated Rebuffs
Automated Rebuffs
The Rejection Hotline is the Alternative Way to Dodge Bar Pickups
Have you ever been stuck trying to reject an unwanted solicitor or bar pickup, without being rude? If so, the rejection hotline is just for you! On the rejection hotline website, you can find local phone… MORE
Combination Locks for Booze
Combination Locks for Booze
The Bottle Lock is a Creative Way to Curb Alcohol Consumption
This combination bottle lock is certainly a new way to control alcohol consumption. Without the need for a key, the only stumbling block that must be avoided is forgetting the combination to the Bottle… MORE
Cheetah Speed Bicycles
Cheetah Speed Bicycles
The Pardo Folding Bike Design Allows Cyclists to go Super Fast
The Pardo (short for the Spanish word “guepardo” meaning “cheetah”) was designed by Pablo Lopez, to allow humans to simulate the animal’s travel mechanics.  This design was an entry into Innovar, a national… MORE
Prickly Plushies
Prickly Plushies
The Cactus Teddy Bear Might Be the Worst Toy Ever
A seemingly cuddly teddy bear with a cactus for a head just doesn’t seem right. It’s funny for a gag gift, but you really must wonder what to do with it after the novelty wears off. It can’t be played… MORE
Downhill Ice Skating
Downhill Ice Skating
Roller Derby Meets Hockey at the Red Bull Crashed Ice Competition
In Quebec City, downhill ice skating has a huge following among adrenaline junkies and residents alike. With four teammates barreling down an ice surface at ridiculous speeds, this somewhat contact sport… MORE

Featured Ideas

Illuminated Urban Bikes
Illuminated Urban Bikes
The Teague Pulse Concept Makes Your Ride Glow
The “Pulse” is a new urban concept bicycle designed by Teague for the most safety and comfort conscious commuter. The main features of the Pulse are: 1. A fluorescent illuminated frame, for greater night… MORE
Temperature-Sensitive LED Sinks
Temperature-Sensitive LED Sinks
Glow Flow Tap
The Glow Flow Tap is a nifty, yet functional kitchen gadget. It attaches to kitchen taps, and illuminates the water stream in red or blue, depending on the temperature. This can be very useful, especially… MORE
Spicy Frozen Treats
Spicy Frozen Treats
Tabasco Brand Jalapeno Ice Cream Mix Will Trick Your Taste Buds
The Tabasco brand's jalapeno ice cream mix is another odd dessert idea that combines a cold refreshment with a spicy component. Jalapeno ice cream probably won't become a traditional Mexican dessert anytime… MORE
Biblical Star Endorsements
Biblical Star Endorsements
Music and Gospel Narrated by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s collection of favourite Gospel songs, New Testament Bible Narration, and Chapter & Verse selections, are all available on DVD. While watching a movie re-run on TV, the Bibles On DVD commercial… MORE
Custom Corpses
Custom Corpses
Morbid Personalization by diStefano
These sickly looking stiffs are a true luxury item for anyone that wants to spend the money on them. The price on the male corpse is $545, while the female sells for $595. The corpses can be fully tailored,… MORE
Booger Balls
Booger Balls
DIY Decorative Faux Phlegm for Gross Crafters
This is one gross DIY art project. Using the simple ingredients of felt markers and rubber cement, a replica sculpture of human phlegm was achieved. This imitation snot project comes complete with instructions,… MORE
Dead Storage
Dead Storage
Coffin Cabinets
These nifty, coffin shaped cabinets can add character and calmness to an otherwise mundane kitchen. Since they don't have the same efficient storage capacity as regular, rectangle shaped drawers, their… MORE
Gum-Flavored Hot Dogs
Gum-Flavored Hot Dogs
Bubble Gum Cocktail Wienies Are Gross Gag Gifts
As bad as the Bubble Gum Cocktail Wienie idea sounds, it gets worse when coupled with the fact that the 16-piece can includes a simmering “red sauce.” The whole idea of a chewy hot dog that doesn’t dissolve… MORE
Tailgate Hammocks
Tailgate Hammocks
Trailer Hitch Stand and Chairs
This gift is great for any number of venues, the pre-game party, the campsite, lake, or even mountain top.  These hammock-style trailer hitches, as pictured here, are constructed in a steel... MORE
Sexy Adult Twister Games
Sexy Adult Twister Games
Kamasheetra
Kamasheetra is quite the game!  A variant of the popular kids’ game of Twister, Kamasheetra features creatively placed locations for the players’ hands, feet, and other body parts. Partly athletic,… MORE
Alligator Bread
Alligator Bread
This Wildlife-Themed Baking Bites, in a Good Way
I just had to post this alligator bread picture for no other reason than because it’s funny. From what I can tell from the photo and YouTube video, it doesn’t look like the alligator was pieced together… MORE
Hot Dog Toasters
Hot Dog Toasters
Grills Weiners & Toasts Buns
This classic trend made gizmodo.com's top 10 list of reasons our society is doomed. The less-embellished description of the combination Hot Dog Grill and Bun Warmer, is that it just combines the microwave… MORE
Portable Personal Breathalyzers
Portable Personal Breathalyzers
The Etiquette Checker
The Etiquette Checker from TopMan is a pricey but nifty little gadget. To use the device, the subject simply breathes into the tester and reads the digital results on the LCD screen. The appeal of your… MORE
Food-Fueled Video Games
Food-Fueled Video Games
The Tomato Soup Battery
This Tomato Soup Battery, created by Ben Woodeson, consists of a bathtub, copper and zinc electrodes, and a large amount of tomato soup. This electricity source apparently generates enough power to play… MORE