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 Keynote Speaker

Howard Wu

Customer Success
Articles
286
Views
2,610,000
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

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
Luxury Junk Food
Luxury Junk Food
Caviar Burgers at Serendipity3
You know you have a selective palette when you order a caviar burger. I did a quick Internet search which revealed the Caviar Burger is an actual menu item at Serendipity3, located in New York. The same… MORE
Clever Urinal Advertising
Clever Urinal Advertising
Samsung Anti-Shake Camera
Have you ever had trouble holding a camera steady without using a tripod? ith Samsung’s new anti-shake camera, images have never been clearer for those with non-steady hands.  The urinal print ad pictured… MORE
Musical Painting
Musical Painting
Paintjam by Dann Dunn
The work of Dan Dunn, as featured on his website Paintjam.com, is simply amazing. In a theatrical performance, (as featured in the above video) to a song by Ray Charles, he produces a seemingly effortless… MORE
Brutally Honest Food Packaging
Brutally Honest Food Packaging
Odies Pure Fat Chocolate
These Odies Pure Fat chocolate bars make no attempt to trick consumers into thinking that their guilty craving is healthy. In the marketing world, where every little deception or exaggeration is exploited,… MORE
Cigarette Earrings
Cigarette Earrings
Butt Ugly Accessories
These unusual-looking duds can be found for sale at www.etsy.com, with a host of other handmade crafts in their online market. Of course they look ridiculous, but they do serve as a symbol of the potential… 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
Scented Jigsaw Puzzles
Scented Jigsaw Puzzles
'Duft' Puzzles by Lupu Challenge All of Your Senses
Lupu, a Danish jigsaw puzzle company, has developed a series of scented 'Duft' puzzles. The puzzles shown above each emit the odor of their respective images.  The featured scents are coconut, chocolate,… MORE
Oddball Olympians
Oddball Olympians
ESPN Brazil's Unusual Athletes
As featured on ESPN Sports in Brazil, there are some athletic champions that receive their accolades entirely outside the realm of professional sports, Olympics or prime time television. ESPN's champions… MORE
Potato Gun Contests
Potato Gun Contests
Spud-Launching Science
Some people take potato guns VERY seriously. It is unclear how the SpudFiles.com sanctioned Spud Gun Contest is judged by their website, as access is restricted to registered members. My guess though,… MORE
Full-Zip Hoodies
Full-Zip Hoodies
LRG Skeleton Sweater Kicks Off a Streetwear Craze
For skiers, snowboarders, career burglars, or chronic cold sufferers, these full-zip skeleton hoodies by LRG are quite the find. The brand was already popular in underground street fashion, but attained… MORE
Rockstar Juice Boxes
Rockstar Juice Boxes
Beatle Juice Includes Paul 'Apple' McCartney and John ‘Lemon' Len
The Beatles will always be remembered for their musical talents, although there is something memorable about these juice boxes as well. Paul “Apple” McCartney, John “Lemon” Lennon, George “Pearrison”… MORE
Soccer Contact Lenses
Soccer Contact Lenses
World Cup Eye Balls
Has your coach ever told you to keep your eye on the ball?  It would be impossible not to do so with these cool-looking contact lenses! The manufacturer, German optician, Stephanie Berndt, produced these… MORE
Cheese Sculptures
Cheese Sculptures
Eco-Friendly Edible Art
The product is environmentally friendly, but it might take a few weeks become truly "green". I’m talking about cheese sculptures. These time-sensitive art productions can change colour, and maybe even… MORE