New innovations cater to germ-a-phobes and the populace alike
Implications - Consumers have become more aware of germs and bacteria and are constantly looking for sanitization products. Products that make treating this paranoia more efficient and convenient are highly successful. The bacteria detector has become a very popular item on eBay, while in Japan, germ-guard masks are commonly worn. There are even anti-bacterial dresses and stuffed animals that educate kids at a young age on hygiene awareness.
Trend Themes
1. Anti-bacterial Products - Consumers are increasingly concerned with germs and bacteria, resulting in the successful marketing of products such as bacteria detectors and anti-bacterial garments or toys.
2. Nano-technology - Medical gadget breakthroughs boast future technologies such as the nDoo which can detect diseases at an early stage through communication with an injected nanobot configured to match the patient's DNA.
3. Portable Filters - As consumers continue to be concerned with their health and access to clean water, portable filter technologies are in development such as the LifeSaver Bottle which can remove even the smallest viruses from undrinkable water.
Industry Implications
1. Health & Safety - Current and future anti-bacterial and immune-improving products can be marketed to consumers concerned with their health and hygiene.
2. Environmentalism - The development of new technologies to improve access to clean water and improve air quality can be marketed towards ethical and environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Medical Technology - Nano-technology breakthroughs such as the nDoo have the potential to revolutionize the medical industry by simplifying disease detection and development of treatments.
