One of the best things a brand can do for its image is to communicate directly with its target demographic and this list of 2018 interactive trends is bound to shine a light on some examples in the industry of late that have been successful in their engagement.
PUMA, for example, released its 90s-inspired Cell Venom. The chunky footwear model was celebrated at a one-day pop-up in London where guests could interact directly with the product and even prototype their design. The event was lab-themed and shoe customization experts Mr. Bailey and David Mawdsley were there to help individuals with concepts.
Other examples of 2018 interactive trends worth mentioning are Zappar and SIG who produced an AR-powered packaging sample that is informative, playful and allows consumers to interact directly with the purchased product.
For more interactive trends in the new year ahead, check out Trend Hunter's 2019 Trend Report.
Top 40 Interactive Trends in 2018
From Science-Inspired Sneaker Releases to Smart Vending Machines:
40
Comforting Cocoon Bedrooms
'The Zed Rooms' for Sleep Replicate the Safety of the Womb
39
Social Media Sneaker Try-Ons
adidas' Ultraboost 19 Style Can Be Previewed in AR on Snapchat
38
Science-Inspired Sneaker Releases
The PUMA Cell Venom Debuts at a Conceptual Pop-Up in London
37
Internet-Inspired Apparel Shops
The Next-Gen 'GU Style Studio' Blurs Online & Offline Experiences
36
Miami Fashion Pop-Up Shops
Madhappy Opens a Temporary Space in Conjunction with Art Basel 2018
35
Playful Independence Day Packaging
Markobar Boasts Interactive Board Game Packaging in Indonesia
34
Single-Day Pop-Up Bakeries
Strongbow Dark Fruit Honours Its Fans in Manchester with a Tasty Treat
33
Interactive Holiday Packaging
The Coca-Cola Packaging in Japan is District-specific & Collectible
32
Festive Grooming Pop-Ups
Benefit Cosmetics' 'Jingle Brow Express' Provides Last-Minute Services
31
Artful AR Hotel Rooms
LIFEWTR and Marriott Hotels Created a Customized Experience for Guests
30
Curiosity-Inspiring Phone Pop-Ups
This Google Pop-Up is Centered Around the Pixel 3 & Mindful Tech
29
Holiday Cooking Events
Chef Clodagh McKenna and Guinness Hosted an Interactive Cooking Event
28
Chocolate Customization Pop-Ups
This Kit Kat Chocolatory Pop-Up is Centered on Custom Confections
27
AR Sneaker Teases
Nike is Using AR to Showcase the New Air Jordan 11 Concord
26
Hands-Free Hair Coloring Guides
The Clairol Color Expert Provides Assistance Via Google Home
25
Smart Vending Machines
Mulberry's Interactive Retail Installation Captures Data & Offers Rewards
24
Multi-Sensory Confectionery Packaging
Electronic Equips Churchill's Tins with an Audio Component
23
Board Game Vending Machines
Big Potato's Product Vending Machine Shares Party Games
22
Playful Military Drum Tins
Design Bridge Creates Hero-Honoring Packaging for Cadbury
21
Augmented Educational Posters
Yorkshire Tea's Educational Campaign Shows the Importance of Trees
20
Thanksgiving Fun Run Promotions
Michelob Ultra is Offering Free Beer for Running a Turkey Trot
19
Perception-Shaping AR Experiences
Santander's AR experience Highlights Employed Homeless People
18
Informative AR Packaging Experiences
Zappar & SIG Produce Playful Interactive Packaging for Water
17
Personalized Jewelry Gift Guides
Alex and Ani is Sharing Gift-Giving Advice from Real People
16
Culinary Gondola Experiences
The Fondue Express Gondola Pairs a Three-Course Menu with Champagne
15
Multi-Sensory Holiday Markets
Paco Rabanne is Creating a Millennial-Targeted Fragrance Market
14
Festive Chocolate Postal Services
Cadbury's Secret Santa Service Shares Free Bars of Chocolate
13
Chicken Nugget String Lights
McDonald's UK Has Created Chicken McNugget String Lights and Baubles
12
Playful Canine Trampoline Parks
Rover.com' Pushes Unconventional and Entertaining Dog Activities
11
Experiential Invisible Cinemas
Santander's Cinema Educates Gen Z on Personal Data Privacy
10
Interactive Cancer Awareness Activations
'Testimatic' by FCB Raises Awareness of Testicular Cancer
9
Informative Food Packaging Concepts
SÍCLIC Attempts to Teach Consumers About Colombia Regions
8
Incentivized Shopping Campaigns
Burger King's Whopper-Shopper Helps Consumers Shop Online and Save
7
Artful Skincare Pop-Ups
La Prairie is Holding a Pop-Up at the Saatchi Gallery for Contemporary Art
6
Rewarding Reusable Coffee Tumblers
Starbucks' Brewed Refill Tumbler Comes with Unlimited Coffee
5
Festive Plant-Based Feasts
Tesco is Hosting 'Vegmas' as an Inspiring, Plant-Powered Holiday Dinner
4
Behind-the-Scenes In-Store Experiences
This Year, People Can Step Into the John Lewis Holiday Ad
3
Shoppable Holiday Choirs
Harvey Nichols' Charitable Experience Shares Shoppable Looks on Instagram
2
Festive AR Retail Experiences
Walmart's Holiday AR Lets Shoppers See Aisles Through a New Lens
1
Vodka Brand Travel Upgrades
Smirnoff Seltzer Will Pay for You to Avoid the Middle Seat of a Plane
Related Ideas
Virtual Fashion Contests
Bratz and ZEPETO Launch a Four-Week Avatar Styling Challenge
Experiential Luggage Events
The BÉIS Bloomingdale’s Takeover Featured a Human Claw Machine
Animal Patterned Lifestyle Sneakers
adidas Presents a New Jungle Pattern on the Samba Sneaker
Adorable Plush Sneaker Collections
Colorful Plush-Inspired Sneakers Unite Character and Comfort
Celebratory Footwear Capsules
The adidas X West NYC Capsule Honors 85 Years of Tip Top Shoes
Luxe Designer Beauty Activations
YSL Launched an Entertainment-Themed Light Club 2.0 Concept
Playful Sport-Centric Partnerships
NIKE x LEGO Group Announced a Multi-Year Partnership
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Gen-Z-Targeted Retail Concepts
Urban Outfitters Debuts 'On Rotation' with Nike
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Gamified AR Footwear Fittings
Tootsie Augmented Reality Makes Shoe Shopping More Fun for Kids
In-Game Digital Sneakers
Nike and Fortnite Launched Four Digital Sneakers
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
Fashion-Focused AI Production Studios
Vyking Debuts an AI-Driven Content Creation Module
GenAI Eyewear Shows
Innovative Eyewear Launched the First Generative AI Fashion Show for Eyewear
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
AI-Backed Sneaker Design Platforms
Nike Introduces the AIRImagination Platform of Design
Lifestyle-Catering Molded Footwear
adidas Presents the Harden Vol. 9 in a Molded Leather Look
Football Boot-Inspired Sneakers
Nike Launches the Air Max Plus Tiempo Sneaker Model
Gen Z Storytelling Campaigns
Coach is Running the 'Explore Your Story' Campaign for Spring 2026
Artist-Centric Networking Events
Adidas x SNIPES Unveil The NYC Superstar & Empower Artists
Athletic Performance Essentials
Nike Streamlines Running Collection with Cushioning Categories
Sporty Dynamic Futuristic Footwear
adidas and James Harden Presents the Cyber Metallic Vol. 9
Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes
Balenciaga x Puma Reinvent the Speedcat Ultrasoft Sneaker
Impact-Absorption Leather Sneakers
Nike Introduces a New Premium Touch to the Shox Sneaker
AI Virtual Fitting Rooms
Perfect Corp. is Bringing a Try-On Experience to Fashion Forward Week
90's Archival Footwear Pop-Ups
Dr. Martens Hosted a 'Buzz Bus' in NYC
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Tech-Inspired Luxury Accessories
Coperni’s Tamagotchi Handbag Is a Y2K Tech Fashion Moment
Prickly Monochromatic Sleek Footwear
A$AP Rocky and PUMA Launch New Mostro 3D Shoes
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Immersive Brand Concepts
LG Hosted its 'Affectionate Intelligence' Event at CES 2025
Chic Festival-Ready Footwear
adidas' Icons are Festival and Spring-Forward Sneakers
Dystopian Series Activewear
The PUMA x SQUID GAME Collection Celebrates Season Two
AI-Driven Shoppable Catwalks
Topshop and THG Studios are Hosting a Next-Gen Fashion Experience
Dynamic Running-Focused Retail Concepts
Nordstrom Debuts Nike Running @ the Corner
AI-Powered Fashion-Focused Digital Platforms
Makalot & Meta Intelligence Spotlight StyTrix
Sci-Fi Sneaker Capsules
PUMA x E.T. Collection Has Nostalgic Graphics Through Footwear and Apparel
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Individuality-Focused Brand Campaigns
Adidas Originals' New Campaign Champions Timeless Classics
Digital-World-Based Shoe Collections
adidas Debuts the 'STEPN GO x adidas Ultraboost 5'
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Curated Online Fashion Storefronts
SHEIN Introduced its 'Trend Stores' for Personalized Shopping
Workwear-Themed Fashion Team-Ups
Timberland and TELFAR Announce Another Autumn Collaboration
Sneaker Tag-Inspired Car Keys
Nissan's Kicks Key Merges Auto Technology with Streetwear Culture
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Virtual Footwear Try-Ons
Google's AI-Powered Try-On Tech Helps with Online Shoe Shopping
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Elevated Classic Sneaker Silhouettes
Reebok Upgrades Three Classic, Fan-Favorite Footwear Styles
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Dynamic Sole Unit Sneakers
adidas Brings Attention to its New Zponge Sneaker Model
Custom Sneaker Marketplaces
Sneakify Showcases and Connects Nike By You Enthusiasts in 1 Platform
Co-Branded Performance Running Sneakers
The Kith On Running Collaboration Merges Form and Function
Sleek Cozy Footwear Rebrandings
The Refreshing UGG Rebranding Brings the Name to New Heights
Creatively Shot Footwear Campaigns
Christian Louboutin Releases the Creative Spring 2026 Campaign
Ai-Powered Metaverse Collaborations
Futureverse Strengthens Its Reebok Impact Collaboration
AI-Generated Fashion Week Content
Miami Fashion Week Willl Make Use of AI-Generated Content
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Dynamic Textural Collaborative Shoes
Thug Club & Adidas Drop a Special Iteration of the Superstar
AI Retail Concierge Systems
Puma’s In-Store AI Assistant Offers Multilingual Product Guidance
AI-Powered eCommerce Features
Amazon Interests Offers Tailored Product Options for Shoppers
Athletic Beauty Collabs
Rematch Debuts a Cosmetics Partnership a Sportswear Giant
Data-Driven Digital Experiences
Samsung Unveiled a Color-Changing Installation in London
Immersive Movement Installations
ASICS GEL-KINETIC 2.0 Explores Motion Through Spatial Design
Touch-Reactive Shoes
adidas and Humanrace's EVOLUTION Pro Integrates Haptic Elements
Limited Collaborative Streetwear
HIDDEN.NY x UGG Classic Boot Becomes Prize in Citywide Contest
Athleisure Style Influencers
Reebok Ambassador Angel Reese Wins 2024 FNAA Style Influencer
Influencer-Driven Fashion Events
Pacsun Collaborated with Prominent Gen-Z Creators
AI Retail Forecasts
Experts Outline how AI will Reshape Commerce By 2026
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
In-Store AI Stylists
Skechers' Luna Helps Customers Choose What to Buy
Emoji-Style Sneakers
Josewong's Shoe 1 Mimics the Look of an Iconic Emoji
Mobile Try-On Tours
Kizik Invites People to See Its Hands-Free Shoes in Action
Fashion Gaming App Collabs
Drest x Jimmy Choo Let Gamers Style Paris-Themed Wardrobe Icons
AI Shopping Integrations
Sephora’s ChatGPT App Enables AI-Powered Product Discovery
Dynamic Collaborative Sneakers
adidas Presents the CLOT Superstar Sneaker with Bold Accents
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Virtual Interactive Shopping Experiences
Appy Pie Endpoint Launches Suite of Virtual Try-On APIs
Clog-Expansive Sneaker Brands
Crocs is Officially Pushing More Boundaries in Sneakers
AI-Powered Shopping Features
John Lewis Launches a TikTok Shop Trial
Interactive Basketball Trackers
Spalding x SIQ Introduce Smart Basketball
GenAI Fashion Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. Fashion APIs Help Shoppers Visualize Scarves, Hats & More
Retro Indoor Sneakers
Puma x Beams Unveil the KING INDOOR Reimagined Classic in Off‑white Suede
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
AI-Powered Shoppable Runways
Topshop and THG Studios Hosted a Front Row AI Experience
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Rich Burgundy-Toned Footwear
Reebok Spotlights a Seasonal Color with Bestselling Silhouettes
Virtual Clothing Tools
Virtual Try On Generates Realistic Clothing Images For Marketing And Social
Resilient Collaboration Fashion Capsules
Converse and Daily Paper Launch Rise Through the Ropes
Multi-Year Footwear Partnerships
Nike and LEGO Team Up for a New Kid-Centric Collaboration
Minimal Stylish Elegant Sneakers
18 East and Mephisto Present the Break Spectrum Shoe
Flea-Market-Inspired Brand Experiences
CASEKOO Hosted a DIY Experience in Beijing
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
AI Styling Technology
Zelig Transforms Fashion Retail Experiences with Smart Recommendations
Trend Prediction Services
Tagwalk Revolutionizes Fashion Forecasting with a New AI Dashboard
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
AI-Powered Clothing Shopping Partnerships
True Fit and Shopify are Working Together for Sizing
Inspiring Food Color Reports
Oterra Color Trends 2025 Put Four Trends in the Spotlight
Virtual Sneaker Authentication Services
Real Authentication Has Expanded to the Sneaker Market
Experiential Running Shoe Shops
House of SportsShoes Merges Digital Presence & Physical Experience
Collaborative Bold Sneaker Models
PUMA and Salehe Bembury Join Forces on a Dynamic Sneaker
TV Show-Inspired Sneakers
PUMA Presents the SQUID Game Palermo Sneaker Model with Netflix
AI-Driven Fragrance Experiences
The HOLA Fragrance Pop-Up Features a Scent-to-Language Experience
Custom Suede Sneakers
The Bodega × Puma Suede Sneakers Debuts with Customizable Lacing
Retail Innovation-Focused Events
Spar International Hosts the Spar Transform Event to Boost Retail
Conversational Sizing Recommendations
Gap Inc. Introduced Predictive Sizing and AI-Native Commerce
Interactive Traveling Marketing Initiatives
Heinz Pllayfully Spotlights the Heinz Ketchup Zero
Interchangeable Themed Shoe Charms
Coach Debuts Shoe Charms to Captivate Gen Z Audiences
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Textural Chunky Collaborative Footwear
KITH and adidas Join Forces with a Festive Sneaker Capsule
Holiday-Theme Footwear Capsules
Footwear Brand AUTRY Uses AI to Generate its Holiday Campaign
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
Athlete Arrival Fashion Activations
ATP Introduces Athlete Arrivals to Spotlight Players Style
AI-Powered Sampling Experiences
Swish is Revolutionizing How Consumers Try New Products
Interactive Content Sharing
STIK App Lets Users Publish Content Directly On Physical Products
Measured Retail Expansions
Vessi Launches its Bellevue Store and In-Store Splash Experience
Interactive Robotic Demonstrations
GoLabs and GOTRAX Partner to Spotlight a New Golf Cart
Pixelated Runway Displays
Fendi Works Together with Marc Newson for a Dynamic Set at Ss26
Footwear Product Image Generators
Shoe FYI Creates Product And Promotional Images For Merchants
Interactive Juice Packaging
Gulf Union Foods Launched Fun Connected Packaging for its Juices
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Experiential Sock Pop-Ups
O2's Not a Sock Shop Shared Designs Reflecting Priority Experiences
Immersive Keyboard-Focused Events
Logitech's Pop Icon Keys Event Merges Technology and Expression
AI Fashion Assistants
Your AI Personal Stylist That Matches Looks to Vibes with Ease
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
Interactive Packaging Content
SmartLinks Debuts a Self-Serve Platform for Product Packaging
Celebrity-Supported Smart Glasses Campaigns
Ray-Ban and Meta Tap Doja Cat and Teyana Taylor
Film-Centric Fashion Capsules
Rihanna's Fenty Joins Puma on a Special Smurfs Collection
Bold Collaborative Sneakers
S.R. Studio LA CA x Vans Revive Iconic Shoes with Bold Print Treatment
Consumer Brand Launches
Labor Smart Announced Culturally-Driven Product Collaborations
Transparency Driven Shoppers
Akeneo's 'PX Pulse' Highlights Demand For Clearer Product Details
Retail Marketing Advancements
Westfield Rise Debuts a Programmatic Targeting Solution For Malls
Wear-Evolving Sneakers
J.L-A.L PUMA CELL Geo 1 Pack Features Gradient Uppers That Change Over Time
Collaborative Zipped Sneakers
Footpatrol, Hiking Patrol, and Reebok Launch an Instapump Fury