Co-creation

Trend - As GLP-1 weight management drugs gain popularity, food companies are responding by adjusting the ingredients and portions in their products. Particularly in the CPG market, retailers are offering smaller products richer in proteins and fibers, as there are more in-line with consumer needs.

Insight - GLP-1 weight management drugs in North America are causing dramatic shifts in the food and beverage industry. As the percentage of adults using these drugs continues to rise, consumers across North America are adjusting their consumption habits in turn. These consumers are becoming less likely to purchase unhealthy dessert foods, and are becoming more drawn to smaller meals with densely packed nutrients. As a result, CPG brands and restaurants are adjusting recipes to appeal to these consumers.

Trend - Both companies and individual researchers in the autonomous vehicle industry are launching open-source tools to enhance self-driving capabilities. On both the hardware and software side, these tools are widely applicable and can be used to simulate errors in self-driving models, improving safety.

Insight - While autonomous driving is gaining popularity at an exponential rate, it is still far and away a minority of drivers that utilize these features. Even drivers with vehicles capable of self-driving often avoid the feature for safety concerns. However, as hardware and software become more advanced, the safety of autonomous driving continues to improve, mitigating safety concerns. Companies in the space are launching open-source self-driving tools to accelerate the improvement of these features.

Trend - Computer peripheral brands are launching new products with ortholinear key layouts. As opposed to traditional QWERTY keyboards with angled key layouts, ortholinear keyboards have an even grid-like key pattern. These keyboards appeal to those looking for a more ergonomic typing experience.

Insight - Nearly every adult, and most teens, interact with a computer on a daily basis in the modern world, whether for work, school, or entertainment. The frequency that consumers interface with computers leads to users developing strong preferences for devices, whether it be specific keyboard layouts, monitor sizes, or other peripherals. In order to meet the needs of consumers with more unique preferences, brands are investing in developing premium peripherals for more popular niches.

Trend - Brands are creating packaging options that can be easily opened and handled by people with various physical abilities, limited hand strength, or dexterity. From snap-caps to easy-peel lids, these types of packaging improve user experience and enhance consumers' sense of autonomy and convenience.

Insight - Consumers with physical disabilities or chronic conditions are often in search of products that accommodate their condition and allow them to perform tasks independently. In response, brands are revamping their packaging designs to be more inclusive, recognizing the importance of accommodating these demographics. By embracing accessible solutions, these brands can expand their consumer base, demonstrate a deeper understanding of their customer's diverse needs, and foster a more inclusive market.

Trend - Restaurants are partnering with social media-viral chefs and foodie influencers to create menus that resonate with younger audiences. These menus take inspiration from popular recipes and transform them in unique ways to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Insight - Short-form video platforms have contributed to a rise in consumer foodie culture. Algorithms have made it easy for unique, tasteful recipes to gain worldwide attention at a rapid rate. As a result of this, both professional and hobbyist chefs have taken to these platforms to share their takes on recipes, with many quickly gaining virality. In order to capitalize off of the popularity of these videos, restaurants are partnering with these creators to develop curated viral menus for patrons.

Trend - Automotive brands are becoming increasingly involved in the consumer technology industry by releasing co-branded smartphones, computers, components, and accessories. These products come with the established credibility of both respective brands, leading to rapid growth within the space.

Insight - Brand identity plays a key factor for most consumers when searching for new products. Brands commonly regarded as household names often get preferential treatment when two products are perceived to be equal. For many consumers, this is true even for products outside of the respective companies' typical industries. In order to capitalize off the preference for established brands, automotive companies are partnering with consumer electronics companies on co-branded offerings in both spaces.

Trend - Packaging foam, often discarded after use, is becoming eco-friendly due to regulations and changing consumer attitudes. These products reduce the need for petroleum-based foams and minimize environmental impact, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and businesses.

Insight - Eco-conscious consumers often choose products that align with their social and political values, especially in the packaging industry, which is dominated by wasteful practices. These consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability, encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly materials and practices. Businesses catering to the demand for sustainable packaging solutions can appeal to consumers looking for brands that demonstrate a genuine commitment to minimizing environmental issues.

Trend - Smart home companies are releasing baby monitors with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features. Rather than acting as cameras and recording devices, these monitors use AI features for non-intrusive monitoring of breathing or sleeping patterns, body temperature, and more.

Insight - New Millennial and Gen Z parents are tasked with balancing full-time work with social lives and raising their newborns. Rising costs of living have led to these parents often having less free time than previous generations. To alleviate the strain of home tasks, many of these parents turn to smart home or AI-powered products, such as robot vacuum or AI washing machines. In recognition of this demand, smart home and infant care brands are releasing AI baby monitors with time-saving features.

Trend - Companies are launching artificial intelligence (AI)-powered baby naming services. These services suggest baby names based on the user's preferences, such as gender or language. The tools use conversational AI to further limit these pools, enabling the user to state more niche name preferences.

Insight - Soon-to-be parents often struggle with preparation in all forms, being tasked with planning entire months or years ahead to ensure a smooth upbringing for the upcoming baby. These parents aim to reduce stress in each part of the parenthood process, and they turn to countless resources to help, such as parenting books or blogs. In recognition of this stressful life period, companies are launching AI-powered tools and services to help alleviate stress from the parenthood process.

Trend - Companies are launching Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered scribes for the healthcare industry. These AI scribes automate the process of recording verbalized information from the patient and the charting, organizing, and preserving of important details—saving time for healthcare professionals.

Insight - Even in the post-covid world in North America, there is a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals leading to many being overworked. These working conditions reduce the amount of time allotted to each patient, and could potentially lead to some more menial tasks not receiving adequate attention. In recognition of these challenges, companies are launching AI tools and assistants specifically designed to perform documentation-related tasks, such as notetaking and charting patient data.