Gamification

Implications - It has been shown that Millennials do not have the same propensity for traditional gambling spaces as their predecessors did, so brands within the industry are responding by updating the process with everything from apps to new technologies like blockchain. With Millennials having grown up in a world in which gratification is instant as opposed to something that requires patience, this new form of gambling is able to cater to their shortened attention spans and discerning tastes. [More]

Implications - Encrypted transactions via Blockchain can now be observed in interactive, play-based experiences – whether those are concert viewings or board games. The incorporation of such technologies into traditional forms of entertainment enhances their accessibility for consumers who are less aware of the uses or systems behind Blockchain. [More]

Implications - The popularity of online gaming has increased as technology has improved. The appeal of online gaming is largely due to the teamwork aspect it creates. This is taken a step further with online team-based gaming that has players collaborate on the construction of a specific piece. This enhances the sense of community and speaks to the larger societal acceptance of friendships forged through digital means. [More]

Implications - Toothbrushes are integrating various types of technology to better inform consumers about their oral care habits and needs. This tech is serves a key role in enabling consumers to track their progress and keep them informed about their health, which especially appeals to consumers who take more proactive and preventative approaches to their health and wellness. [More]

Implications - As kids become increasingly accustomed to technology, parents are turning to products that feature heightened interactive and responsive qualities to add an element of education to those early upbringing experiences. More than just a source of entertainment, these toys offer smart, responsive technology to provide education in a more interactive, autonomous manner. Offering ways to learn through methods of playful engagement, these examples not only showcase the use of smart technology among kids, but also the move toward more autonomous, self-educating tactics . [More]

Implications - Brands that facilitate online gamified communication in various forms, particularly those that specialize in dating, are creating branded in-person events that blur the lines between online interactions and in-person ones. The increased focus on blending the digital sphere with real-world experiences in this realm caters to not only those who enjoy virtual dating, but those who have become disillusioned by it. [More]

Implications - With the popularity of dating apps at a peak, these platforms are expanding their reach by offering services other than those strictly related to dating. Tapping into consumers' ever-increasing openness to meeting new people online for recreational purposes, big players in the space are rolling out features to help consumers make friends, network professionally, and more. [More]

Implications - Over-the-top dessert items are inviting participation from individuals of all ages in a way that allow consumers to indulge in both sweet cravings and a desire to playfully "destroy." This progression speaks to the continued desire to incorporate elements of play into the dining experience, something that is seeing renewed interest in the age of social media dining specifically. [More]

Implications - Non-tech retailers are incorporating gaming in various forms in stores for the purpose of boosting engagement with their brands and products. This shift comes as brick and mortar increasingly relies on the same levels of interactivity that e-commerce incorporates so fluidly, catering to consumers who are seeking the best of both worlds in their purchase journeys. [More]

Implications - With the music festival industry booming, brands are recognizing the need to fill a gap in self-care during these experiences, in order for festival goers to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Offering everything from festival-specific workouts to survival kits, this shift serves two functions–filling a clear, emerging consumer need, and working as an immersive marketing tool for the brands offering the products and services. [More]