Personalization

Implications - Consumers are often looking for speed and convenience when it comes to their regular buying habits and therefore, are more likely to utilize a loyalty card that doesn’t involve too many steps. Some brands, particularly in industries where consumers make frequent purchases, are starting to offer straight-through loyalty cards that don’t ever need to be topped off after initial setup. By removing one extra step in the consumer’s path to purchase, these brands are encouraging increased loyalty with consumers and improving overall in-store experience. [More]

Implications - The biggest challenge with teaching kids and adults how to become involved in the STEM practices is the potential tediousness of learning such a technical skill. Implementing a personified character into the process adds more human interest to the process. The strategy simultaneously boosts memorability of the toy or learning system, while making it more impactful. [More]

Implications - Shareability is a purchasing factor for the younger demographic, which ties into whether or not the product or service fits into their personal brand. The creation of Instagram-friendly foods that tie to the collegiate lifestyle satisfy these points. They also boost a sense of pride and create an opportunity to connect with a students' tribe of like-minded individuals. [More]

Implications - Consumers can now get their very own personal assistant in the kitchen to help them navigate complex recipes, concoct delicious dishes and keep tabs on diet and nutrition needs for their families through smart technology that responds to vocal commands. With voice-control, consumers don’t need to be very familiar with the technical aspects of their IoT home, they can simply speak aloud and the connected appliances respond accordingly. The increasing integration of technology into the home is seeing a shift towards more intuitive usage that requires little effort on behalf of the consumer. [More]

Implications - Modular furnishings have become a favorite as homes get smaller and the need for customization gains prominence. When it comes to raising kids in these homes, savvy parents are opting for pieces that accommodate the different stages of childhood. Designs that adapt to user’s changing needs are seen as investments that will last and grow with the family, indicating a desire for smarter purchases. [More]

Implications - As people look for unconventional flavors in familiar formats, brands are launching inventive food and beverage products that use pickle juice or brine as the star ingredient. This shift in perspective speaks to a culture of celebrating experimental eating and the possible link to performative food culture generally. [More]

Implications - With data technology already playing a huge role in the fitness industry, we’re starting to see the integration of increasingly cutting-edge technologies that are predicating future health and wellness lifestyle trends. From complete connectivity to intelligent accessories, exercise equipment is evolving to be more motivating, more intuitive and deliver even more data tracking. The merging of technology with health and wellness is a natural next step in consumers curating a customized lifestyle regimen that suits their specific physiology. [More]

Implications - Given its versatility and power as a natural source of hydration, watermelon is being seen incorporated into any and all mealtimes, as well as into various new snacks. This progression highlights the creativity of health-driven consumers in adapting recipes to better reflect their wellness goals, while also reinforcing the proliferation of superfood trends in the era of online recipe sharing. [More]

Implications - Reformatting classic ingredients to appeal to a more modern landscape, traditional Italian food is being completely restyled in excitingly surprising ways. It can be tough to stay competitive in the minds of foodies while staying true to traditional roots and flavors. However, through taking familiar ingredients and presenting them as interactive elements to a dish or offering customization through modern technology, Italian food is seeing a revolution from comfort to excitement, much to the delight of flavor-seekers. [More]

Implications - Making it fun to maintain a healthy diet, food brands are starting to offer creative customization options via flavorful toppings. As bowled-meals maintain their popularity, consumers are looking for ways to boost the flavor of their salads and smoothie bowls and have that quick, healthy meal that doesn’t require much preparation. Not only convenient for the on-the-go consumer who is already accustomed to the ease of meal kits, the customizable toppings also have the added benefit of making foods more Instagrammable, perfect for the modern foodie. [More]