Personalization

Implications - Demonstrating the importance of having gadgets that pertain to their individualistic lifestyles and identities, consumers are increasingly drawn towards smartwatches that are more specifically targeted rather than general fitness trackers. This shift in preference towards more personalized performance is indicative of the acceptance of smartwatches and fitness wearables as everyday necessities that consumers want to increasingly integrate into their daily routines. [More]

Brands are now offering cold brew coffee makers with multiple functions. Whether those beverages are hot or cold, coffee or tea, consumers have the option of purchasing multipurpose tools that still give them the sophisticated version of this coffee beverage, without having to waste money on an excessively niche item. These appliances offer the benefit of catering to consumers' habit of presenting their lifestyles as "upscale," without having to deal with the costs associated with those lifestyles. [More]

Implications - With the proliferation of unique personas and avatars at consumers' disposal in the digital sphere, brands offering physical products need to find way to match that degree of individuality. Clothing retailers have managed to do so by creating items that react to the wearers' bodies and surroundings, ensuring that, though fashioned through same process, each piece is unique. Brands accessing reactivity stand a better chance of appealing to consumers' individualistic self-perceptions. [More]

Implications - Customer service is essential for e-commerce sites where opportunities for in-person consumer engagement is negligible. Through the adoption of virtual stylists and hands-on assistants, made more accessible than ever with the rise of chat bots, online shops can provide personalized customer service for every client. This emerging shift indicates the rise of expectations on digital businesses as the number of consumers shopping online increases. [More]

Implications - As consumers increasingly prioritize personal health and wellness, they've begun seeking ways to educate themselves on their own health outside of doctor visits through more exact and personalized data. Through the rise of omnipresent connected technology, we're seeing an integration of health-tracking wearables with athleisure for an all-encompassing view into the wearer's individual performance via biometric data. This emerging category appeals to fitness buffs as well as health-focused consumers, both of whom are looking for ways to be more in-tune with their bodies through personalized health monitoring. [More]

Implications - As the health and wellness movement continues to expand on its already considerable breadth of influence, cult pop culture franchises are lending their branding to workout wear and at-home fitness equipment. This shift highlights the extent to which individuals see their fandoms as extensions of their personal brands, with room for organic incorporation in other areas of interest such as athletic or other pursuits. [More]

Implications - Combining customization with co-creation, brands are putting user experience directly into the hands of consumers. By letting go of full control, brands are indicating trust in the end user, allowing them the freedom to interact with the product the way they see fit and truly make it their own. Beyond crowd-sourcing to please a large audience, brands are leveraging in-person customization to engage the individual on a more personalized level. [More]

The popularity of fashion and beauty blogs as a significant source of entertainment and inspiration has reached the Baby Boomer generation. Their involvement in this form of creative expression counters the notion that the Boomer generation only recognizes traditional artistic platforms. The demographic's entrance into this particular platform signifies the proliferation of not just the Internet, but Internet culture in new, unexpected places. [More]

Implications - Once, customization was as easy as letting consumers choose their own ingredients or have their name etched on a product. Today, customization is common, and brands need to reach extreme degrees to present their personalized products as unique propositions. Products and services that reference detailed aspects of consumers lives stand to resonate far more strongly for consumers who are oversaturated with choices. [More]

Wearables and camera accessories are being designed to detect potentially dangerous skin abnormalities in those who use them. Innovations in this area are fast-emerging due to the rising awareness of the hazardous effects of the sun and toxic pollution. The accessibility of these devices outside of the doctor's office provides a window into an emerging industry of preventative products and initiatives – a consequence of expanding consumer autonomy. [More]