Consumer Insights > World

Implications - Wedding registry platforms that allow guests to put money towards opportunities like travel are becoming increasingly popular. The preference many Millennial consumers have for experiences over things is driving this more dynamic expression of the experience economy. By nurturing the attitude that memories are more valuable than goods, brands are able to better align themselves with the values of their consumer and establish an authentic connection to a major life milestone. [More]

Implications - By leveraging ice cream as an exploratory platform, brands are allowing consumers to experience new cultures via regional flavors, but with the security of the familiar dessert concept. This combination speaks to the consumer desire for experimental foodie experiences, coupled with a refusal to limit their palettes to their own geographic experiences. [More]

Implications - Clever fashion brands allude to the shared experience of mass tourism with faux souvenirs and editorials characterized by social cues that denote sightseeing. This commentary on the ubiquitous nature of the travel experience may also be meant as subtle criticism of the state of the industry. In highlighting the mundane nature of these mass-produced cultural experiences, brands are able to connect with consumers through authentic dialogue on globalization and unsustainable lifestyles. [More]

Implications - Hospitality brands are increasingly offering mobile accommodations for consumers seeking distinct travel experiences. These mobile hotels come with a shift in consumer preference, in which they increasingly seek out adventure and culture immersion over relaxation in their travel experiences. [More]

Implications - Becoming more than just a mere source of fuel and consumption, food is evolving into something users want to share, capture and connect with. As a result, museums and exhibits dedicated to the showcase of various food products are emerging, giving consumers the chance to not only relish in the products they love to consume, but record those experiences as well. This move towards more aesthetic appreciation of food illustrates the continuing evolution of foodie culture, where consumption is not necessarily a priority, rather experience is taking center stage. [More]

Implications - For those who can afford them, in-flight experiences that expand beyond comfort and entertainment are becoming increasingly common. Ranging from pet-friendly jets to in-flight aromatherapy, these products cater to luxury-minded consumers seeking more for the high costs they pay to fly, while giving brands the opportunity to elevate customer experiences with little extra costs. [More]

Implications - While blockchain technology is still in its infancy, its application in voting means that we can almost guarantee security while allowing for increased participation for remote legally registered voters. With electoral fraud being highly scrutinized as of late, blockchain technology has the potential to provide a foundation where institutions can work to restore faith in electoral systems, and could contribute to more accessible voting processes. [More]

Implications - As the experience economy continues to grow, typically traditional businesses and destinations are adapting as a means to gain exposure and engagement. Museums, galleries and exhibits are participating in this shift by collaborating with artists and holding exhibits that speak more to bold, share-worthy designs and aesthetics as opposed to simply cultural or historic significance. Catering to an Instagram-obsessed generation, these curated exhibits are not only exposing art to new generations, but they’re also changing the way art, culture and educational activities are perceived and experienced. [More]

Implications - Consumers today are putting greater emphasis on taking care of themselves, leading to a boom in the cosmetics and skincare industry. A concurrent shift, however, is that consumers are on-the-go and traveling more than ever before as well. Meeting these two changes in the middle are beauty and skincare products specifically formulated for travel that miniaturize themselves without sacrificing the design and luxury elements that consumers expect from this category. This reflects the ways in which convergence is being adopted to help meet increasing and sometimes conflicting consumer needs related to lifestyle. [More]

Implications - In the past, technology has been monumental in bridging gaps created by written and verbal language barriers; now, real-time technologies are creating the possibility for more seamless interactions. Products that not only decipher spoken speech but physical gestures, coded language and more, are empowering consumers to leverage tech as a humanization tool. This progression showcases how, contrary to popular belief, technology can be leveraged to enhance social interactions. [More]