Science Consumer Insights

Trend - Companies are introducing fishing traps that are ropeless and located with acoustic signals. These traps have self-inflating balloons to allow them to surface when called, and can be used more than ten times. This results in fewer fish and whales caught in unnecessary ropes.

Insight - Commercial fishing is essential to maintaining an affordable supply of seafood for customers. However, this fishing is often destructive to the aquatic environment due to single-use traps and materials being lost in the water. For customers who do not consider the sustainability of fishing, reducing costs and increasing supply is a real desire. This puts pressure on companies to deploy more efficient, more sustainable methods of fishing that reduce costs across the board.

Trend - Brands in the 3D-printing space are launching printers and materials that can create complex, durable glass structures. This offers more value to consumers in the space, as many regular printers can now create designer glass structures for jewelry or otherwise without specialty equipment.

Insight - Consumers in the 3D-printing space are drawn to tools and services that enable creativity and streamline the creation process. This includes printers that create higher-quality prints faster, as well as software that enables more precise designing of printed works. This desire extends beyond software and hardware to material works as well, as consumer pressures previously moved the industry toward wood filament printing for sustainability, showing a demand for more printable materials.

Trend - Microplastic pollution is an ever-increasing problem in the modern world, with traces of microplastics being found in everything from food to living organisms. The world's oceans are a hotspot for this pollution, leading to science organizations creating devices to recapture microplastics.

Insight - There is increased pressure from consumers and governments alike for businesses to engage in sustainable practices and offset their emissions. These businesses seek solutions for reducing and offsetting their emissions that are transparent and tangible. Ideally, businesses desire solutions that go beyond minor reductions in annual CO2 emissions. These methods improve businesses' government standings and their ability to market to eco-conscious consumers. With the rising concerns surrounding microplastic pollution and carbon emissions, these corporations are reinvesting a portion of profits into NGOs and research centers for mutual benefit.

Trend - 3D printer manufacturers and materials suppliers have begun using upcycled wood from excess materials gathered at sawmills and other processing plants. The companies use filament printing and binding to transform this byproduct into durable designs that resemble whole cuts of wood.

Insight - As 3D printing becomes more accessible for general consumers and small businesses, there is a rising demand for products that offer more material options and are more sustainable. Not every customer is satisfied printing designs in hard metal, plastic, or other polycarbonate compounds, leading to businesses introducing wood to the equation. This not only offers more options but also allows 3D printing companies to partner with sawmills to upcycle wood waste into usable products.

Trend - The 3D printing industry is one that continually pushes toward efficiency and accuracy. Since HP introduced Multi Jet Fusion technology to the market in 2021, many companies have adopted this technology in order to provide printing services for complex, functional parts with fine details.

Insight - At-home 3D printers cover most simply small-to-medium-sized printing jobs. However, many at-home printers fail to create functional prototypes of small parts and tools, as these parts often require precise, intricate details. Additionally, customers cannot afford to have these printed parts be structurally unsound. HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology addresses these areas by allowing companies to print small, highly complex parts that are functional and reliable.

Trend - Advanced artificial intelligence has opened the door to advanced farming technology that significantly reduces the required amount of worker input. The AI allows for automated tools such as smart tractors and smart coops to optimize daily workflow by automating complex tasks.

Insight - Farmers face a continued desire for increased efficiency not just of space but of workers' time. Automated technologies allow farmers to focus on larger-scale management while leaving menial physical labor jobs to programmed machines. Farmers are continually tasked with increasing outputted food quantities without compromising on quality or safety, leading directly to the desire for constant automated assistance that goes beyond simple, linear tasks such as pesticide spreading.

Trend - While some startups are exploring the potential of cellular agriculture, envisioning the production of extinct or rare animal meats for the luxury market, others are deploying their research in this field as a way to advocate and bring awareness of industry practices.

Insight - Aware of innovation and constant expansion of the science and technology sector, contemporary consumers are showing strong interest in novelty, prioritizing unique and one-of-a-kind experiences at a premium. In this space, many allow their curiosity and adventurous spirit to guide their purchasing decisions, allowing them to not only feel satisfied that they are living to the fullest but also entertained.

Trend - Para-probiotics are non-viable microbial cells, essentially “inactive probiotics,” that carry health benefits for the immune system, digestion, and more. Recognizing that para-probiotics have applicational advantages to probiotics, companies in the food, beverage, and beauty industries are tapping them.

Insight - Due to the vast push and advocacy for holistic wellness, contemporary consumers are opting-in for products with distinct health claims. In this space, many are prioritizing peace of mind with solutions that are non-synthetic, biologically inspired, and research-backed. Placing emphasis on education and authenticity, individuals are willing to learn about new advancements in research and how innovative products might help them to be healthier and happier.

Trend - Scientists are now using machine learning and artificial intelligence to help predict natural phenomenons—such as flooding, fires, earthquakes, hurricane intensity, and so on—minimizing the harm done in the wake of these events These tools are being effectively deployed to manage climate change.

Insight - Contemporary consumers are beginning to see the consequences of climate change in their own environments and this is intensifying their sense of immediacy for action and preparedness. Aware of the implications technology carries as a solution in these fields, individuals are emphasizing its extensive use. Whether it would be compiling and analyzing data or producing knowledge and valuable insights about an important topic, individuals feel safer and more secure.

Trend - Tech innovators and medical professionals are collaborating in order to find solutions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched as open-source platforms and partnerships, these initiatives are related to finding a cure or offering better protection and information throughout the crisis.

Insight - Amid a localized or global crisis, it is in the best interest of everyone for solutions to be secured as efficiently as possible. In order to break free from restrictions such as lack of accessibility, many innovators, professionals, and even consumers take to open-source platforms. Such resources allow these individuals to feel valuable amid a crisis by using their skills in the problem-solving process through helpful insights, technological advancements, and other projects.