Science Consumer Insights

Trend - Technology is incorporated into devices that analyze and break-down ingredients in any given sample of food. This approach is present on the level of both the industry and the consumer, offering an informative way to gauge the nutritional values of a given product, as well as test for chemical contaminants and allergens.

Insight - The age of information makes it so that there is a demand for increased transparency and knowledge, especially when it comes to products that are in direct contact with the consumer's body. This is best observed in the mindset of Gen Z, Millennial, and Gen X demographics as these generations were most impacted by the transition of information to commodity. As a result, many insist on having a full report on the products that they consume and technology enters this space as a pathway for accurate analysis and delivery of the requested information.

Implications - For the most part, people try to avoid bacteria , but today an increasing number of artists and product designers are incorporating microbial life into the design of everyday objects. This speaks to an increase in perceived accessibility to the science of biology and a growing interest in the 'biohacking' movement.

Implications - Recording and securely sharing patient data has long been a significant pain point for the healthcare industry, and with heightened sensitivity in light of data breaches and privacy concerns from large corporations like Facebook, this concern is magnified for the average consumer. To quell these concerns, blockchain technology is being used to securely and accurately store health records. Not only does this elevate the standard of care that health care providers are able to administer, but in a world where our personal data is vulnerable, patients can have a greater sense of trust in the caretakers of their health-related information.

Implications - Brands are leveraging bio-science to allow consumers to better personalize their diet-related goals. Weight management platforms use algorithms that analyze the consumer's DNA, which then provides them with information that helps them make informed choices about their nutrition plans. This personalization caters to consumers looking to self-empower when it comes to meeting their health and fitness goals.

Implications - Consumer obsession with recent developments regarding potential travel to Mars has lead to an influx of products and experiences that interpret the red planet is various ways. This progression is an example of the inspiration derived by tastemakers and designers from such cultural fascinations and the larger influence innovations in technology have on the zeitgeist.

Implications - Food brands are highlighting the scientific properties of their items, or curating products or events that center around scientific consumption, in a way that informs and connects consumers' to the brands' vision. The use of science as a marketing and engagement tool caters to consumers seeking what they perceive to be fact-based products and services.

Implications - Rigorous testing of AI means gathering mass amounts of data that are difficult to accumulate in the lab. Instead, companies have begun to train their machines with crowdsourced online games through which users unwittingly improve the quality of the AI. Gamifying technical aspects of one's brand cleverly redirects the wealth of information embedded in the crowd toward product improvement.

Implications - While much of the conversation seems to focus on the wellness lifestyle obsession, an emerging group of consumers interested merely in absorbing one's required daily nutrients in the most efficient way possible are embracing futuristic meal replacement plans. This progression highlights the ability of modern consumers to construct lifestyles of their own liking, such a freedom includes previously unthinkable concepts such as the choice to save time by avoiding conventional meals, whether or not this results in opting out of such shared experiences as dining.

Implications - Global warming has created unpredictable circumstances in many parts of the world. This creates a need for more adaptable structures; it all begins with industrial materials, and the development of more extreme weather proofing. This adaptability goes beyond the tangible circumstances and materials, and into a need for efficient and effective solutions to global problems.

Implications - As STEM continues to evolve in the toy space, brands are developing robot-building kits and systems to pique the interest of kids. By involving children in the making and programming of robots, toy brands are able to make these STEM-related toys both more engaging and rewarding for the end user.