Travel

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 - 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 - Specialized tech that mitigates the various symptoms associated with jet lag is helping frequent travelers maintain their health and routines while they're away from home. These products serve consumers who are willing to take on high costs in order to prioritize their health –making them most suitable for busy, traveling professionals. [More]

Implications - Though hotels have long prioritized guest comfort, they are taking that a step further by offering the same comforts that guests are accustomed to in their own homes. Whether in the form of errand-running or homey designs, these spaces are becoming popular as hotel brands seek to compete with the convenience of companies like Airbnb, and travelers increasingly seek out experiences that best immerse them in local cultures and lifestyles. [More]

Implications - Offering travelers a greater sense of exclusivity, brands are re-imaging their product designs to transform everyday accessories into personalized statement pieces. From pop-art inspired aesthetics to exclusive brand collaborations, these products not only provide an outlet for expression, but they also offer a more affordable way for consumers to access exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences. [More]

Implications - AI integration into travel planning is becoming increasingly popular as brands look to optimize the way their targeted consumers choose and experience their travels. The use of AI in accelerating the preparation process serves consumers who are seeking to minimize time spent on such tasks, and proves especially useful as business travel continues to rise. [More]

Implications - With the process of travel often being a source of anxiety for consumers, brands are developing designs, products and tools that provide relief to those who experience travel-induced stress. These innovations reveal the growing importance for brands to go further than functionality in creating positive consumer perceptions, and instead dive into areas related to user experience that had previously been neglected--ultimately creating more valuable, loyalty-based connections between the brand and the consumer. [More]

Implications - Programs that offer parents of young children the freedom to enjoy their travels by keeping kids distracted are becoming increasingly popular. With Millennial parents prioritizing travel experiences, those that strike a balance between privacy and family bonding are able to cater to this generation's involved yet independent parenting style. [More]

Implications - Travel bags are being designed with several functions in order to enhance the traveling experience. These functions can range from navigation and autonomous movement to aiding those who have mobility restrictions. Offering these all-in-one designs serves to counter the more inconvenient aspects of travel, while giving the brands behind them a point of distinction in a an overrun market. [More]