# Functional Avatar Personalized avatars are now used for real-world functions. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 26, 2018 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-avatar ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Functional Avatar trend? **Functional Avatar:** Personalized avatars have long been used in gaming and social media, and now their use is extending to real-world functions, whether those relate to the purchase journey or functions like productivity. This shift comes as a result of the rapidly amalgamating digital and physical worlds, and caters to consumers' preferences for personalized and experiential shopping experiences. ## The consumer insight behind the Functional Avatar trend For young consumers in particular, personalized digital avatars have become a new form of self-expression and communication. Digital avatars' emergence has typically been specific to conversational or entertainment-based formats, but their prevalence in many Millennial and Gen Z's communication styles has resulted in an opportunity for their use in other transactional experiences. The use of these personalized avatars in branded experiences results in a more interactive and enjoyable experience for those already accustomed to using them. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: May 2 to Dec 11, 2018 - Published: Nov 26, 2018 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Functional Avatar trend ### Personalized Avatars for Real-world Functions The use of personalized avatars in branded experiences results in a more interactive and enjoyable experience for consumers accustomed to using them. ### Augmented Reality Collaboration Apps 'Spatial', an augmented reality conferencing app, replicates face-to-face interaction and lets people collaborate seamlessly with each other. ### Avatar-Based Try-On Technology ViuBox's 3D avatars allow shoppers to try on clothes online and have the potential to eliminate the need for fitting rooms. ## What the Functional Avatar trend means for industry ### For E-commerce Companies in the e-commerce industry can leverage personalized avatars, digital fashion collections, and avatar-based try-on technology to enhance online shopping experiences ### For Fashion Fashion industries can use digital-only fashion capsules, 3D avatars, and personified brand avatars for personalized and engaging shopping experiences. ### For Collaboration Businesses in the collaboration industry can use augmented reality collaboration apps to enhance remote work and bring people together seamlessly. ## Workshop question Conceptualize how your brand could use personalized avatars in the purchase journey, or to enhance its product/service. ## Trend signals for Functional Avatar Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 56%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 82% - Activity: 56% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Functional Avatar trend 5 featured examples from May 2 to Dec 11, 2018. - [Digital-Only Fashion Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-fashion-collection): Carlings' Digital Fashion Collection Boasts a Futuristic Outlook (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The fashion industry can explore ways to integrate technology and sustainability to meet evolving consumer needs, adapt to fast-changing trends and reduce environmental impacts. - [Personified Brand Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashion-avatar): The 3D Virtual Fashion Avatar 'Daisy' Helps Consumers Connect with YOOX (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of virtual avatars can revolutionize the online shopping experience and create more engagement and trust between customers and e-commerce platforms. - [Social Media Queueing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airmaxline): Nike Created a Virtual #AirMaxLine for Sneakerheads on Instagram (Category: Marketing) Implication: Retailers can adopt virtual queueing systems to transform traditional product release waits, increasing customer satisfaction and driving online engagement. - [Avatar-Based Try-On Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/try-on-technology): ViuBox Lets Shoppers Try Garments on Personalized 3D Models (Category: Business) Implication: Retail industry can use avatar-based try-on tech to attract and retain more customers by providing a hassle-free shopping experience. - [AR Collaboration Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaboration-apps): 'Spatial' Enhances the Conference Room Experience with Augmented Reality (Category: Tech) Implication: Technology companies can capitalize on the growing demand for AR collaboration apps and spatial computing experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)