# Intangible Marketplace Virtual marketplaces increasingly offer intangible services. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 7, 2018 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/intangible-marketplace ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Intangible Marketplace trend? **Intangible Marketplace:** Virtual marketplaces are no longer only offering tangible products, but are increasingly focusing on providing various services, both functional and aesthetic-based, for consumers to barter, purchase and engage with. This shift indicates the ever-growing entrenchment of the Internet as an alternate world–in which the same cultures, hobbies and purchasing habits of consumers that exist in reality can exist in a less controlled, personalizable environment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 27, 2017 to Feb 3, 2018 - Published: Feb 7, 2018 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Intangible Marketplace trend ### Intangible Marketplaces Virtual marketplaces are no longer only offering tangible products, but are increasingly focusing on providing various services, both functional and aesthetic-based, for consumers to barter, purchase and engage with. ### Augmented Reality Augmented Reality (AR) technology is increasingly being used in virtual marketplaces to allow users to see products in a more realistic manner and make more informed purchase decisions. ### Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being leveraged in the art world to help users find the perfect pieces of art for their tastes and preferences. ## What the Intangible Marketplace trend means for industry ### For E-commerce Virtual marketplaces are changing the way consumers shop for products and services, so businesses must adapt to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer demands. ### For Art Market The art market is being disrupted by AI technology, which is making it easier than ever for consumers to find the perfect pieces of art for their tastes. ### For Cybersecurity As the threat of malware continues to grow, the development of specialized malware-fighting marketplaces is becoming increasingly important in the fight against cyber threats. ## Workshop question If your brand were to create its own virtual marketplace, what would it look like? How could it offer intangible products that still add value to its customers' lives? ## Trend signals for Intangible Marketplace Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Intangible Marketplace trend 5 featured examples from Sep 27, 2017 to Feb 3, 2018. - [Augmented Reality Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gadget-flow): The Gadget Flow Online Marketplace Now Offers AR Product Previews (Category: Business) Implication: The e-commerce industry stands to benefit from AR product previews, attracting customers with a more engaging and interactive online shopping experience. - [AI Art Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-marketplace): 'Artfinder' Uses Artificial Intelligence to Match Users to Works of Art (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Art marketplaces are embracing artificial intelligence to enhance the user experience, offering personalized recommendations and expanding access to a wider range of art. - [Skill Bartering Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharehive): The 'Sharehive' Freelance Marketplace Uses Skill as Currency (Category: Tech) Implication: The Sharehive model presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the freelance platform industry, encouraging them to incorporate skill bartering features to attract and engag… - [Digital Collector Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-collectibles): 'Quidd' Helps Users Acquire Digital Collectibles Like GIFs & Stickers (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The increasing popularity of digital collector apps highlights the need for businesses to develop user-friendly mobile applications specifically designed for acquiring and trading… - [Malware-Fighting Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/malwarefighting): The Polyswarm Project Uses Cryptocurrency to Promote Cybersecurity (Category: Tech) Implication: The cybersecurity industry can leverage specialized marketplaces and cryptocurrency rewards to drive innovation and develop new solutions for combating malware. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)