Emoji-themed products become key in selling to younger generations
Trend - The adoption of emojis into the design of typically unrelated products is on the rise, with everything from the fashion industry to grocers employing these visual cues to appeal to consumers. This shift caters to Millennial and Gen Z customers–drawing attention for their familiarity and novelty alike.
Insight - Today's Millennial and Gen Z consumers seamlessly switch between formal and informal modes of communication online. In the latter category, progressions in smartphone technology and social media use has resulted in new "languages" that cross traditional language barriers–whether those are in the form of emoticons or "memes". Young consumers today are less likely to trust messaging from large brands because of their preference for authenticity and inclusion in the way brands communicate to them. Thus, brands that are able to effectively cater to their distinct modes of communication and digital habits are more likely to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.
Insight - Today's Millennial and Gen Z consumers seamlessly switch between formal and informal modes of communication online. In the latter category, progressions in smartphone technology and social media use has resulted in new "languages" that cross traditional language barriers–whether those are in the form of emoticons or "memes". Young consumers today are less likely to trust messaging from large brands because of their preference for authenticity and inclusion in the way brands communicate to them. Thus, brands that are able to effectively cater to their distinct modes of communication and digital habits are more likely to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.
Workshop Question - What's an emoji-branded product that your brand could use to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z?
Trend Themes
1. Emoji Adoption - Adopting emojis into typically unrelated products to appeal to the Millennial and Gen Z customers.
2. Authentic Marketing - Using authentic and inclusive communication to appeal to young consumers and build brand trust.
3. Fruit Packaging Innovation - Creating fun and engaging fresh fruit packaging based on popular fruit emojis for Valentine's Day and other occasions.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - Innovatively using emojis for product designs such as Play-Doh Poop Troop Play Set.
2. Food Industry - Innovatively using emojis for packaging designs such as Reese's Lovemoji Packages to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z consumers.
3. Fashion Industry - Creating fashion campaigns inspired by emojis design to resonate with younger consumers.
