Brands are launching new puzzle products amid COVID-19 boredom
Trend - Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, brands in various industries—ranging from QSR to the music industry—have launched new puzzles. These games feature distinctive features such as monochromatic coloring, branded imagery, and meditation-specific concepts.
Insight - Homebound boredom in the face of COVID-19 has prompted many consumers to focus on traditional methods of occupation to help pass the time. As consumers are restricted from entertaining themselves with their usual activities, many have turned to traditional forms of recreation that occupy both their hands and minds. Moreover, activities that provide a social media-friendly aesthetic have soared, as they allow consumers to share their quarantine-appropriate behaviors with their peer groups.
Insight - Homebound boredom in the face of COVID-19 has prompted many consumers to focus on traditional methods of occupation to help pass the time. As consumers are restricted from entertaining themselves with their usual activities, many have turned to traditional forms of recreation that occupy both their hands and minds. Moreover, activities that provide a social media-friendly aesthetic have soared, as they allow consumers to share their quarantine-appropriate behaviors with their peer groups.
Workshop Question - How can your brand support consumers through the "new normal"?
Trend Themes
1. Resurgence of Puzzles - The COVID-19 lockdown has caused an increase in demand for traditional forms of entertainment, such as puzzles, and activities that provide a social media-friendly aesthetic have soared.
2. Minimalist Monochromatic Design - The minimalistic monochromatic design in puzzles has become popular, providing a challenging yet entertaining experience for technology-free activities.
3. Branded Puzzle Activities - Brands across various industries have launched puzzle products due to the lockdown, creating disruptive innovation opportunities for interaction with fans at home.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - The resurgence of puzzles has created an opportunity for traditional forms of indoor entertainment for consumers during the COVID-19 lockdown.
2. Hospitality and Dining - Fast food chains and distilleries are creating branded puzzle products to interact with their consumers while they are at home.
3. Mindfulness and Wellness - Puzzle products are increasingly being marketed for their ability to reduce stress, anxiety and encourage mindfulness and relaxation for consumers.
