Products that optimize the process of running are increasingly popular
Trend - Brands are increasingly offering specialty clothing and wearable items that are specific to the various health and optimization-based needs of runners. The singular focus of such items ensures that they appeal to consumers' preference for personalization, while still targeting a substantial group of consumers.
Insight - For people who are especially focused on their health, products that enhance their motivation are less of a priority than those that enhance their performance, and their ability to track their progress. Consumers striving for specific fitness goals seek out products that empower them in the process.
Insight - For people who are especially focused on their health, products that enhance their motivation are less of a priority than those that enhance their performance, and their ability to track their progress. Consumers striving for specific fitness goals seek out products that empower them in the process.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better prioritize personalization in its products/services?
Trend Themes
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Specialty Wearables for Runners — The singular focus of wearables for runners ensures that they appeal to consumers' preference for personalization, while still targeting a substantial group of consumers such as the UA SpeedForm Gemini 3 RE Smart Shoes and the '1 Coach' Wearable.
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Affordable Health Tracking Apparel — Affordable ECG Shirts like the KaHa shirt help runners to track their progress with unobtrusive and washable electrodes while also reducing the wearer's temperature while exercising by utilizing fully breathable materials.
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Customized Smart Running Shoes — The process of collecting a variety of exercise-related measurements, data based on gait and pressure during dynamic movements, and 3D scanning capabilities create a fully customized pair of running shoes for runners seeking a highly individualized solution for heightened performance and continued well-being - training.
Industry Implications
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Sportswear and Wearable Technology — Products that enhance runners' performance and track their progress, such as the UA SpeedForm Gemini 3 RE Smart Shoe, the KaHa Shirt, and the Conceptual Nike+ Runaid, enhance runners' motivation towards personalization and optimization for heightened performance.
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Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence — The '1 Coach' Wearable uses AI-powered technology to help runners maintain optimal form while also providing customized reports after each workout to help them pinpoint areas of improvement, providing an opportunity for businesses to create and offer analytics solutions for health and wellness tracking.
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3D Printing Technology — The collaboration between SIGG Outdoors and HP on the FitStation platform leverages 3D scanning and printing technology to create fully customized running shoes for runners and joggers and offers an opportunity for businesses in this industry to specialize in athletic equipment and accessories.
