# Virtual Lab Virtual innovation labs let consumers test and design products remotely. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 22, 2021 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-lab ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Virtual Lab trend? **Virtual Lab:** Pre-pandemic, brands in a range of industries experimented with innovation labs where they could display and test their most innovative products and ideas with consumers. Now, they're doing the same but virtually--as retailers remain restricted with how they curate in-store experiences. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Lab trend Consumers have had to turn to the online sphere more than ever before in the past year, and brands have quickly become just as innovative virtually as they have been in their in-store experiences in the past. To be engaged online, consumers expect that brands offer them everything from cost accessibility to convenience and customization. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 11, 2019 to Jun 7, 2021 - Published: Mar 22, 2021 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Virtual Lab trend ### Virtual Innovation Labs Pre-pandemic, brands in a range of industries experimented with innovation labs, now, they're doing the same but virtually, offering consumers cost accessibility, convenience, and customization. ### Virtual Sampling Experiences As cosmetic sampling experiences, in-store try-ons and launch events are changing, building out interactive universes like Skin School x Clinique Laboratories offer brands unique marketing opportunities without ever having to leave the consumer's home. ### Immersive Digital Spaces With industries like fashion hit hard by social distancing guidelines, creating innovative and immersive digital solutions like LKM Lab's virtual runway environments provide unique experiences that are exclusive to virtual shows. ## What the Virtual Lab trend means for industry ### For Retail With retailers restricted in their ability to curate in-store experiences, digital solutions like virtual labs and necklace layering labs offer consumers unique experiences without having to leave the home. ### For Beauty Virtual beauty labs, like Skin School x Clinique Laboratories, provide consumers with a unique way to try out the latest beauty products from the comfort of their couch. ### For Education Home cooking platforms such as YesChef and virtual innovation labs provide opportunities to learn from world-renowned chefs, take part in live chats and discover new cultural cuisines. ## Workshop question How could your brand create distinct virtual experiences for customers? ## Trend signals for Virtual Lab Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 74%, freshness 10%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 10% ## Examples of the Virtual Lab trend 7 featured examples from Dec 11, 2019 to Jun 7, 2021. - [Immersive Hair Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/185-ghd-house): The 185 GHD House Lets Guests Explore a Virtual 3D Environment (Category: Fashion) Implication: Companies in the beauty and fashion industries can use immersive virtual experiences to create engaging customer experiences and showcase new products. - [Virtual Beauty Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skin-school-x-clinique-laboratories): Skin School x Clinique Laboratories Provides an Immersive Experience (Category: Fashion) Implication: Virtual beauty labs and product experiences can add a new dimension to the beauty industry and offer innovative ways of engaging with consumers. - [Virtual Lipstick Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lip-lab-at-home): Lip Lab At Home Helps People Create Custom Lipsticks with an Expert (Category: Business) Implication: The beauty industry can leverage virtual platforms to offer customized experiences and reach a wider audience of beauty enthusiasts. - [Necklace Layering Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missomas-layering-lab): Missoma's Layering Lab Combines Beauty and Technology (Category: Fashion) Implication: The jewelry industry can leverage virtual try-on technology to enhance the online shopping experience and increase customer engagement. - [Virtual Runway Design Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lkm-lab): LKM Lab Designs Environments for Virtual Runways and More (Category: Tech) Implication: The fashion industry can leverage virtual runway shows to adapt to social distancing measures and offer innovative brand experiences. - [Home Cooking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooking-platforms): YesChef Teaches the Art of Home Cooking from the Convenience of Home (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a specialized e-learning platform that offers a wide range of culinary courses taught by expert chefs. - [Kid-Friendly Cooking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-in-the-kitchen): Campbell's Kids in the Kitchen Inspires Bonding Over Food (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new product offerings and experiences that cater to family cooking and bonding. ## Recent trend clusters - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Engineered Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engineered-layers) (Fashion) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) - [Crafted Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crafted-timepieces) (Luxury) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)