Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 460,592 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,240 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 321,086 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,240 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 321,086 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,210 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 460,592 cutting edge ideas.

Shade Sails

StructureFlex Provides Stylish Protection From Harsh Rays

— December 27, 2011 — Art & Design
Shade Sails have become an increasingly popular option for a vast array of people worldwide. The idea derives from the principle of using similar material and procedure as that of a sailboat. However, rather than having a vertical contraption designed to capture the wind, shade sails actually are set up horizontally off the ground with the purpose of deflecting the sun's brutal rays.

The common assembled shade sail has posts or anchor points that are usually implanted into the ground on a permanent basis. Those anchor points are measured to be specifically within a certain distance from each other on every end so that it provides just the appropriate amount of tension to hold the actual shade sail. The shade sail is then attached to the anchor points and provides somewhat of a tent-like feature that blocks the sun, and yet has much more cosmetic appeal than tents.

Many trends have developed recently in regards to how and when to use shade sails. Some of the most common trends include using different colors, designs and material for shade sail devices. Waterproof shade sails are available as well and they provide a superb option for those that reside in an area that is accustomed to dealing with exorbitant amounts of rain and inclement weather.

The most popular trends have been to turn the basic shade sail idea into a considerably pragmatic outdoor hosting site complete with awnings and decorations. Some of the more exuberant examples have even turned the shade sails idea into somewhat of an outdoor bistro, large enough to cater to several people at once.

These recent shade sail innovations are gaining recognition and are quickly becoming the new classy, modern upgrade to outdoor living.
Trend Themes
1. Colorful and Custom Designs - Opportunity to offer customized shade sails with various colors and designs to satisfy the preferences and demands of clients.
2. Waterproof Shade Sails - Innovation opportunity to construct waterproof shade sails to cater to the needs of individuals living in rainy or areas with inclement weather.
3. Shade Sail Hosting Sites - Chances to explore the notion of using a shade sail as a functional outdoor party venue to attract consumers who prefer to host large outside functions.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Home Design - Opportunity to offer clients aesthetically pleasing yet functional shade sails they can use as outdoor living spaces.
2. Outdoor Recreation and Entertainment - Opportunity to promote innovative concepts regarding outdoor hosting sites or bistro where consumers can relax, socialize, and enjoy the environment protected from sun rays.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - Opportunity to market shade sail hosting sites as tourist attractions and suitable venues for outdoor functions where people can gather, eat, drink and create memorable experiences.
2.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness