# Emotion-Based Auctions This Strange Auction Rewarded the Bidder Who Truly Wanted an Item Most By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-07-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strange-auction References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/07/art-auction-delves-into-emotions-rather-than-top-bids.html) & [auctionbasedonemotions](http://auctionbasedonemotions.com/en/) It can be a real disappointment to lose a bid for an item that you really want during an auction, especially if it comes down to money—however, this was not an issue in a strange auction that was conducted in June. On June 18th, an auction was held in Stockholm, where people placed [blind bids on items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emi-jay-blind-box). Participants were hooked up to [galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nuna-pendant) and each item was revealed to them for the first time. To win a bid, you'd have to have the [highest emotional response](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/global-mood-ring) to an object. The items that were given away during the auction included three glass art pieces by Kosta Boda, a Swedish glass maker. Some of the most valuable pieces from the auction were worth about $34,000 and they truly went to the people who will enjoy them most. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Live Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/livearts) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Emotion-based Auctions:** Using galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors in auctions can provide an opportunity for more personalized and meaningful bidding experiences. - **Psychological Testing in Auctions:** Incorporating psychological testing in auctions can create a new avenue for understanding consumer behavior and preferences. - **Gamification of Bidding:** Introducing game-like elements in bidding processes can offer a fun and interactive way for buyers to engage with auction items. ### Where This Applies - **Art Auctions:** The art auction industry can benefit from implementing emotion-based bidding, which can attract more buyers and increase engagement. - **Luxury Goods Auctions:** Incorporating psychological testing in auctions for luxury goods can increase the perception of exclusivity and enhance the overall buying experience. - **Online Auction Platforms:** Integrating gamification elements to existing online auction platforms can create new revenue streams and attract a wider user base. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Charitable Digital Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-auction.md) - [Auction Discovery Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lastminute-auction.md) - [Emotion-Driven AI Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memoreel.md) - [Mysterious Painted Car-Door Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crazy-horse.md) - [Desire-Detecting Chocolate Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desire-a-bar.md) - [AI Haggling Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-garage-sale.md) - [Snack Artwork Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mischief-by-chester.md) - [Electric Microbus Charity Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/id-buzz-virtual-auction.md) - [Striking Wearable Sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-sculpture-1.md)