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FuturistU > Tactics > Innovation Tactics > Module 2 / 4

Consumer Innovation

Instructor: Mark Onufer
Design Innovation
Download the Design Innovation Trend Report
Innovation and innovative ideas are only great if the end consumer accepts it. Too many times brands and organizations around the world generate interesting ideas without having done the preliminary research or simply disarranged priorities leading to failure. In this module Mark covers consumer innovation and two innovation tactics: NASA with Prioritization Workshops and Bath Body Works and Global Scout Network.

Mark starts by telling a story from the Deputy Chief Technologist at NASA and uncovers the idea that different teams with conflicting goals was the largest hurdle in getting them to Mars. After reviewing lessons on the importance of agility being greater than perfection, Mark breaks down a framework for this workshop. Diving deeper into consumer innovation, this module shows you what it would look like to have a network of ‘consumer research ninjas’ providing local and cultural insights to inform your projects. This showcases how something like flowers can not only inspire an entire line of products, but also act as a cultural backboard for depth and narrative. How could you make better use of your customers in your innovation process?
Related Trend Report: Design Innovation
Workshop Questions:
1. Think of 3 factors that could lead to your company's Utopia.
2. How could you make better use of your customers in the innovation process?
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Featured Insights

Trackable Gaze
Software tracking eye movement delivers valuable insight to marketers
Implications - Eye-tracking technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in market research in order to optimize user experience in the digital space. Through the use of biometric tracking software via mobile and desktop devices, brands are better able to understand precisely where consumer attention is drawn, and how they navigate the tools. This new technology speaks to the struggle many brands have had in recent years with understanding how to better establish authentic connections with consumers.

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Workshop Question - How might your brand leverage eye-tracking software to establish a better connection with your consumer?
3.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

SMS Commerce
Brands are integrating shopping services into mobile SMS applications
Trend - Retailers are seamlessly integrating text message shopping services into their business models. This allows customers to browse, purchase, and pay for products directly through a text message rather than using a mobile storefront application or website. This reduces online order friction.
Workshop Question - How could your brand benefit from leveraging older, more familiar technology for accessibility?
5.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Mindful Entrepreneurship
Brands release programs that help users learn about and build businesses
Trend - Between competitive markets and economic instability, entrepreneurship has become more challenging for the average consumer to take on. Programs that help users learn about and navigate the process of building a business (or aspects of it) are becoming popular among aspiring entrepreneurs.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better support employees or customers in their personal pursuits?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Chat Commerce
Brands are enabling users to order and pay for products directly via messaging apps
Trend - Retailers are utilizing social messaging apps to allow shoppers to interact with businesses and pay for products while they remain in-chat. What this means is that shoppers can use their favorite messaging channels to discover products, place orders, make payments, and track packages.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better prioritize convenience and personalization?
6.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Fitness
Fitness apps and systems are using AI to help users exercise and assess their health
Trend - As more people exercise at home, brands are releasing apps and fitness systems that are based in smart technology. These systems assess everything from an individual's health to their workouts, and guide them through personalized workouts that adjust based on needs, form and changing goals.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use smart technology to help consumers progress in their personal goals?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Intelligent Inventory
Grocers are using IoT tech to streamline inventory management
Trend - Supermarkets are leveraging IoT solutions to improve inventory management processes. Not only do IoT systems ensure supermarkets are stocked with the right items in the right quantities, but they also help these brands achieve their sustainability objectives by reducing food and energy waste.
Workshop Question - How can your brand utilize emerging technologies to be more efficient?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Eco Banking
Finance apps allow users to make eco-friendly decisions
Trend - Banking and sales apps are allowing consumers to be more sustainable by offering features that have a positive impact on the environment. These include everything from clothing resale functions to making eco-conscious investments.
Workshop Question - How is your brand empowering sustainability?
4.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Retail Finance
Banking apps are including online retail features and functions
Trend - Banking apps are becoming increasingly functional, now with extended features that allow people to shop (or sell) within the apps. These features help customers consolidate some of their lifestyle habits, merging banking and shopping to create simpler online experiences.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing convenience for its customer base?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Eco Organization
Apps help consumers prioritize eco-conscious fashion choices
Trend - With the fahion industry being an enormous contributor to worldwide pollution, some brands are releasing apps that help users make better choices when it comes to buying, repairing and generally extending the life cycles of their wardrobes.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing sustainability?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
IoT Retail
Platforms that monitor, gather data and form insights enhance retail experiences
Trend - IoT platforms are being used to determine the best options for a range of retail processes and issues. These connected solutions help brands do everything from ensuring that COVID-19 safety standards are being met to enhancing digital experiences for customers.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing in-person shopping experiences?
6.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Psychedelic Mindfulness
Wellness apps are launching with immersive and visually impactful stimuli
Trend - Over the last few years, wellness apps have become increasingly popular and now, entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the category by offering more immersive experiences for meditation and breathwork. These services embody visually psychedelic effects that are research-backed to encourage individuals to explore their consciousness and relax.
Workshop Question - Conceptualize an immersive mindfulness experience.
4.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends