FuturistU > Consumers > Consumer Behavior > Module 2 / 5

Consumer Mindset

Instructor: Shelby Walsh
Experiential Dining
Download the Experiential Dining Trend Report
This module will look at how brands are building consumer trust by publicly taking bold stances on polarizing issues and creating an avid community around their brand by doing so. There has been a growing trend of distrust as of late (towards governments, brands, individuals, etc.) and to combat some of the skepticism that has become prevalent, some brands are establishing authenticity by bringing social, political and environmental causes to the forefront of their marketing, manufacturing and product development strategies.


Aside from this, consumers are also shifting their mindsets, demanding more from all industries to aid them in bettering themselves. We'll dive into a few case studies from brands that have expertly crafted experiences to help drive engagement and satisfaction, from Airbnb to West Elm and Eataly.
Related Trend Report: Experiential Dining
Workshop Questions:
1. How could you invoke a deeper emotional connection through storytelling?
2. In what ways could your brand set consumers on the path to self-betterment?
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Featured Insights

Adolescent Activism
Activism among youth is more prevalent and impactful than ever before
Trend - The intersection of youth engagement, their social media savvy, and various social issues in North America has resulted in Gen Z being more empowered than youth who have advocated for change in preceding generations. The diversity and magnified platform of this generation have resulted in a slow re-characterization of youth activism as progression, rather than it being met with immediate associations of rebellion and defiance.
Workshop Question - How can your brand empower individuals and groups seeking to make positive change?
3.7
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Branded Commentary
Brands make bold comments on social issues to take a public stance
Implications - No longer choosing to be a bystander, brands are making moves toward bolder, in-your-face marketing tactics that push on topics that are often sensitive or political in nature. Seeking to connect with consumers, brands are taking part in conversations around things like gender stereotypes and the state of the political environment to clearly showcase their stance on social issues. These examples speak to the rise of more straightforward marketing tactics, as well as the fact that brands are willing to take more risks when it comes to creating authentic connections with their consumers.
Workshop Question - What social and political issues most affect your core consumers? How can you speak to those issues more prominently in your products or marketing efforts?
2.8
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Culinary Agritourism
Agricultural brands enlighten consumers to drive satisfaction and engagement
Implications - Similar to retailers offering educational, in-store classes, farms, orchards and the like, draw in local and traveling consumers with experiential learning events. Combining culinary, tourism and experience, brands are able to promote an understanding of the agriculture industry while simultaneously engaging consumers who ultimately purchase the end product. This participation-driven marketing tactic shines a light on the how consumers are increasingly enthusiastic about their role in the flourishing of locally grown and sourced sustenance, as their understanding of climate change and over-consumption grows.
Workshop Question - How can your brand increase your consumers' knowledge of your industry?
3.7
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Megatrends
Dystopian Resurgence
Dystopian representations in literature and pop culture are back on the rise
Implications - Classic dystopian imagery and literature is being revisited, and dystopian societies as concepts are being reimagined, as a result of the political and technological forces that are shaping the world today. The resurgence of such concepts in pop culture and academia alike function as a conflicted form of escapism, in which consumers' political fears can be simultaneously strengthened and assuaged when confronted with radical dystopian representations.
Workshop Question - What kind of escapist experiences could your brand involve itself with for the sake of customer engagement and relief?
3.1
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

K-Pop Meals
K-Pop bands partner with food brands on unique branded meals for fans
Trend - K-Pop bands are collaborating with QSR brands and restaurants to launch co-branded food products. These collaborations are designed to simultaneously introduce new food brands to fans of the band, and vice versa. The K-pop bands often accompany these collabs with marketing campaigns or jingles.
Workshop Question - How might we collaborate with influential cultural figures or groups to create unique co-branded experiences that integrate into consumers' daily lives and foster a sense of connection?
8.9
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Megatrends
Human Verified
Digital trust crisis drives demand for authentic human verification systems
Trend - Digital platforms are implementing comprehensive human verification systems that go beyond basic authentication to prove real human identity. These multi-layered authentication systems combine voice recognition, facial movement detection, and real-time interaction patterns to create digital proof of humanity that's nearly impossible to fake.
Workshop Question - How could your brand restore consumer confidence through authentic human verification?
3.4
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Soft Clubbing
Gen Z pioneers wellness-focused nightlife experiences that prioritize connection
Trend - A new wave of nightlife experiences is emerging that strips away traditional club culture's emphasis on alcohol and late nights. Coffee clubbing events, sober raves, and wellness-centered dance parties are creating spaces where Gen Z can socialize, move, and connect without the usual nightlife baggage.
Workshop Question - How might your brand create social experiences that energize rather than drain your customers?
6.7
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Megatrends
Escapist Game
Game developers launch low-stakes farming-centric games for comfortable escapism
Trend - Game developers are increasingly releasing cozy farming games that offer serene, low-pressure virtual environments. These titles focus on gentle gameplay and emotional escapism—cultivating crops, caring for animals, and building intimate communities in picturesque, pastoral settings.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create engaging and relaxing experiences that current desires of its consumers?
3.4
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Megatrends
Multi-Platform Progress
Developers are launching games with cross-progression for convenience
Trend - Game developers are increasingly integrating cross-progression features in their titles, allowing players to carry over their game progress, achievements, and in-game purchases across multiple platforms. This feature provides gamers with a seamless and flexible gaming experience.
Workshop Question - How can our brand react to the demands of its customers to ensure their convenience and accessibility needs are being met?
3.8
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Hyperlocal Evolution
Brands strengthen community connections through enhanced physical experiences
Trend - As consumers flock to physical retail spaces, both established and emerging brands are reimagining their local presence through enhanced experiential offerings. This shift extends beyond traditional retail to include direct-to-consumer brands creating innovative physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create meaningful local connections with or without a permanent retail space?
6.9
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Algorithmic Exodus
Users abandon algorithm-driven platforms for intimate digital spaces
Trend - Consumers are increasingly abandoning algorithm-driven social platforms in favor of more intimate, user-controlled digital spaces like group chats and Discord servers. This shift represents a deliberate move away from platforms where content and connections are determined by algorithms, toward spaces where users have greater control over their interactions and information flow.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create more authentic, algorithm-free spaces for community building?
3.9
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Megatrends