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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Megatrends
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

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?
7
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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?
4
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Activity
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Megatrends
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?
7.1
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Megatrends
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?
4.1
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Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Gamified Storefront
Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
6.8
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Megatrends
In-Game Advertisement
Gaming companies are allowing non-intrusive in-game live advertisements
Trend - Game developers are implementing live billboard advertisements into their games. These advertisements are non-intrusive, meaning they exist in the game world but do not inhibit the players' interaction with the games. This is a value-add for advertisers while adding legitimacy to the game world.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure it is advertising its products or services through its best-suited medium?
6.4
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Informative Yogurt
Dairy brands are redesigning packaging to explicitly advertise health benefits
Trend - Brands in the dairy industry are redesigning product packaging to be more explicitly informative. These new packagings highlight the ingredients' exact nutritional benefits, such as benefiting gut health. Many such products are also advertising organic or eco-friendly ingredients.
Workshop Question - How could your brand redesign its packaging to ensure it best appeals to the desires of its consumers?
7
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Megatrends