FuturistU > Demographics > Forecasting Micro-Generational Desire > Module 4 / 5

Forecasting Millennial Desires

Instructor: Armida Ascano
Millennial Lifestyle
Download the Millennial Lifestyle Trend Report
This module is dedicated to the largest generation in North American history: the Millennial generation. At Trend Hunter, we believe this is the most misunderstood of all generations. Due to their size and complexity, this generation is split into three micro-generations: the Pro Millennial, Mid Millennial, and Nouveau Millennial.

At the core of this module is the idea that "Millennial" is no longer a synonym for "young." What changes about how this generation percieves your brand now that they have entered adulthood? Most importantly, what about this highly influential generation's preferences and lifestyle will most impact your industry?
Related Trend Report: Millennial Lifestyle
Workshop Questions:
1. Do Millennials see your brand as a help, or hindrance, to their personal development? Why?
2. Now that “Millennial” is no longer a synonym for “young,” what will change about how Millennials perceive your brand?
3. What could your brand do to help Millennials maintain a sense of freedom throughout adulthood?
Get Trend Hunter Dashboard

Featured Insights

Therapeutic Referral
Online services allow for better access to mental health resources
Trend - Businesses and institutions are offering platforms that provide personalized information on mental health resources that individuals in need can access. With accessibility often being a major roadblock for people in the process of getting help, these services are able to reduce barriers to mental healthcare.
Workshop Question - How could your brand prioritize in its business model?
2.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Tracking Mood Disorder Apps
Tracking Mood Disorder Apps
Mindstrong's Health App Detects Mental State from Phone Interactions
There are plenty of mental health apps on the market that offer digital therapy or cognitive training, but Mindstrong’s Health app is different as it studies how one interacts with a... MORE
Canadian Telemedicine Platforms
Canadian Telemedicine Platforms
Maple Connects Patients with Certified Specialists in Their Area
Maple is a Canadian telemedicine platform that removes the hassle out of scheduling a doctor’s visit. The platform offers 24 hour access to medical professionals, whether connecting users to a... MORE
play_circle_filledMatchmaking Mental Health Apps
Matchmaking Mental Health Apps
The Hear Space App Connects People with Mental Health Challenges
The societal dialogue regarding mental health has increased in recent years and made it more acceptable to discuss challenges, and this is shown in new helpful platforms like the Hear Space App.... MORE
AI-Powered Mental Health Resources
AI-Powered Mental Health Resources
Spring Health Recommends Personalized Mental Health Services
The Internet often treats mental health like a one-size-fits-all issue, which is why Spring Health’s more personalized approach to the matter may appeal to those seeking guidance. Using... MORE
Social Cities
As homes condense, community spaces expand
Trend - The design of cities and urban environments continue to evolve to suit today and tomorrow’s generations; with smaller homes and multi-generational households, cities are expanding their communal hubs and gathering spaces to bring urban communities closer together.
Workshop Question - How can your brand play a role in the consumer desire for more communal spaces?
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Socially Focused City Infrastructures
Socially Focused City Infrastructures
T Sakhi's Urban Project Promotes Public Spaces in Beirut
Multidisciplinary studio T Sakhi harnesses its expertise in design and architecture to deliver accessible public spaces in Beirut through revamping “unfinished construction projects and [... MORE
Wellness-Boosting Self-Sufficient Ecosystems
Wellness-Boosting Self-Sufficient Ecosystems
WilkinsonEyre Builds a Community-Enhancing Complex
A health-focused self-sufficient ecosystem that closely mimics the elements of nature will be inserted in the Aldin Biodomes project — a complex planned for the Elliðaárdalur valley in Iceland.... MORE
Warped Park Concepts
Warped Park Concepts
The Aljada Central Hub Features a Gravitational Design
Zaha Hadid Architects, the celebrated international architecture and design firm, has recently won a contest for the Aljada Central Hub, the centerpiece of the masterplan for Sharjah, UAE. The... MORE
Urban Living Room Extensions
Urban Living Room Extensions
COBE Adds a Communal Meeting Space to the Red Cross Volunteer House
The Red Cross Volunteer House enjoys an architecturally interesting aesthetic that boasts a massive multi-functional staircase. The project was undertaken by local design studio COBE. The... MORE
Multicultural Food Market Hubs
Multicultural Food Market Hubs
Santa Monica’s SocialEats Market Highlights Authentic Artisan Eats
Santa Monica’s SocialEats food hall boasts a variety of multicultural dining options that celebrate authenticity. The artisan market is home to spots like Adelaide Coffeebar—specializing... MORE
Volunteer Matchmaking
Volunteering is streamlined through efficient apps & platforms
Trend - As new generations seek out ways to give back, methods of volunteering are adapting to be more inclusive of modern technology, lifestyle habits and overall convenience. From mobile apps that streamline the sign-up process to matchmaking-inspired platforms that pair users with cause, these services help redefine the act of volunteering.
Workshop Question - How might you encourage your consumers or audiences to give back? How could you potentially gamify the process?
1.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Volunteer-Matching Dating Apps
Volunteer-Matching Dating Apps
Swoovy Matches Users Together for Volunteer Opportunities
Swoovy is a new dating app based in Austin, developed to connect online users together through local volunteering opportunities. It breaches the conventional dating concepts and drives towards more... MORE
Support Volunteer Apps
Support Volunteer Apps
'Honour' is an App for Connecting Active Volunteers and NGOs
The ‘Honour’ app is a new way for active volunteers to connect with NGOs in order to help support those who might be suffering as a victim in various areas around the world. The app... MORE
play_circle_filledActivist-Connecting Platforms
Activist-Connecting Platforms
'Patagonia Action Works' Unites People and Meaningful Causes
Patagonia, a company that is known for its bold political activism, created a new digital platform named ‘Patagonia Action Works.’ The new platform will be used to connect people to... MORE
Streamlined Volunteering Apps
Streamlined Volunteering Apps
The Brightest App Helps Connect People to Charitable Causes
Volunteering for causes has become incredibly easy in the modern age, but the Brightest app is hoping to make it easier by bringing volunteer options directly to those looking to help out. Much like... MORE
Contemporary Adulting
Pro-Millennial consumers seek traditional milestones through modern methods
Trend - Modern brands in the lifestyle space are using strategies like customization, education, and interactivity in order to appeal to Millennials and offer them products and services to help them reach key milestones in their adulthood.
Workshop Question - "Millennial" is no longer a synonym for "young." How could this change the way your company views the Millennial demographic?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
At-Home Engagement Ring Try-Ons
At-Home Engagement Ring Try-Ons
'With Clarity' is Disrupting the Jewelry Industry with 3D Printing
A new wave of jewelry brands are completely reimagining the engagement ring-buying process by going online as an alternative to traditional setups with uncomfortable environments, guards and closed... MORE
Empowering Black Dad Podcasts
Empowering Black Dad Podcasts
Dope Black Dads Explores the Male Parenting Experience
Launched by founder Marvyn Harrison, Dope Black Dads is a podcast that celebrates what it means to be a black father in today’s society. Addressing the lack of positive representation of black... MORE
Parental Graphic Novels
Parental Graphic Novels
'Raising Rihaan' is Written as a Millennial Parenting Guide
‘Raising Rihaan’ is a graphic novel by Annushka Hardikar that acts as a Millennial parenting guide for those learning to navigate through the common challenges, questions and... MORE
User-Friendly Investment Platforms
User-Friendly Investment Platforms
Wealthsimple is a Service That Makes Investing Quite Accessible
Many aren’t confident with their experience in financial matters and Wealthsimple — a user-friendly investment platform, seeks to change that through “powerful technology and human... MORE
Online Digital Mortgage Brokers
Online Digital Mortgage Brokers
Trussle Helps Users in Searching for a Home or in Remortgaging
Trussle is an online mortgage broker that helps first-time buyers and even current homeowners in securing better value for what they are looking for. Its digital platform makes free service highly... MORE
Micro-Learning
Quick digital education leverages instant communication for personal growth
Trend – Brands are creating micro-learning solutions for consumers who are looking to add value to their personal and professional development in a way that seamlessly fits into their lifestyles. These micro-learning platforms allow for quick and engaging forms of education in the digital space.
Workshop Question - How could your brand empower its employees or customers with micro-learning platforms?
3.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Employee Micro-Learning Platforms
Employee Micro-Learning Platforms
Sollah Interactive's TAG Secures a Tighter Learning Schedule
With the launch of its employee micro-learning platform, Sollah Interactive hopes to speed up the process of familiarizing new hires with company policies, approaches, operations and the like. The... MORE
VR-Based Barista Training Programs
VR-Based Barista Training Programs
Costa Coffee Taps Virtual Reality to Educate Its New Staff
Costa Coffee boasts a new feature for its comprehensive barista training program. To enhance experience and participation, the beloved coffee chain includes a virtual reality-based component. This... MORE
Interactive Music Education Websites
Interactive Music Education Websites
50 States of Music Unveils Immersive Music Industry Stats
50 States of Music is a new, interactive website aiming to educate visitors about the music industry’s economic impact within the United States. The website spotlights all the hard-working... MORE
Continuous Professional Development Platforms
Continuous Professional Development Platforms
'Vectorly' Integrates Learning into Daily Workflow
Continuous learning and education has become important for many professionals to do in an ever-changing market, so new solutions like ‘Vectorly’ are being developed with this in mind.... MORE
Remote Work Discovery Platforms
Remote Work Discovery Platforms
'Remotewise' Offers Education and Opportunities for Professionals
Remote work is quickly becoming the norm for many consumers, so the ‘Remotewise’ platform is positioned as a solution for professionals seeking out information, opportunities and more.... MORE
Anti-Shareable
Service-based businesses prioritize smartphone-free experiences
Trend - With the movement against constant smartphone use being small in impact but tenacious in achieving its goal, brands that offer services like dining or travel services are limiting how much their customers are able to use their personal devices.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create memorable, rather than shareable, customer experiences?
2.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Cellphone-Free Family Camps
Cellphone-Free Family Camps
Great Camp Sagamore's 'Grand Camps' Program Encourages Family Bonding
While no cell phones are allowed in the lodging grounds of the historic Great Camp Sagamore, the resort’s ‘Grand Camps’ programs allow for plenty of fun for the whole family.... MORE
Phone-Free Travel Services
Phone-Free Travel Services
'Off The Grid' Travel Provides Travelers with a Way to Fully Disconnect
Our tech-obsessed culture has many consumers seeking out ways to detox from their smartphone and computer, which is seeing new services like ‘Off The Grid’ travel come about. The travel... MORE
Smartphone-Free Contests
Smartphone-Free Contests
Vitaminwater is Offering $100,000 in a Digital Detox Contest
The thought of being smartphone-less could be hell for many people, but Vitaminwater is giving people a real incentive to take a yearlong digital detox. Offering contestants a $100,000 prize, this... MORE
Smartphone-Avoiding Travel Platforms
Smartphone-Avoiding Travel Platforms
'Brick' Encourages Consumers to Take a Break from Devices
A growing number of consumers are spending hours each day using their smartphone or computer, so ‘Brick’ has been developed as a way to help them regain some of the control over their... MORE
Smartphone-Curbing Restaurants
Smartphone-Curbing Restaurants
Frankie & Benny’s is Giving Free Kid's Meals in Exchange for Phones
A handful of restaurants have already launched initiatives to curb the use of smartphones at the dinner table, but the British restaurant chain Frankie & Benny’s is stepping up this idea by... MORE
Accessible Journey
Once-costly travel options are made more accessible for the average consumer
Implications - Brands associated with luxury travel are accommodating individuals with constrained budgets by offering more cost-effective, but still high-end, travel options. With the social media age putting more pressure on average consumers to live seemingly "luxurious" lives, this shift is able to accommodate elements of that preference in a way that remains accessible.
Workshop Question - How could your brand accommodate the shifts in consumer behaviour that have been accelerated or kickstarted by the social media age?
4.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Affordable Private Jet Services
Affordable Private Jet Services
Aura Offers a Private Jet Experience for Commercial Prices
Everyone wants to travel well, even while on a budget and with AURA’s affordable private jet services, consumers can experience all the skies have to offer for the same price tag as a... MORE
Modern Flowing Camping Hubs
Modern Flowing Camping Hubs
The Coastal Pavilions Create a Point of Difference for 60 Cabins
Liminal Studio helped the tourism operator RACT Destinations to deliver the Coastal Pavilions—a group of nine new structures that offer luxurious yet affordable accommodations on the East... MORE
Luxury Car Subscription Services
Luxury Car Subscription Services
The New Mercedes-Benz Collection Service will Launch in June
Subscription services have grown immensely in popularity in the past several years, so the new Mercedes-Benz Collection service has been launched as the latest option for drivers to take advantage of.... MORE
Luxury Car Subscription Services
Luxury Car Subscription Services
Lexus is Introducing a Car Subscription Service Later This Year
While introducing its Lexus UX Compact UX 200 and UX250H, the luxury car brand announced that it will be rolling out a car subscription service that will be available later this year. This move isn&... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Retail Moodboard
New apps let users create fashion moodboards, share looks, and shop together
Trend - New retail apps combine moodboard creation with social feeds, shared collections, shoppable tags and streamlined checkout so users discover styles, collaborate on looks, and buy directly from boards. These apps provide tailored recommendations based on each user's preferences.
Workshop Question - How can we incorporate collaborative, visual discovery elements to enhance user engagement and streamline the purchasing process?
8.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Depop Outfits is a new styling tool from the fashion resale app that's designed with users who have a penchant for collages and mood boards. The new shopping feature will enable users to access a... MORE
Smart Fashion Management Apps
Smart Fashion Management Apps
'Acloset' Interprets Wardrobes, Provides Recommendations
Acloset is a smart fashion application that allows users to create a digital wardrobe by photographing or uploading images of their clothing, which the app then categorizes for easier organization.... MORE
Retail Moodboard Apps
Retail Moodboard Apps
'ShopLook' Makes Curated Online Shopping Easy with Moodboards
Shoplook is an online platform that provides a creative workspace for assembling digital moodboards, outfits and visual concepts. The service offers a free form canvas that supports drag and drop... MORE
Social Wardrobe Apps
Social Wardrobe Apps
'Whering' Enables Fashion Moodboard and Wishlist Creations
Whering is a digital wardrobe and styling application designed to help users organise clothing items and make more informed purchasing decisions. The platform allows individuals to upload images of... MORE
Positivity Platform
Social platforms with a positive focus rebel against the negative internet
Trend - New online platforms, whether private or social-focused, are launching with a focus on positivity and compliments. Some such platforms are powered by AI, while some are community-driven. However, each are designed to offer positive breaks from the negative nature of popular content platforms.
Workshop Question - How might we create a positive and uplifting experience for our audience to counteract the negativity often found in digital environments?
4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Positivity-Sharing Platforms
Positivity-Sharing Platforms
What Went Well Today is an Open-Source Space to Share Daily Hope
What Went Well Today is an exciting open-source platform designed to promote daily positivity by encouraging users to share their moments of joy and success. The platform aims to create a space for... MORE
Motivational AI Assistants
Motivational AI Assistants
Cheerleader AI Provides Daily Support with Virtual Cheerleaders
Cheerleader AI is an innovative tool designed to provide daily motivation and support. Developed by AE Studio, this AI-powered platform offers users a virtual cheerleading experience. It’s... MORE
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
Kyndr, an app designed to provide users with a safe haven for inspiration, personal growth, and community building. In a world where toxic and overcrowded social media platforms dominate, Kyndr... MORE
Daily AI-Generated Compliments
Daily AI-Generated Compliments
AIcompliment.me Sends Daily Compliments to Brighten One's Day
AIcompliment.me is an online platform designed to deliver daily compliments to its users, aiming to add a touch of positivity to their day. Powered by artificial intelligence, the service sends... MORE
Daily Kindness Prompts
Daily Kindness Prompts
'Sharing Your Kindness' Makes Spreading Positivity a Daily Habit
Sharing Your Kindness is a web app designed to inspire users to incorporate kindness into their daily lives. The platform offers simple, actionable suggestions for small acts of kindness that can... MORE
Taste Identity
Consumers unite streaming and media data to showcase cultural identity
Trend - New platforms are emerging that allow users to aggregate and share their digital consumption habits across multiple services, creating comprehensive "taste profiles" that span music, movies, books, and other media. These platforms move beyond simple recommendation engines to create holistic portraits of users' cultural preferences and consumption patterns, enabling more authentic connections based on shared interests.
Workshop Question - How can your brand help consumers authentically express their preferences and find like-minded communities?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Digital Taste Profiles
Digital Taste Profiles
The Shelf App Creates Comprehensive Media Consumption Analytics
Shelf is a new platform that captures and displays users’ entertainment choices across multiple streaming and content services. The app seamlessly integrates with Spotify, Netflix, Goodreads,... MORE
Streaming Content-Tracking Apps
Streaming Content-Tracking Apps
The 'CineHub' App Keeps an Eye on Content You've Watched and More
The ‘CineHub’ app is a tool for helping content streaming and movie enthusiasts alike keep track of what they’ve watched and more. The app works by providing users the ability to... MORE
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
Users seeking a more simplistic, hate-free corner of the internet to share their passions and recommendations should look no further than a new platform called MyLikes. MyLikes takes a more... MORE
Dynamic Interest Social Platforms
Dynamic Interest Social Platforms
Palette Let's People Curate Their Likes However They Please
Introducing Palette, a dynamic social platform designed to revolutionize how users curate and share their interests. With Palette, individuals can organize and showcase a diverse array of interests,... MORE
Conversational Education
Seniors embrace technology with the help of companion-like educators
Trend - Boomer-focused digital literacy programs are increasingly embracing conversational approaches, creating a casual environment where learning feels less like a formal class and more like a conversation between friends. Notably, this approach respects varying levels of tech familiarity and confidence.
Workshop Question - How can your brand cater its product/service to the unique challenges of its target demographic?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Senior-Focused Live Programming
Senior-Focused Live Programming
ONSCREEN Introduces a New Pioneering Initiative — ONSCREEN Live
In collaboration with The Loop Village and Discover Live, ONSCREEN introduces its brand-new and ground-breaking venture — ONSCREEN Live. This new offering aims to facilitate live online classes... MORE
Nonprofit-Backed Senior Social Apps
Nonprofit-Backed Senior Social Apps
'Senior Planet Community' is Supported by the AARP for Seniors
‘Senior Planet Community’ is a social media app that proves the field is not just for younger consumers. There is a growing demand for online platforms that cater to the needs and... MORE
Elder-Focused Virtual Companions
Elder-Focused Virtual Companions
GrandPad Released the 'Grandie' Assistant for Older Consumers
Grandie is an innovative virtual companion feature designed for the GrandPad tablet, specifically tailored to meet the needs of seniors. It provides users with a wealth of knowledge, interactive... MORE
AI Boomer Mentor Programs
AI Boomer Mentor Programs
Eldera is Connecting Baby Boomers with Kids Who Need Mentors
Eldera, an online platform, has taken a unique approach to address loneliness and dispel generational stereotypes. This platform connects adults aged 60 and older with young people between the ages... MORE