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Intro to Adaptive Innovation

Instructor: Jeremy Gutsche
In this course, Jeremy introduces his framework on Adaptive Innovation. Adaptive innovation is the idea that success comes from persistently redefining an idea again and again. New and great ideas are not necessarily the most novel or unique ideas; they most often exist within an overlooked opportunity. These new and great ideas are subtle, and even the most successful people and organizations miss out. Jeremy uses the example of the smartphone. Apple's iPhone wasn't the first mobile device to exist on the market, but its features differed just enough to make it the more exciting and preferred choice of consumers.

The secret to success is the combination of incredibly hard work and an overlooked opportunity. This course breaks down the Adaptive Innovation into 4 key sections, teaching you how to approach creativie thinking with more consistency and structure.
Workshop Question:
Have you come accross an idea, in a product or service, that you thought of yourself? Why didn't you pursue it? What held you back?
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Beauty Grand Prix
Beauty brands are entering motorsport as Formula 1
Trend - Beauty brands are becoming increasingly embedded in Formula 1 as the sport attracts a younger and more female audience. Women now represent 42% of Formula 1’s audience and account for three-quarters of new fans, according to Formula 1, giving beauty brands a compelling new audience to engage.
Workshop Question - What space feels “not for your brand” today, but might not in two years?
8.6
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Micro Indulgence
Bite-sized formats are making indulgent treats more portioned and accessible
Trend - CPG brands are introducing bite-sized versions of indulgent snacks and desserts, including miniature chocolates, cookies, and other rich treats; condensing premium flavors and decadent experiences into smaller, portioned formats designed for accessible moments of indulgence.
Workshop Question - How can your brand deliver satisfying moments through smaller, more intentional formats?
7.1
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Slow Sipping
Beverage brands embrace mindful, craft-focused drinking experiences
Trend - Beverage brands are applying the "slow food" philosophy to drinks, prioritizing mindful consumption, local sourcing, and artisanal production methods over convenience. This movement spans categories from coffee and tea to cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, with brands emphasizing transparency in sourcing, small-batch production, and rituals that encourage consumers to savor rather than gulp.
Workshop Question - What would your product look like if it was designed to be savored over 30 minutes instead of consumed in 30 seconds?
6.5
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Artificial Synergy
Artificial intelligence is used to translate human intent into natural action
Trend - Artificial intelligence has evolved to replicate human biology, helping people regain accessibility, mobility, or even senses that were lost. Utilizing assistive and restorative medical technologies, these systems can understand what the user wants to do and act like a natural extension of the body.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI to create experiences that feel naturally human?
7.7
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Smartphone Detox
Smartphone detox docks offer moments of tranquility and disconnection.
Trend - Brands are launching digital detox smartphone docks designed to create dedicated spaces for disconnection and mindfulness. These docks incorporate calming ambient features—such as soft lighting, soundscapes, and guided meditation prompts to help users step away from their devices and recharge.
Workshop Question - How can we design experiences or products that help customers find balance between digital engagement and mindful disconnection?
5.8
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Boldened Snack
Packaged snack brands are refreshing packaging portfolios to improve recognition
Trend - CPG snack brands are refreshing their packaging designs to draw more attention to their products while emphasizing standout features. These features include better-for-you ingredients and reduced environmental impact, with intent to capture younger audiences with such practices.
Workshop Question - How might we innovate our brand's approach to packaging and product design to effectively resonate with environmentally conscious and health-focused younger consumers?
5.9
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Copycat Brand
Private label brands are creating copycat products inspired by QSR and name brands
Trend - Brands are launching copycat private label products that mimic the design elements or product names of branded goods or quick-service restaurant (QSR) items. Developed in-house by the retail chain, these products provide consumers with a more affordable and comparable experience to premium brands.
Workshop Question - How can your brand stand out and compete with leading names in their categories?
4.5
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Sustainability Center
Businesses are hiring full-sized innovation teams to improve sustainability
Trend - Brands are investing in full-size innovation centres that focus on improving sustainability efforts. Often in collaboration with adjacent brands, the goal of these centres is to push the industry forward in both resource and energy efficiency to combat climate change.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage innovation teams to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in its industry?
3.3
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Oat Cheese
Brands increasingly use oat milk to formulate plant-based cheese products
Trend - Plant-based brands are now using oats, often combined with oils, starches, and natural flavorings, to replicate the texture and taste of dairy cheese. These products appeal to consumers who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or those seeking sustainable options that align with their health goals.
Workshop Question - How can your brand adapt its product/service to be more socially responsible and sustainable?
4.4
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Product Analytics
AI tools are being used to assist managers with analyzing product insights
Trend - SaaS companies are launching Artficial Intelligence (AI)-based tools that gather and analyze both customer feedback and product information to provide recommendations for product managers. These tools are designed to automate monotonous tasks and free up time for managerial action.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI tools to streamline data analysis and provide actionable insights for our managers?
6
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