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Intro to Innovating Through Ritual

Instructor: Jonathon Brown
Innovation Tactics
Download the Innovation Tactics Trend Report
The future of innovation is bright, but leaders today are under increased pressure to find winning innovation strategies and there are few avenues to learn how others do it. Far too often, innovation is talked about in big, vague, rhetorical statements that really don't mean anything. Jonathon Brown, Trend Hunter's Chief Growth Officer, has conducted hundreds of interviews with innovation leaders to uncover proven techniques for innovation. Gathered from personal interviews with today's business leaders, this module focuses on reporting actual innovation techniques used in business today.


This module begins with a proven technique for finding new ideas and reveals how Bacardi challenges what they think they know by getting behind the curtain in the unlikeliest of businesses. The Beg, Borrow & Steal program has become a core technique in Bacardi's relentless mission to find their next big idea. It even produced the world's first tea-based spirit.
Related Trend Report: Innovation Tactics
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Green Manicure
Interest in sustainable solutions leads to an influx of green nail care products
Trend - Nail care companies are releasing products that prioritize eco-friendly formulas, recyclable packaging, and reusable tools, aiming to reduce impact. These products appeal to consumers seeking stylish nails without the environmental impact of traditional polishes and single-use acrylics.
Workshop Question - How can your brand reduce environmental impact, particularly in spaces that are less explored?
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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?
8.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Printed Footwear
Mainstream footwear brands are incorporating 3D-printing into manufacturing
Trend - Mainstream footwear brands have begun integrating 3D printing into manufacturing, moving beyond niche startups. These products are built with additive processes spanning midsoles, uppers, and concept prototypes to differentiate products, accelerate prototyping, and improve sustainability.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage advanced manufacturing technologies, like 3D printing, to meet consumer demands for personalization, sustainability, and exclusivity in our product offerings?
8.4
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Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Eco Tourist
Brands incentivize visitors to adopt sustainable practices and travel activities
Trend - Companies are increasingly launching tourist initiatives to help preserve local environment. This involves visiting natural areas—such as forests, wildlife reserves, or coastal ecosystems —to participate in activities that minimize impact on the environment and maximize benefits for locals.
Workshop Question - How can your brand encourage its consumers to integrate sustainability into their leisure activities?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Environment
Businesses are turning to AI-powered tools to better fulfill ESG goals
Trend - AI brands are developing tools designed to help businesses strategically plan and meet ESG goals by reducing environmental impact. These platforms leverage machine learning and predictive analytics to assess carbon footprints, optimize supply chain sustainability, and recommend actionable steps.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI to enhance our sustainability efforts and meet ESG goals more effectively?
4.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Sustainability
AI brands are creating sustainability-focused ESG tools for businesses
Trend - AI-powered sustainability tools are emerging as assets for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact. These tools utilize artificial intelligence to analyze data, predict outcomes, and optimize processes, enabling businesses to make more informed sustainability decisions.
Workshop Question - How might your brand leverage AI to enhance sustainability efforts and meet the growing demand for transparency and accountability among environmentally-conscious consumers?
5.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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?
3.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Vegan Luncheon
Luncheon meats are increasingly opting for vegan and plant-based formulas
Trend - Popularized during the post-war era for their affordability and shelf stability, luncheon meats are now being adapted to be plant-based. These meat-free alternatives cater to consumers with unique dietary preferences and health-conscious individuals who need accessible, planet-friendly options.
Workshop Question - How can your brand factor in cultural influences when crafting its product/service?
3.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Laptop
Laptop brands are designing devices for professional AI-based workloads
Trend - Laptop companies are creating devices with Neural Processing Units (NPUs) dedicated to processing artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. These are combined with numerous AI tools built into the software for these devices, resulting in laptops designed for professional AI-accelerated use cases.
Workshop Question - How could your brand leverage AI-focused technologies to enhance the efficiency and functionality of its products or services?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends