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Intro to Innovation Tactics

Instructor: Mark Onufer
Innovation Tactics
Download the Innovation Tactics Trend Report
After interviewing thousands of innovation leaders around the world and asking the question, "How do you innovate?" Trend Hunter received a common response: “Innovation is in our DNA.” That didn’t satisfy us, so we set out on a mission to quantify innovation culture with our Innovation Assessment. When the assessment uncovered that over 50% of organizations didn’t have a process in place to innovate, we decided to help by building out this module to uncover consumer, product and culture innovation tactics.

Business Innovation Specialist and Futurist Keynote Speaker Mark Onufer pulls out the common themes from these interviews with top innovation executives and provides a framework to break down successful, repeatable strategies for innovation on your terms
Related Trend Report: Innovation Tactics
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Terrain Specialization
Performance footwear is being adapted to specific weather & road conditions

Trend - Performance footwear is being differentiated by environment as much as by sport. In this niche, brands are releasing purpose-built footwear models framed around highly specific use cases, including ultra-distance trail efforts, remote off-grid runs, wet conditions, and road racing. This approach helps consumers choose by route, climate, and training goal rather than by broad lifestyle cues.

Workshop Question - How could your brand adapt its product development model to serve narrower, high-intent needs without overcomplicating the assortment?
7.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Long-Range Waterproof Trail Runners
Long-Range Waterproof Trail Runners
The Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX Features Technical Attributes
The Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 GTX trail runners are a sneaker style that balances out the requirements of long-haul running enthusiasts to help them more effectively tackle their training in... MORE
Ultramarathon Trail Footwear
Ultramarathon Trail Footwear
The Merrell SpeedARC Peak Was Developed Through a Five-Year Process
The Merrell SpeedARC Peak sneakers have made their debut as the brand's latest entrant to the pro-grade footwear category to help wearers perform by leveraging the capabilities of advanced... MORE
High-Performance Marathon Racing Shoes
High-Performance Marathon Racing Shoes
Xtep's Top-Tier Shoe Features the GT1200 Carbon Plate
Xtep, a Chinese professional sportswear brand, is set to globally launch its new flagship marathon racing shoe series, the 160X 8.0, on August 21, with the top-tier 160X 8.0 Ultra model featuring a... MORE
Agile Off-Grid Trail Sneakers
Agile Off-Grid Trail Sneakers
The North Face Offtrail Ultra Allows the Wearer to Feel the Ground
The North Face Offtrail Ultra trail sneakers have been designed and engineered with the super shoe market in their sights to help explorers enjoy a different kind of footwear option. The sneakers... MORE
Barrier Prioritization
Beauty brands are fortifying complexions before pursuing active-led results

Trend - Serums and moisturizers are no longer skincare basics, they’re foundational to supporting resilient, radiant skin over time. With texture and delivery proving performance, film-forming and microemulsion technologies are being used to help products reinforce the skin’s natural defenses with a controlled, cushioning application experience.

Workshop Question - How could your brand make high-performance offerings feel easier to use regularly without adding routine complexity?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Film-Forming Skincare Creams
Film-Forming Skincare Creams
Kao's est Genoluxe Cream Condition Skins at a Genetic Level
Kao's est Genoluxe Cream is a novel new skincare product designed to condition skin at a genetic level and form a fine film over skin that prevents moisture loss over time. In collaboration with... MORE
Barrier Health Retinal Serums
Barrier Health Retinal Serums
Dieux is Launching a Firm Revival HydroRetinal Firming Serum
Dieux is expanding its skincare portfolio with the launch of Firm Revival HydroRetinal Firming Serum, a next-generation retinal formula designed to deliver visible anti-aging results. Launching... MORE
Minimalist Barrier Restore Creams
Minimalist Barrier Restore Creams
FRM by Jasmanique Presents the FRM 01: Barrier Restore Cream
FRM by Jasmanique is making its debut in the retail space with the upcoming fall release of its flagship product — the FRM 01: Barrier Restore Cream. This offering will be sold exclusively... MORE
Proprietary Biobotanical Microemulsion Technologies
Proprietary Biobotanical Microemulsion Technologies
Crescel Spotlights a Peer-Review Study
Crescel, a Florida-based science and technology company, has announced the publication of a peer-reviewed, PubMed-indexed clinical study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, which demonstrates... MORE
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?
8.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Inclusivity-Forward Skincare Partnerships
Inclusivity-Forward Skincare Partnerships
ELEMIS x Aston Martin Aramco Team Up for Formula One
ELEMIS x Aston Martin Aramco have established a new multi-year partnership, with ELEMIS becoming the first Official Skincare Partner of The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team: This exciting... MORE
Beauty Brand-Backed Race Cars
Beauty Brand-Backed Race Cars
e.l.f. Cosmetics is the Newest Sponsor of the Indianapolis 500
e.l.f. Cosmetics is becoming the first beauty brand to enter motorsports sponsorship, marking a significant milestone in its history. The collaboration taps Katherine Legge, a seasoned professional... MORE
All-Female Racing Partnerships
All-Female Racing Partnerships
Wella Professionals Becomes an Official Partner of the F1 Academy
All-female racing takes center stage as Wella Professionals announces a multi-year partnership with the F1 Academy, reinforcing a shared mission to inspire women to pursue their ambitions and... MORE
Performance Skincare Pop-Ups
Performance Skincare Pop-Ups
Elemis Hosts Selfridges Formula 1 Pop-Up
Elemis launched a Formula 1-themed pop-up at Selfridges in London, created to amplify its multi-year partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team and featuring experiential activations... MORE
LED Pest
Pest control brands launch smart light-based solutions to attract and eliminate pests
Trend - Brands are releasing UV‑LED pest‑control units that use tuned light spectra to lure insects into traps or kill‑zones, pairing long‑life LEDs with low‑heat designs, and indoor or outdoor formats; offering less-intrusive solutions for consistent pest control in both home and workplace settings.
Workshop Question - How might we develop innovative, less intrusive solutions that leverage our existing technology to meet consumer demands for safer, cleaner, and more efficient pest control?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Electric Fly Swatters
Electric Fly Swatters
Buyter's Household Electric Fly Insect Trap is an LED Light and Racquet
The Buyter 'Household Electric Fly Insect Trap' is a multifunctional insect control device designed to operate as both an electric fly swatter and an automatic insect trap. The device features a... MORE
AI-Powered Pest Control Lights
AI-Powered Pest Control Lights
Pelsis Showcased its New Digital Insect Light Trap for Foodservice
Pelsis North America has introduced a digital insect light trap that integrates optical sensors and artificial intelligence to detect, classify, and record flying insect activity in food‑safety... MORE
Hospitality Pest Management Systems
Hospitality Pest Management Systems
ORKIN Offers a Full Integrated Pest Management for Hotels
Orkin offers integrated pest management services tailored to the hospitality sector that emphasise proactive prevention, site assessment, and ongoing monitoring under a structured A.I.M. process:... MORE
Solar-Powered Pest Lanterns
Solar-Powered Pest Lanterns
Techko Group Debuts the Solar Zapper Lantern for Pest Control
Techko Group has recently introduced its latest innovation — the Solar Zapper Lantern. The product is positioned as a significant advancement in outdoor pest control technology and is designed to... MORE
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?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Plant-Based Nail Tip Glues
Plant-Based Nail Tip Glues
Green Science Alliance Created Nail Glue Out of Botanical Sources
Japanese research firm Green Science Alliance has created a novel nail tip glue that was derived primarily from botanical sources. The adhesive is designed to solidify when exposed to ultraviolet... MORE
Biodegradable Press-On Nails
Biodegradable Press-On Nails
The Bio-E-Nails Use Common Degradable Ingredients
Bio-e-Nails are a novel innovation in manicure products that employ biodegradable polymers to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional nail enhancements. The formulation of these nails is... MORE
Vegan Manicure Sets
Vegan Manicure Sets
The Manucurist Green System in Poppy Red Offers Eco-Friendly Elegance
Meet the ‘Manucurist Green System in Poppy Red,’ a plant-based, sustainable manicure set redefining at-home nail care. This comprehensive kit offers everything needed for a fast, salon-... MORE
Plant-Based Polish Thinners
Plant-Based Polish Thinners
Green Science Alliance Created Vegan Nail Polish Thinner
A vegan nail polish thinner has been developed by Green Science Alliance Co., Ltd. as a groundbreaking product made entirely from plant-based materials under the trademark ‘Re: soil.’... MORE
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?
7.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Smart Bionic Hands
Smart Bionic Hands
Kawatek Introduces Next-Gen Smart Bionic Hands With AI-Assisted Precision
Smart bionic hands are taking a leap forward with Kawatek’s introduction of the RYO prosthetic, a next-generation device blending robotics and AI for unprecedented usability. Designed by the... MORE
AI-Powered Outdoor Exoskeletons
AI-Powered Outdoor Exoskeletons
The Hypershell X Ultra Enhances Running, Cycling, Climbing & More
Exoskeletons are commonly associated with industrial tasks and heavy lifting, but the Hypershell X Ultra is redefining their potential by bringing the technology to outdoor adventure, empowering... MORE
True Lightweight AR Glasses
True Lightweight AR Glasses
Meta Unveiled the 'Orion AR' as its First Dedicated AR Wearable
Meta has recently introduced Orion, its first true augmented reality (AR) glasses, which represent a significant advancement in AR technology. Orion combines the aesthetics of regular eyewear with... MORE
Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers
Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers
Neuralink’s First Human Patient Shares a Life-Changing Impact
Neuralink’s first human participant, Noland Arbaugh, has shared how his life has transformed 18 months after receiving the company’s brain-computer interface implant. Arbaugh, who became... MORE
Bionic Knee Prostheses
Bionic Knee Prostheses
Enhancing Mobility with Integrated Tissue Technology
Imagine a world where prosthetic limbs feel as natural as your own. MIT Media Lab is making this a reality with their innovative bionic knee prosthesis, seamlessly integrated into tissue. This... MORE
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?
3.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Thailand's Tourism Authority Prioritizes Sustainability
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is spearheading efforts to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable tourism through innovation and digital transformation. At the ITB Berlin 2025... MORE
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Fiji Unveils the 'Loloma Hour' Initiative for the Eco-Conscious
Fiji has introduced Loloma Hour, an innovative sustainability-driven initiative that invites travelers to spend one meaningful hour of their visit contributing to the island’s environmental,... MORE
Resort-Based Conservation Efforts
Resort-Based Conservation Efforts
Sandals Resorts Promotes Coral Restoration in the Caribbean
In observance of World Ocean Month, Sandals Resorts International—together with its philanthropic affiliate, the Sandals Foundation—has announced the strategic expansion of its coral... MORE
Slow Travel Initiatives
Slow Travel Initiatives
Tourism Ireland Launches ‘Ireland Unrushed’ to Inspire Travellers
Tourism Ireland has introduced 'Ireland Unrushed,' a new international campaign designed to inspire travelers to experience the country through a slower, more immersive lens. The initiative... MORE
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?
3.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
State-of-the-Art Innovation Centers
State-of-the-Art Innovation Centers
Trane Technologies focuses on Sustainable Heating and Cooling
Trane Technologies has inaugurated a new Innovation Center in Oberhausen, Germany, dedicated to sustainable heating and cooling solutions. Spanning 14,000 square meters, this facility highlights... MORE
Sustainable Innovation Centres
Sustainable Innovation Centres
IHI and A*STAR Partnered on Sustainable Manufacturing Innovation
The IHI-ISCE² Sustainable Innovation Centre is a collaborative initiative between IHI Corporation and ASTAR’s Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²).... MORE
Sustainability-Focused Centres
Sustainability-Focused Centres
Monash University and Tata Steel are Partnering for Innovation
Monash University and Tata Steel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre for Innovation on Environment and Intelligent Manufacturing. This collaboration aims to address... MORE
Sustainable Digital Transformation Partnerships
Sustainable Digital Transformation Partnerships
ENOC Group is Working with SAP and Moro Hub
ENOC Group, a leading integrated global energy player, has announced a partnership with SAP, a global leader in enterprise application software, and Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the... MORE
Printed Panel
Researchers are developing 3D printed materials for architectural construction
Trend - Researchers from universities and construction-focused startups are developing new methods or materials for 3D printing in the architectural space. This is leading to brick, wood, and glass solutions for customizable, scalable home home construction with a reduced environmental impact.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage emerging technologies to create eco-friendly, scalable, and customizable solutions in our industry?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Wood-Waste Strong Floor Panels
Wood-Waste Strong Floor Panels
SHoP Architects Develops the SM2ART Nfloor Cassette Panel
Researchers have worked closely with the team at SHoP Architects to create what could be a potential alternative to steel and concrete with the SM2ART Nfloor cassette panel. It is a progressive... MORE
3D-Printed Ceramic Home Facades
3D-Printed Ceramic Home Facades
The Ceramic House in Amsterdam Gets a Ceramic Feature
Rotterdam-based design imprint Studio RAP creates a special facade in Amsterdam dubbed the Ceramic House. The project highlights the unique blend of tradition and innovation as it highlights a... MORE
play_circle_filledLow-Carbon Biomaterial Bricks
Low-Carbon Biomaterial Bricks
Tavs Jorgensen Created Sustainable Extruding Cob Bricks
Researcher Tavs Jorgensen has created a new process that forms cob bricks with the goal of forming low-carbon biomaterial at a more accessible rate. It is used to create bricks that can be stacked... MORE
play_circle_filled3D-Printed Clay Bricks
3D-Printed Clay Bricks
Researchers at UAC in Cairo Developed Customizable Clay Panels for Homes
Researchers at the American University in Cairo (AUC) have developed a 3D-printed clay brick solution aimed at sustainable, eco-friendly construction. This innovative project, a collaboration... MORE
3D-Printed Recycled Glass Bricks
3D-Printed Recycled Glass Bricks
MIT Engineers Created a Solution to Printing Custom Glass Bricks
MIT engineers have developed a new type of reconfigurable masonry using 3D-printed, recycled glass. Leveraging a custom 3D glass printing technology provided by MIT spinoff Evenline, the team has... MORE
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
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Product Insights Tools
AI Product Insights Tools
Zeda IO Offers a Product Discovery Platform and Planning Tool
The Zeda.IO AI tools for product management and product insights are designed to streamline the product discovery and development process by leveraging artificial intelligence to gather and analyze... MORE
Comprehensive Analytics Platforms
Comprehensive Analytics Platforms
Heap by ContentSquare is a Smart Platform for Customer Analytics
The Heap service from Contentsquare is an advanced analytics platform designed to provide comprehensive insights into user behavior across web and mobile applications. By combining Heap’s... MORE
AI-Driven Product Management Platforms
AI-Driven Product Management Platforms
Productboard Pulse Promises to Enhance Efficiency
Productboard has unveiled its latest innovation, Productboard Pulse, which is designed to enhance product management by integrating customer feedback at scale. This AI-driven platform offers product... MORE
AI Product Experience Solutions
AI Product Experience Solutions
Stibo Systems Helps Brands Keep Products Competitive with Data
The Product Experience Data Cloud from Stibo Systems is a comprehensive solution designed to optimize product data management and enhance customer experiences. By consolidating product information... MORE
AI-Driven Consumer Goods Platforrms
AI-Driven Consumer Goods Platforrms
Cpg Radar’s New AI-Driven Platform is Efficient
CPG Radar’s new AI-driven platform is designed to streamline and enhance research and development for companies in the consumer packaged goods sector. By leveraging an extensive dataset that... MORE