FuturistU > Lifestyle > New Leisure Rules > Module 1 / 4

Intro to New Leisure Rules

Instructor: Courtney Scharf
In this module, Trend Hunter's Chief Client Officer, Courtney Scharf, tracks changes in the leisure category brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on trends that have evolved in curious ways during a time of great upheaval. What in the world of entertainment and leisure is now irrelevant? What does your team need to focus on to stay afloat during these chaotic times?
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Mediterranean Luxe
Food & beverage embrace Mediterranean flavors as markers of sophistication
Trend - Restaurants and beverage brands are elevating their offerings with flavors from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Ingredients like saffron, pistachio, pomegranate and rose are appearing in contemporary formats—from basil limoncello spritzes to pistachio rose lattes.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use global flavor cues to turn everyday products into meaningful moments of escape?
4.3
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Immersive Escapism
Entertainment venues transport consumers beyond traditional experiences
Trend - Entertainment brands are investing in fully immersive spaces that blur the lines between reality and digital fantasy. These venues use advanced projection mapping, spatial audio, and multi-sensory elements to create environments where visitors can step into different worlds without leaving the city.
Workshop Question - How can we design experiences that transport our audience beyond their routine environment and immerse them in transformative adventures?
5.8
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Escapist Game
Game developers launch low-stakes farming-centric games for comfortable escapism
Trend - Game developers are increasingly releasing cozy farming games that offer serene, low-pressure virtual environments. These titles focus on gentle gameplay and emotional escapism—cultivating crops, caring for animals, and building intimate communities in picturesque, pastoral settings.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create engaging and relaxing experiences that current desires of its consumers?
3.7
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Revitalized Picnic
Brands are launching products designed to enhance picnic convenience
Trend - Brands are launching sophisticated picnic kits and complementary products aimed at enhancing the outdoor dining experience. These offerings include modular food carriers, insulated storage solutions, cutlery sets, and interactive recipes designed with user-friendly functionality in mind.
Workshop Question - How can we innovate our offerings to align with the growing consumer emphasis on outdoor convenience, sustainability, and enhanced leisure experiences?
5.2
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Flavored Bacon
Bacon products increasingly opt for adventurous or unconventional flavorings
Trend - Brands are introducing bacon products that have been infused, seasoned, or cured with unconventional or enhanced flavor profiles beyond traditional smoked or salted varieties. These products, spanning maple bourbon to cinnamon-crusted, allow consumers to elevate everyday meals with unique flavors.
Workshop Question - How can your brand transform a mundane product or service into a novel item/experience?
5.3
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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?
6.3
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Healthspan Plans
Consumers are proactively looking to extend their healthy years
Trend - The focus on wellness has evolved from short-term fixes to long-term health optimization, with consumers actively seeking evidence-backed solutions that support healthy aging. From cognitive enhancement supplements to personalized preventative care programs, brands are responding with products and services that promise to extend not just lifespan, but "healthspan" - the period of life spent in good health.
Workshop Question - How could your brand help consumers invest in their future health outcomes?
5.1
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Screen-Free Play
Tech-savvy parents seek screen-free alternatives for child development
Trend - Children's toys boast screen-free designs that maintain the engaging aspects of modern technology while encouraging imagination and active play. These products combine the appeal of contemporary gadgets with traditional play patterns, offering interactive features without the drawbacks of screen time. The category spans everything from meditation devices to storytelling tools and educational toys.
Workshop Question - How can your brand innovate within children's products while supporting healthy development?
5.1
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Flip Phone Resurgence
Gen Z opts for flip phones as the "dumb phone" movement gains popularity
Trend - Flip phones are flipping the script in today's smartphone-ruled world, finding a surprising comeback with Gen Z. These minimalist devices are surging again, fueled by the need for digital detox and a craving for simplicity. The flip phone revival is a part of the broader dumb phone movement, which encourages a more mindful approach to technology.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create products and services that offer a more mindful approach to technology?
6.4
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Red Light Cap
Light therapy is incorporated into headwear products for faster hair growth
Trend - Haircare brands are creating helmet and hat-style caps with built-in light therapy to stimulate hair growth. Often incorporating red light to speed up cell division, these caps claim to help hair grow thicker and healthier while also preventing hair loss.
Workshop Question - How can your brand enhance its product or service using scientific research?
5.2
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