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?
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Premium Mediterranean Lagers
Premium Mediterranean Lagers
Peroni Nastro Azzuro Stile Capri Arrives on the Market
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri is a new product that aims to capture the laid-back elegance of an Italian summer. Crafted with Mediterranean inspiration, this smooth, citrus-forward lager is... MORE
Vibrant Mediterranean Salad Kits
Vibrant Mediterranean Salad Kits
Fresh Express is Introducing a New Chopped Salad Kit
Fresh Express is launching a new Chopped Kit, this time introducing the Mediterranean Herb variant which arrives in late September. This kit features a blend of kale, green cabbage, red cabbage,... MORE
Pistachio Alfredo Sauces
Pistachio Alfredo Sauces
Sauz's Salted Pistachio Alfredo Shares a Sought-After Nutty Flavor
Pistachio flavors are popping up everywhere thanks to the virality of Dubai chocolate, but the nutty ingredient has broken out of the sweet snack and dessert aisle, now adding richness and depth to... MORE
Organic Mediterranean Olive Products
Organic Mediterranean Olive Products
These Biona Olives Offer a Taste of the Mediterranean
The embrace of the Mediterranean diet has many consumers seeking out delicious yet convenient ways to give the culinary lifestyle a try, which is seeing brands respond with products like the Biona... MORE
Mediterranean-Style Pasta Sauces
Mediterranean-Style Pasta Sauces
Loyd Grossman Premium Sauce Comes in Three Flavors
Loyd Grossman Premium Sauce is a new lineup of pasta products making their way to the UK market for the brand's 30th anniversary as the prefect way to elevate a wide range of dishes. The pasta... MORE
Burger Crisp
Chips are increasingly used as a crunchy topping for burger items
Trend - QSR brands are increasingly adopting a recent trend of layering potato chips (crisps) directly into the burger rather than serving them on the side. These menu items claim to merge two comfort foods into one, creating a highly textural, nostalgic eating experience for fans of both.
Workshop Question - How can your brand fuse two concepts to evoke a stronger response from consumers?
4.8
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Crunchy Burger Collaborations
Crunchy Burger Collaborations
A&W Partners with Ruffles to Present Two Ruffles Crunch Burgers
A&W has announced a new collaboration with Ruffles, introducing two limited-time ‘Ruffles Crunch Burgers’ to the Canadian market. This partnership combines the distinct flavors of A&... MORE
Onion Dip-Inspired Burgers
Onion Dip-Inspired Burgers
Hardee's French Onion Dip Angus Burger is Topped with Ruffles
Hardee's French Onion Dip Angus Burger has been created in collaboration with Ruffles as a new indulgent menu item that will provide diners with a way to satisfy big cravings for comfort food this... MORE
Crunchy Truffle Burgers
Crunchy Truffle Burgers
Bar Louie is Adding a New Truffle Crunch Burger as Part of a Menu Update
Bar Louie recently revamped its menu and the new, refreshed version features some tasty new dishes and drinks, including the Truffle Crunch Burger and the Wake Up Call Martini. Now available... MORE
Corn Chip-Topped Burgers
Corn Chip-Topped Burgers
Bad Daddy’s New Cowboy Crunch Burger Puts a Twist on Frito Pie
Full-service burger bar Bad Daddy’s is serving up comfort food this winter with the launch of several new seasonal menu items, including Daddy’s Chili and the crave-worthy new Cowboy Crunch... MORE
AI Microtasking
In the spirit of automating what you hate, AI services assist in small admin tasks
Trend - Though some tech enthusiasts believe AI should be used in every facet of life, some believe it's smarter to "automate what you hate." This means using AI to reduce time spent on mundane tasks. Services that focus on AI used in hyper-specific, repetitive workplace tasks lend credit to this approach.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI to automate mundane tasks specific to our industry, enhancing efficiency and freeing up creative resources?
4.4
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AI Research Assistants
AI Research Assistants
Paperguide Simplifies Research, Writing, and Reference Management with AI
Paperguide is an AI-powered platform designed to support the research lifecycle, from discovery to writing. It enables users to quickly locate and review academic papers through AI-driven search,... MORE
Messenger Scheduling Assistants
Messenger Scheduling Assistants
Calendry Simplifies Scheduling Directly Within Telegram Messenger
Calendry is a scheduling assistant integrated directly into Telegram Messenger, designed to simplify appointment coordination without the need for emails, RSVPs, or additional authentication steps.... MORE
AI Call Assistants
AI Call Assistants
Simple AI Handles Calls To Save You Time And Streamline Scheduling
Simple AI is an automated phone assistant designed to complete calls on behalf of its users. The tool uses artificial intelligence to interact naturally with businesses, enabling tasks such as... MORE
Optimized Scheduling Calendars
Optimized Scheduling Calendars
Supercal Will Analyze Your Week to Suggest Optimal Meeting Times
Supercal offers a solution to optimize productivity by tailoring scheduling to fit users’ unique needs. By analyzing your weekly schedule, it suggests ideal meeting times, grouping them to... MORE
Task Management Simplifiers
Task Management Simplifiers
TodoPal Helps People Stay One Step Ahead of the Curve
TodoPal simplifies task management with its intuitive platform designed to enhance productivity and organization. Whether you’re managing personal projects, work assignments, or household... MORE
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?
5.6
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Nostalgic Light Installations
Nostalgic Light Installations
Toronto's Illuminarium is Launching 'LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder'
‘LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder,’ is the latest immersive adventure coming to Illuminarium at The Distillery District on May 8th. Inspired by 90s childhood nostalgia, the immersive art... MORE
Orb Lighting Installations
Orb Lighting Installations
Teamlab's Mangrove Island is an Innovative Display of Lights and Color
Venture into a world of vibrant light sculptures and immersive wonders as the renowned art collective, teamLab, transforms Samaliyah Island in Abu Dhabi into an enchanting Mangrove Island exhibition... MORE
Thematic Large-Scale Light Installations
Thematic Large-Scale Light Installations
SPOOKY AT ILLUMI Offers a Unique Family Experience
SPOOKY AT ILLUMI has returned for its third consecutive year, building on the success of its 2023 event, which drew over 100,000 visitors. This year, the attraction offers revamped autumn and... MORE
Sensory Immersion Activations
Sensory Immersion Activations
Enlightenment by EONARIUM Will Debut in Toronto This Fall
Acclaimed Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL has teamed up with Fever to bring its internationally celebrated Enlightenment by EONARIUM experience to Canada for the first time. Located inside Toronto's... MORE
March Break Family Activities
March Break Family Activities
illumi – A Dazzling World of Lights is Perfect for March Break
itillumi – A Dazzling World of Lights is the perfect place to light up your March Break.  This family-friendly destination will take you on a whimsical journey through a wonderland of lights.... MORE
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?
3.6
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play_circle_filledCreature-Collecting Action Games
Creature-Collecting Action Games
'Farmagia' Enables Players to Raise an Army of Monsters
‘Farmagia,’ developed by Marvelous Inc., is an upcoming action RPG that combines elements of monster farming and combat. Set in the world of Felicidad, players take on the role of Ten, a... MORE
Cozy Village Sim Games
Cozy Village Sim Games
The Tales of the Shire Game Helps Villagers Complete Tasks
The Tales of the Shire game is a new experience that forms a gentle and low-stakes way of playing in the realm of Bagginses. It takes place somewhere between the end of The Hobbit, and before it... MORE
Serene Rural Farming Games
Serene Rural Farming Games
Stardew Valley is Receiving a New Major Update for 2024
‘ConcernedApe,’ the developer behind the massively popular title ‘Stardew Valley,’ announced via a Steam Community post that the game will be receiving the long-awaited... MORE
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
Dairy Farm-Focused Games
GameSquare Taps Dairy MAX to Debut a Fortnite Farm Tycoon Campaign
GameSquare is teaming up with Dairy MAX, a dairy advocacy group, to launch a new map and campaign for Fortnite’s Farm Tycoon. Farm Tycoon, developed by Moonlight Studios, sees players assume... MORE
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
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All-in-One Ultralight Mats
All-in-One Ultralight Mats
WoodWool's SuperMat is Great for Everyday Use in the Outdoors
WoodWool boasts a packable and ultralight mat design that is sure to pique the interest of adventurers. The product emphasizes comfort and adaptability to different activities, making it great for... MORE
Collaborative Bento-Style Meal Kits
Collaborative Bento-Style Meal Kits
The Monbento x Opinel On-the-Go Meal Kit is All-in-One
The Monbento x Opinel On-the-Go Meal Kit has been developed in collaboration between the brands as the perfect all-in-one lunch box to keep all foods securely stowed when enjoying a meal at the... MORE
Lifestyle-Imbued Jewelry Collections
Lifestyle-Imbued Jewelry Collections
Buccellati to Launch Picnic Sets with New Collaboration
Buccellati, an Italian design house of fine jewelry and silver, introduced the new ‘Tahiti Picnic’ collection, crafted in collaboration with renowned designer Patricia Urquiola. This... MORE
Plant-Based Picnic Packs
Plant-Based Picnic Packs
The Shake Shack Veg Out Picnic Kit Includes Food for Two
The Shake Shack Veg Out picnic kit is being launched as an option for consumers to pick up that’s perfect for enjoying out of the house during the warm weather in a local park. The kit puts... MORE
Communal Outdoor Cooking Tables
Communal Outdoor Cooking Tables
The AroundFire Portable Grill Table is Easy to Bring Anywhere
The AroundFire portable grill table is a communal meal preparation furniture solution for avid campers or picnickers alike to use during the warm weather as the perfect way to dine with friends.... MORE
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?
5.1
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Cereal-Flavored Bacon Products
Cereal-Flavored Bacon Products
Hormel Has Created New Black Label Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bacon
Two of the biggest names in the breakfast game, Hormel and General Mill’s, have teamed up to create a very unexpected new product: Black Label Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bacon. As you might have... MORE
Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Flavors
Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Flavors
Meridian Farm Market Launches the New Honey Jalapeño Bacon
A bold new flavour is hitting grocery shelves with the launch of Honey Jalapeño Bacon—a premium, small-batch product crafted from locally sourced, thick-cut pork and naturally smoked over maple... MORE
Cider-Flavored Bacon Strips
Cider-Flavored Bacon Strips
Hormel Black Label Apple Cider Bacon Shares the Flavors of Fall
Hormel Black Label Apple Cider Bacon is a salty-sweet limited-time offering that taps into the flavors of the fall season to deliver a new experience for breakfasts and beyond. “The apple... MORE
Ranch Dressing-Flavored Bacons
Ranch Dressing-Flavored Bacons
Hormel Black Label Ranch Bacon Combines Two Iconic Ingredients
Hormel is taking two of America’s favorite ingredients and bringing them together to create its new limited edition Black Label Ranch Bacon. Available for just a short time, Hormel’s... MORE
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?
6.1
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Vibrant Better-For-You Snack Packaging
Vibrant Better-For-You Snack Packaging
Catalina Crunch Targets Health-Conscious Consumers
Catalina Crunch has unveiled a comprehensive brand refresh and better-for-you snack packaging to target health-conscious consumers. This update includes a vibrant aesthetic that features a new... MORE
Healthy Snack Rebrands
Healthy Snack Rebrands
Eat Real Snacks Rolls Out New Fresh-Focused Visual Identity
Eat Real, a Canadian food company specializing in healthy treats and snacks, has revealed all-new branding in an effort to further appeal to health-conscious consumers. The refreshed designs include... MORE
Better-for-You Snack Rebrands
Better-for-You Snack Rebrands
Eat Real's New Rebranding Highlights Nutritious Ingredients
Snack brand Eat Real recently announced a bold rebrand aimed at celebrating authentic food experiences. Launching a fresh brand identity with vibrant packaging, Eat Real is making a statement with... MORE
Nostalgic Classic Snacks
Nostalgic Classic Snacks
Back to Nature Received a Vibrantly Bold Rebrand
Back to Nature, a classic snacks brand has undergone a complete rebrand, unveiling a vibrant and bold new visual identity. This transformation aims to modernize the brand while maintaining its... MORE
Nostalgic Health-Conscious Snacks
Nostalgic Health-Conscious Snacks
Lexington Bakes Has Refreshed Its Product Offerings
Lexington Bakes focuses on new, nostalgia-inspired branding language, smaller portion sizes, and reducing sugar content by 25% per serving. The California-based dessert brand, known for its eco-... MORE
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
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Brain-Body Supplements
Brain-Body Supplements
Make Time Wellness is a Multi-Benefit Supplement Specifically for Women
With consumers prioritizing cognitive health and facing a crowded market of generic supplements, Make Time Wellness stands out by offering a specialized formula tailored specifically for women,... MORE
Memory-Enhancing Supplements
Memory-Enhancing Supplements
The SharpMind Memory Formula Supports Cognitive Health
‘Solaray’ continues to lead the way in cognitive health with the launch of ‘SharpMind™ Memory Formula,’ the latest addition to its popular nootropic line. Designed to... MORE
Advanced Health-Enhancing Supplements
Advanced Health-Enhancing Supplements
High Level Science Offers a Vitamin K2-D3 Supplement
High Level Science’s K2-D3 Supplement is formulated to enhance cardiovascular health, bone strength, and immune function. It combines Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, calcium, and BioPerine, a black... MORE
Cognitive Stamina-Enhancing Supplements
Cognitive Stamina-Enhancing Supplements
Nitches Debuts the InTheZone Focused Extreme Supplement
Nitches, Inc. has launched InTheZone Focused Extreme, a new supplement aimed at enhancing focus, memory, and cognitive stamina. Targeting busy professionals, students, and athletes, this product is... MORE
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?
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Interactive Early Education Toys
Interactive Early Education Toys
Tokidos PlayCubes Have a Screen-Free Design
The Tokidos PlayCubes are an interactive, screen-free education accessory for children aged three to eight that will help them to enjoy a more intuitive experience when spending time playing. The... MORE
Multi-Sensory Play Experiences
Multi-Sensory Play Experiences
Plush Toy 'MediTATE' Promotes Kids' Mindfulness
‘mediTATE’ by miindfully is the world’s first meditation plush toy for kids, blending comfort with innovation to create a multi-sensory mindfulness experience. This award-winning... MORE
Forest-Inspired Screenless Toys
Forest-Inspired Screenless Toys
Boogie Board Launched the Sketch Pals Forest Friends Line
In the digital era, many parents are looking for screenless toys and unplugged entertainment options for their children. This genre of play carries a range of benefits, some of which include... MORE
Transformative Bedtime Storytelling
Transformative Bedtime Storytelling
Zuzu Offers Customizable, Screen-Free Bedtime Stories
ZuZu offers a transformative approach to bedtime stories, harnessing the timeless power of storytelling to engage young minds and foster peaceful sleep. In a digital age dominated by screens, ZuZu... MORE