FuturistU > Lifestyle > Cracking the Leisure Code > Module 1 / 4

Intro to The Psychological Drivers of Leisure

Instructor: Courtney Scharf
Cracking the Leisure Code
Download the Cracking the Leisure Code Trend Report
In this module, Chief Client Officer Courtney Scharf walks you through some of the key components that will contribute to the future of leisure.

Though the world of leisure can be broad and all-consuming, this module has a key focus on the role human psychology is playing in peoples’ entertainment choices both today and in the future. After all, what people do in their spare time tells them nearly everything you need to know about them as consumers.
Related Trend Report: Cracking the Leisure Code
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Service Copilots
Businesses are automating repetitive tasks with AI to free staff for exceptions

Trend - Customer-facing software is shifting from simple chat support to systems that can answer calls, field messages across channels, and complete basic service tasks on a company’s behalf. These systems are beneficial for offloading repetitive tasks, reducing wait times, and helping staff invest more time in higher-value work and relationship management.

Workshop Question - How could your brand use automated assistance to remove routine friction while preserving easy access to a person when it matters most?
6.5
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AI Customer Support Platforms
AI Customer Support Platforms
Saski AI Delivers Automated Multichannel Support For Small Business
Providing fast and reliable customer service can be challenging for small businesses with limited time and resources. Saski AI helps automate support operations through AI-powered agents that can... MORE
play_circle_filledAI Customer Service Software
AI Customer Service Software
MirrorFly Is Introducing AI Agents For Customer Support
Self-hosted CPaaS provider MirrorFly has launched AI agents to help enterprises build their own AI assistance. This can automate and personalize the customer support, and it can be deployed to go... MORE
AI Concierge Assistants
AI Concierge Assistants
Playlist Launches a Specialized Virtual Front Desk Assistant
Playlist — the parent company of Mindbody, ClassPass, Booker, EGYM, and Kite — has launched AI Concierge, a virtual front desk assistant designed to operate around the clock for fitness and... MORE
AI Voice Agent Platforms
AI Voice Agent Platforms
PhinVoice Helps Businesses Automate Phone Calls With Human-Like AI
Managing customer phone calls can be time-consuming, especially for businesses that need to provide support, answer questions, and handle enquiries around the clock. PhinVoice provides AI-powered... MORE
AI Personal Productivity Assistants
AI Personal Productivity Assistants
Lumon Manages Tasks With An AI Assistant That Remembers Them
Managing emails, schedules, and endless to-do lists can become overwhelming when productivity tools lack personal context. Lumon is an AI-powered assistant designed to understand users, remember... MORE
Participatory Retail
Stores are becoming hands-on learning environments for shoppers

Trend - The brick-and-mortar retail environment is being redesigned around hands-on participation add-ons rather than solely display-led browsing. Stores are organizing workshops, DIY stations, community events, and other types of activations that align with their branding, industry, and product offerings. This shift gives shoppers a reason to physically show up in stores, beyond their need for a purchase.

Workshop Question - How could your brand turn product discovery into a guided activity that helps customers learn, test, or create something for themselves?
7.3
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Creative Retail Competitions
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Creative retail competitions are transforming stores into destinations where consumers can actively participate rather than simply shop. Bricks & Minifigs and Santoki are encouraging LEGO fans to... MORE
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Yepoda Opens an Immersive Flagship Store in Seoul
Experiential K-beauty retail is reshaping beauty shopping by turning physical stores into immersive brand destinations. Yepoda’s first Seoul location is designed to introduce visitors to Korean... MORE
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
GARAGE Builds an Immersive Flagship in New York's Flatiron District
Content-driven flagship retail is reshaping fashion by turning stores into immersive brand destinations that encourage shopping, social sharing, and community engagement. GARAGE's upcoming flagship... MORE
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Creator-Led DIY Experiences
Lowe's Turns MrBeast Fandom Into Kids Workshops
Creator-led DIY experiences are helping brands transform digital audiences into active, real-world communities. Lowe's is expanding its Kids Club program through a partnership with MrBeast,... MORE
Immersive DIY Events
Immersive DIY Events
DIY CON Brings Hands-On Workshops and Creator-Led Experiences
Immersive DIY events are transforming traditional trade shows into hands-on experiences where attendees actively build, learn and connect with creators and brands. DIY CON brings together... MORE
Tournament Tie-Ins
Food & beverage brands run time-limited promotions around major soccer moments

Trend - Food & beverage brands, restaurants, and delivery platforms are aligning limited-time meals, product bundles, and special offers with major soccer competitions. Many of these activations are using playful, celebratory language and sport-coded framing. The tournament becomes the basis for a shared promotional calendar that shapes where people eat, what they order, and how they gather.

Workshop Question - How could your brand turn a major cultural moment into a simple participation ritual for customers?
8.3
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Megatrends
FIFA World Cup Snack Collaborations
FIFA World Cup Snack Collaborations
Lay's Dropped Its Four New FIFA World Cup Flavors In Canada
Lay’s launched four limited-edition FIFA World Cup flavors in Canada. Each flavor is inspired by a nation competing in this year’s tournament and is featured on collectible bags starring soccer... MORE
Humorous Fast-Food Campaigns
Humorous Fast-Food Campaigns
The KFC World Cup Campaign Parodies Lionel Messi's Iconic Photo
The KFC World Cup campaign reimagines the widely shared 2007 photograph of Lionel Messi bathing baby Lamine Yamal by replacing Messi with Colonel Sanders and transforming Yamal into a miniature... MORE
Limited-Time Soccer-Themed QSR Meals
Limited-Time Soccer-Themed QSR Meals
McDonald's Debuts the FIFA World Cup 26 Meal and Happy Meal
McDonald's has introduced a limited-time FIFA World Cup 26 Meal and a corresponding Happy Meal. These QSR offerings are available to individuals starting June 4. The FIFA World Cup 26 Meal boasts... MORE
Celebratory Soccer QSR Campaigns
Celebratory Soccer QSR Campaigns
McDonald’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign Has Meals and More
The McDonald’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign is making its debut to help drum up excitement surrounding the upcoming start of the soccer tournament and remind consumers of its place in match day... MORE
Soccer-Focused Entertainment Venue Promotions
Soccer-Focused Entertainment Venue Promotions
Dave & Buster's Was a Go-To for Watching FIFA
Dave & Buster's served as a prime destination for soccer fans during the world's biggest tournament, as the business offered an immersive viewing experience that combined large-scale screens,... MORE
Packaged Mixology
Drink makers are turning cocktails into portable formats across all use cases

Trend - Cocktail brands are moving beyond standard spirit bottles into ready-made serves that package flavor, format, and occasion together. This shift makes the product feel closer to a complete drinking experience than a base ingredient. Packaging is becoming part of the proposition, with formats designed for convenience, portability, or group use.

Workshop Question - How could your brand use format and packaging to make convenience feel more intentional and premium?
8.5
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Megatrends
Pre-Game Cocktail Bags
Pre-Game Cocktail Bags
3 Brothers Liquor Sells Cocktails in a Bag for Pre-Event Consumption
3 Brothers Liquor, a San Diego-based alcohol store, sells a variety of whiskeys, tequilas, and other alcoholic products. The company has also become one of many North American shops offering the... MORE
Ready-to-Drink Boba Cocktails
Ready-to-Drink Boba Cocktails
Boba POPS' Pop & Go Features Patented, Alcohol-Filled Popping Pearls
Boba POPS' Pop & Go is a new line of 8% ABV cocktails packaged in single-serve punch-through cups with a collapsible straw, offering a convenient and fun way for adults to experience the brand's... MORE
Premium Zero-Alcohol Cocktails
Premium Zero-Alcohol Cocktails
EVEN's 0% Alcohol Cocktails Streamline Behind-The-Bar Operations
Whether they're going out for dinner, seeing a sporting event or staying at a hotel, consumers want well-considered zero-proof options and operators and bartenders need quality options that can be... MORE
Wine-Based RTD Cocktails
Wine-Based RTD Cocktails
SqueakyWheel's Debut Trio is Crafted with All-Natural Ingredients
Many ready-to-drink cocktail consumers are wary of not knowing what's actually in their can, so SqueakyWheel was born to share wine-based RTD cocktails without artificial sweeteners, flavors, or... MORE
Protein-Fiber Convergence
GLP-1 lifestyles spark demand for dual-benefit functional foods
Trend - As GLP-1 medications become mainstream for weight management and metabolic health, brands are realizing that protein alone isn't cutting it anymore. Now, functional snacks are being engineered with serious fiber content alongside high protein, creating products that actually work with how people using these medications need to eat.
Workshop Question - As medications like GLP-1 reshape how consumers eat and think about nutrition, what new market opportunities exist for your brand outside of traditional snacking?
7.6
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GLP-1-Friendly Protein Bars
GLP-1-Friendly Protein Bars
TRUBAR Supports Digestion & Satiety Between Meals
TRUBAR has dubbed its plant-based protein bars with dessert-inspired flavors "the perfect GLP-1-friendly protein bars," thanks to their nourishing, satiating formulas to support digestion and... MORE
Balanced Dairy Snacks
Balanced Dairy Snacks
:ratio Pro-Fiber Supports GLP-1 Lifestyles with 20g Protein & 10g Fiber
:ratio Pro-Fiber brings a first-of-its-kind, GLP-1-friendly functional snack to the dairy aisle, delivering 20 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber and zero grams of added sugar. This innovation... MORE
Functional Flavor-Driven Smoothie Ranges
Functional Flavor-Driven Smoothie Ranges
Naked Smoothies Introduced Three Updated Recipes
Flavor and functional nutrition are colliding with these new Naked Smoothies products that come in a variety of fan-favorite options to help consumers conveniently access premium smoothies. The... MORE
Ready-to-Drink Breakfast Shakes
Ready-to-Drink Breakfast Shakes
The UFIT Brekkie Shake Has 28-Grams of Protein
The UFIT Brekkie Shake is the brand's latest addition to its product portfolio that puts easy breakfast nutrition in focus to accommodate the shift towards protein-packed foods. The ready-to-drink... MORE
Craveable Protein Bars
Craveable Protein Bars
Linear Bar Rivals the Taste and Texture of a Candy Bar
A major complaint people have about protein bars is their unpleasant texture—they're often described as chalky—and Linear Bar is a new organic protein bar that "blurs the line between... MORE
Freeze-Dried Cosmetic
Personal care products are being reimagined with freeze-dried recipes
Trend - Brands expand freeze-dried lines into powders tablets and wafers that rehydrate at use, packaged in compact pouches, trial sticks and refill pods; retail formats favor travelable bundles and subscriptions while messaging highlights freshness, lower preservatives, and reduced shipping weight.
Workshop Question - How can your brand innovate by looking to less popular formats within its industry to address certain consumers complaints?
7
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Freeze-Dried Waterless Beauty Ranges
Freeze-Dried Waterless Beauty Ranges
Voshbon's Formulas Use Zero-Water Lyophilisation Tech
Waterless beauty products, especially in powder formats, are popular as consumers invest in concentrated formulas that are activated with water at the time of use, and Voshbon is now introducing... MORE
Frozen Toner Pads
Frozen Toner Pads
Sofie Pavitt's Nice Ice is a Pack of 12 Cryo Toning Treatments
Sofie Pavitt’s Nice Ice Frozen Toner Pads are a cooling, inflammation-reducing skincare solution packaged like ice cubes to deliver refreshing replenishment on demand. This chilled skincare... MORE
Brightening Freeze-Dried Skincare
Brightening Freeze-Dried Skincare
The Licorice Exosome Treatment Orb Refreshes & Revitalizes Skin
Snow Fox Skincare’s Licorice Exosome Treatment Orb is a brightening booster that addresses unevenness, pigmentation and redness with a novel format. In a sea of soothing, balancing skincare... MORE
Hydrating Freeze-Dried Skincare
Hydrating Freeze-Dried Skincare
Snow Fox Skincare's Cica Exosome Treatment Orb Calms & Repairs
One of the newest additions to the high-performance, problem-solving portfolio by Snow Fox Skincare is the Cica Exosome Treatment Orb for instant hydration, calming and repair. This skincare... 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?
7.6
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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
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?
4.1
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Megatrends
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
Alpha Upskilling
Generation Z Tribe is receiving an early education on AI and future technology
Trend - Though AI upskilling is popular among adults in the workplace, educating kids on future technologies is an emerging pattern. The education system embraces AI to varying degrees. In order to equip children for a more AI-driven world, education is taking place inside and outside of the school system.
Workshop Question - How can we incorporate educational initiatives to better prepare the younger generations for an AI-driven future?
6
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Preschool Coding Toys
Preschool Coding Toys
Codie Blocks and iCode are Preparing Young Kids for an AI Future
Codie Blocks is preparing early learners for an AI future by teaming up with computer science education provider iCodie. Codie Blocks is rolling out at more than 70 iCode franchise locations... MORE
AI Technology-Focused Training Campaigns
AI Technology-Focused Training Campaigns
The Raspberry Pi Foundation Emphasizes Youth Empowerment
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has issued a compelling report advocating for sustained emphasis on coding education despite the rapid advancement of AI technologies. The educational charity challenges... MORE
Reprogrammable Robot Companions
Reprogrammable Robot Companions
Quarky Teaches Kids AI, Robotics and Programming Through Play
Quarky teaches programming, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts to kids in a fun, friendly and approachable way. The reconfigurable robot doubles as a learning companion... MORE
Student-Targeted AI Skills
Student-Targeted AI Skills
Prodigy Learning and Minecraft Education Unveil New AI Education Tools
Prodigy Learning, in collaboration with Minecraft Education, has unveiled ‘AI Ready Skills,’ a new program that combines learning, assessment, and credentialing in artificial intelligence... MORE
AI Experience
Brands increasingly use artificial intelligence to power live retail experiences
Trend - Brands are leveraging artificial intelligence to bring personalized, interactive shopping experiences to malls and brick-and-mortar stores. By integrating machine learning and augmented reality (AR), they create immersive, tech-driven demonstrations that connect consumers with branded products.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create stronger in-store connections with consumers?
6.8
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Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Lotte and Arbitrum Partner for the Coalesced 'Lotte Caliverse'
Lotte Group has launched the ‘Lotte Caliverse,’ an AI-driven, 3D entertainment experience integrated with blockchain technology. This innovative virtual world is supported by over 90... MORE
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
AI-Powered Bakery Pop-Ups
The Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio Beats "Baker's Block" with AI
To inspire bakers and engage people with a sweet tooth, the Betty Crocker Dream Bake Studio is launching at The Trafford Centre, Manchester to serve up inspiration and interaction. At the pop-up,... MORE
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Omoda and Google Cloud Partner for Generative-AI Shopping
Omoda and Google Cloud have partnered to enhance Omoda’s online shopping experience using AI. Through this collaboration, Omoda has introduced ‘Omoda Stylist,’ a conversational AI... MORE
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
In the UK and Europe, confectionary brand Haribo launched gamified in-airport activations that give people of all ages the chance to win branded items and fan-favorite Haribo Goldbears. The gamified... MORE
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
AI technology has made significant advancements to the online shopping experience and the ShopUp app elevates in-store shopping experience by sharing real-time sales and tailored recommendations.... MORE