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

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?
8.3
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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?
7.7
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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?
8.2
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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?
4.7
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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?
6.6
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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?
7.2
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Megatrends
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
Visual Aid
Brands are designing packaging to be accessible for consumers with visual impairments
Trend - Brands are creating packaging designs with smart solutions for consumers with visual impairments. These solutions include scannable codes or symbols that interact with smart applications to provide either easier-to-read or audio-based information, more effectively supporting shoppers.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage technological solutions to make our products more accessible for a wider range of consumers?
6.7
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Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Müller Debuts Accessible Packaging Designs
Müller has announced a significant update to its product offerings as the brand debuts its new accessible packaging designs. The venture seeks to make shopping more accessible for visually impaired... MORE
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Coca-Cola Debuts NaviLens QR Codes for Visually Impaired Consumers
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)’s Great Britain Christmas can multipacks will now include NaviLens codes on its cardboard packaging designed to aid partially sighted or visually impaired... MORE
Scannable Infant Products
Scannable Infant Products
SMA Nutrition Introduced NaviLens Codes into its Product Packaging
SMA Nutrition, a division of Nestlé, has incorporated NaviLens technology into its infant nutrition product packaging. This development is intended to improve the shopping experience for parents... MORE
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft Have Partnered for Inclusive Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft have partnered on a new packaging initiative to help those with low vision or who are blind to read labeling on a range of products. The partnership coincides with World Sight... MORE
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
Unilever and Be My Eyes Partnered to Support Shoppers
Unilever and Be My Eyes have announced a new partnership that will support blind and low-vision shoppers using the latest technology for an easier shopping experience. The partnership builds on... MORE
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
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Megatrends
Vegan Luncheon Meat Products
Vegan Luncheon Meat Products
Food Brand 'ANEW' Debuts Three Luncheon Meat Products
OTS Holdings Limited recently launched a new plant-based, ready-to-eat food brand dubbed ANEW. The new company ” aims to deliver quality, nutrition and convenience to consumers with a taste of... MORE
Vegan Luncheon Meat Snacks
Vegan Luncheon Meat Snacks
OmniFoods & 7-Eleven Hawaii Launched Plant-Based Katsu Musubi
Just in time for summer, 7-Eleven Hawaii has teamed up with OmniFoods to launch a new Plant-Based Katsu Musubi. For those unfamiliar, Spam Katsu Musubi is a classic Hawaiian snack made with Spam.... MORE
Soy Protein Luncheon Meats
Soy Protein Luncheon Meats
This Vegan Luncheon Meat Alternative is Free Of Animal Products
Australian lovers of luncheon meat preparations who nevertheless either want to test out or are already fully embracing vegan diets and lifestyles can now enjoy this particular snacking option... MORE
Canned Vegan Meats
Canned Vegan Meats
ANEW Makes Meatless Canned Products from Wheat, Soy Protein & Vegetable Juice
ANEW makes SPAM-style canned vegan meats with wheat, soy protein, vegetable juice and Eucheuma seaweed, and its innovative products are ready to push the envelope after years of research and... MORE
Gamified Storefront
Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
6.9
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Megatrends
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Lacoste is Virtually Inviting Shoppers into the Jaws of a Croc
French clothing brand Lacoste teamed up with Web3 development company Emperia to create a metaverse store that invites shoppers straight into the jaws of a virtual crocodile. Inside the space,... MORE
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
As part of its ‘King of the Game’ Christmas campaign, sports retailer JD teamed up with Snap to turn its London storefront into an AR storefront. With the storefront turned into a giant... MORE
play_circle_filledMulti-Sensory Flagship Stores
Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores
KATE Shibuya Offers Immersive Digital and Physical Experiences
KATE Shibuya presents a groundbreaking flagship store that integrates digital and physical elements to offer an immersive shopping experience. This innovative retail environment blends cutting-edge... MORE
Digital Snowball Competitions
Digital Snowball Competitions
The LEGO Snow Throw Pits NYC and London Stores Against One Another
The LEGO Snow Throw is a first-of-its-kind transatlantic, interactive game that transforms storefront windows into digital snowball machines. For the holiday season, people who pass by the 5th... MORE
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Watsons, a leading Asian beauty and health retailer, has strategically upgraded its stores as interactive cosmetics retail stores to cater to the interactive and dynamic preferences of Gen Z and Gen... MORE
Video Takeaway
New AI tools that transcribe and summarize videos are gaining popularity
Trend - Companies are launching artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools that listen to and summarize videos for the user.These AIs transcribe the audio from the entire video, and focus on summarizing the transcription into its key takeaways. These tools are designed to save time and effort for users.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure its products or services are not overly time-consuming or convoluted?
3.1
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SEO-Optimized Summary Articles
SEO-Optimized Summary Articles
The YouTube Summarizer is a Key Tool in Retaining Information
For those tired of sifting through lengthy videos for nuggets of information, the YouTube Summarizer will be a powerful tool. Powered by ChatGPT, this innovative tool offers a solution to the time-... MORE
AI Video Summarization Tools
AI Video Summarization Tools
Minimemo Can Transcribe and Pull Insights from Short Videos
In today’s digital age, short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts have become a staple for entertainment and information and a new tool called Minimemo is posing as the... MORE
Video Summarizing Tools
Video Summarizing Tools
TubeSum Can Summarize Lengthy Videos for Students or Professionals
Staying informed can be overwhelming with so much video content available online, so TubeSum, a new Chrome extension designed to streamline your viewing experience, is here to save you valuable time.... MORE
Video Summarization Tools
Video Summarization Tools
Nobinge Saves You Time by Condensing Youtube Videos into Quick Summaries
Nobinge presents a valuable solution for those seeking to acquire knowledge rapidly and efficiently from YouTube videos. With the ability to summarize videos instantly, this tool bypasses ads,... MORE
AI-Powered Video Summarizers
AI-Powered Video Summarizers
Summarize.ing Helps People Digest Lengthy Videos
Summarize.ing offers a transformative solution to the often time-consuming process of consuming video content. In a landscape saturated with lengthy videos across various platforms like YouTube, the... MORE