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FuturistU > Lifestyle > Leisure & Play > Module 3 / 4

Play Through Escape

Instructor: Courtney Scharf
Experiential Entertainment
Download the Experiential Entertainment Trend Report
Here, we explore the role of peoples’ desire to be immersed in experiences and how that’s playing into consumer trends in leisure. Technology has made it so that consumers are accustomed to technological distraction and immersion on a moment-to-moment basis, and as a result, have a strong need to experience a sense of escape in their free time.


This desire to be immersed typically falls into one of two categories in the world of entertainment: experiences that heavily involve and depend on being shared online, and those that are so immersive that they take the use of social media out of the picture. This module shows you the difference between the two and the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Related Trend Report: Experiential Entertainment
Workshop Questions:
1. If your brand were to create an immersive experience, what would that look like?
2. How are you tapping into consumers' desire to be fully immersed?
Get Better and Faster

Featured Insights

Virtual Zoology
Zoos and national parks are turning to VR for more ethical viewing practices
Implications - Virtual reality is now being incorporated into the zoos and parks industry for more cruelty-free animal viewing. Whether actively preventing harm, or avoiding the consequences of keeping animals in captivity, virtual applications in zoology will slowly result in a more ethical form of understanding wildlife for the average consumer. With more public information on the downfalls of animal captivity and poaching, and as consumers increasingly seek out experiences that align with their personal values, this application of VR and smart technology serves to assuage consumer guilt while still giving them the informative and immersive experiences they crave.
Workshop Question - How can your brand incorporate virtual or augmented reality in a way that exceeds real-world experiences?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Techtivity
Brands are engaging young consumers with virtual fitness products
Implications - Progression into parenthood sees health-focused Millennials looking to parallel their devotion to fitness into their children’s lives. As a result, brands pull ideas from technological markets, such as virtual reality, as a way to offer innovative new solutions to traditional activities of play. Younger generations growing up in the digital age understand the importance of being digitally connected in all facets of their lives.
Workshop Question - How can your brand increase technological connectivity to enrich the lives of your consumers?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Kid Metaverse
Brands use the metaverse to create immersive experiences for kids
Trend - Brands are creating immersive metaverse experiences specifically for kids, offering engagement that's both educational and entertaining. These metaverse-based experiences exist across a range of industries that kids might take an interest in--from sports to toys.
Workshop Question - Which unexplored avenues for engagement could your brand work on?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Senior Metaverse
Companies are leveraging virtual reality to enhance elderly peoples' daily lives
Trend - Due to mobility issues and/or other age-related disabilities, senior citizens find it more difficult to connect, travel, exercise, and enjoy outdoor activities. Brands are leveraging the accessibility of the metaverse to create tailored experiences that address these problem areas. Services emphasize social interaction and immersion in the metaverse.
Workshop Question - How could your brand take advantage of the metaverse to improve accessibility services for customers?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
QSR Metaverse
Fast food chains are creating experiences within the metaverse
Trend - As brands across a range of industries experiment with products, services and marketing in the metaverse, QSRs are also getting involved. Fast food restaurant brands are now creating virtual experiences and NFTs in order to stay up-to-date with Web3 innovations.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better engage its customers virtually?
6.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Immersive Therapy
Virtual reality-based therapy experiences offer immersive treatments
Trend - Virtual reality's purposes extend far beyond gaming and recreation--and the technology is now being used to create immersive therapy treatments. These treatments offer visual and other sensory immersions that help guide people through stress, phobias, or other mental health concerns.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create more distinct experiences around its product/service?
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Branded Game
Brands launch game-based experiences in the metaverse
Trend - The virtual interactivity that's possible in the metaverse has made it the perfect space for brands to create experiences that are based in or aligned with games. These branded metaverse-based games familiarize consumers with brands' products while prioritizing experience.
Workshop Question - What type of interactive gaming experience could your brand develop to better engage with its customers?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AR Package
Brands incorporate augmented reality-based gaming into product packaging
Trend - Augmented reality functions in product packaging typically educate consumers on the product or business, but brands are now becoming more creative with packaging that incorporates AR-based games for customers to enjoy.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create more interactive digital experiences for its customers?
6.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Habit-Building
Child-targeted apps help children form healthy habits
Trend - Parents are increasingly using technology to help their children develop, and apps that help children build healthy habits are becoming more popular. Apps in this space either have a specific function, or allow caregivers to customize the healthy habits they want their children to have.
Workshop Question - How is your brand making its customers lives easier?
4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Mixed Meditation
Brands curate mixed media meditation experiences for customers
Trend - Whether in-person or done at home, meditation is being enhanced by brands that are using mixed reality to create multisensory--yet still soothing--experiences for customers. These modern forms of meditation are achieved through apps, VR and even online gaming.
Workshop Question - How is your brand blending tradition with contemporary technology?
5.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Virtual Skincare
Brands create immersive virtual cosmetic stores
Trend - As the cosmetic industry continues to grow, brands in this space are now investing in immersive virtual experiences that consumers can explore and shop in. These are more than just online stores, with distinct layouts and experiences that range from playful to informative.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing its virtual shopping experience?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends