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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?
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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?
7.6
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?
7.2
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?
5.9
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?
6.9
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?
7.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Virtual Showrooms
Brands are creating virtual showrooms to sell their products
Trend - Virtual showrooms are increasingly popular as brands look for creative ways to stay on consumers' minds amidst changed shopping habits. These include everything from virtual reality-based car showings to app-based digital stylists.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing the virtual showing experience?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AR Holiday
Brands leverage augmented reality when advertising around the holidays
Trend - Brands are leveraging augmented reality technology to reach consumers at home for the holidays. These initiatives include product testing, demonstrations, and mixed reality portals to interact and engage with consumers.
Workshop Question - How can your brand interact and engage with consumers through technology?
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AR Edu
Branded educational experiences use augmented reality to enhance engagement
Trend - Brands are using augmented reality-powered educational platforms and features that help them better engage with customers. The use of AR in educating customers helps brands enhance the product/service experience for users.
Workshop Question - How could your brand incorporate educational AR to better engage customers?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Virtual Lab
Virtual innovation labs let consumers test and design products remotely
Trend - Pre-pandemic, brands in a range of industries experimented with innovation labs where they could display and test their most innovative products and ideas with consumers. Now, they're doing the same but virtually--as retailers remain restricted with how they curate in-store experiences.
Workshop Question - How could your brand create distinct virtual experiences for customers?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends