FuturistU > Innovation & Change > The 18 Megatrends of the New Normal > Module 4 / 4

The 18 Megatrends & The Recharting

Instructor: Armida Ascano
Artificial Intelligence
Download the Artificial Intelligence Trend Report
Capping off this course, Armida will speak to the Megatrends that are most relevent in the era of the Recharting. Which consumer behavior trends will form the future post-crisis, and why?

By the end of the 18 Megatrends of the New Normal course, you will be better equipped to navigate times of volatility in the future.
Related Trend Report: Artificial Intelligence
Workshop Questions:
1. How are you battling big-brand skepticism?
2. How can you provide consumers with a dose of adventure and escapism?
3. How can your brand provide fun and playfulness even in tough times?
4. How could you make digital touch points with your customer more exciting?
5. What opportunities for personalization could be integrated into your brand?
6. What technology is available to your company, and how could it be used for crisis support?
7. What would your crisis relief messaging be if the end user crafted it themselves?
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Featured Insights

Resocializing Initiatives
Brands launch campaigns helping people adjust to post-pandemic life
Trend - Brands are launching new initiatives designed to support the transition back to "normal." These range from reminding individuals of dining etiquette to tips on helpful hygiene practices to re-instate.
Workshop Question - How can your brand support consumers' transition to post-pandemic life?
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Post-Pandemic Card Games
Post-Pandemic Card Games
Where Should We Begin? Helps to Rebuild Social Confidence
Where Should We Begin? is the name of a new card game from renowned Belgian psychotherapist Esther Perel and it was created with the intention of helping people to cope with social anxiety coming... MORE
play_circle_filledPost-Pandemic Gum Campaigns
Post-Pandemic Gum Campaigns
EXTRA Gum's 'For When It's Time' Depicts a Fresh Start
‘For When It’s Time’ is a new marketing campaign from EXTRA Gum that shares scenes from a post-pandemic future. The campaign aims to inspire optimism and remind people of a return... MORE
Post-Pandemic Deodorant Ads
Post-Pandemic Deodorant Ads
Degree Issues Reminder to Wear Deodorant Again as Things Open Up
As things begin to open up post-pandemic, Degree recently launched a new campaign to remind people to start wearing deodorant again. The ad, dubbed ‘Move Again With Degree,’ taps drag... MORE
play_circle_filledCheeky Dining Training Ads
Cheeky Dining Training Ads
The Boston Pizza Patio Re-Training Video Teaches Patio Etiquette
In light of Ontario patios re-opening from one of the longest lockdowns, Boston Pizza is helping customers remember how to dine in public with the launch of the ‘Patio Re-Training Video.’... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Experiential Poster
Physical, touchable media is being reintroduced to deepen sensory engagement
Trend - Brands are incorporating tactile elements into billboards and posters to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences. From textured surfaces to interactive materials, these physical formats invite touch and smell, transforming passive ad spaces into memorable, hands-on brand encounters.
Workshop Question - How can your brand use physical interaction to create more memorable consumer touchpoints?
9.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sensory Outdoor Posters
Sensory Outdoor Posters
Billie Introduced its Scratch-and-Sniff OOH Campaign
The 'Scratch-and-Sniff OOH Campaign' marks Billie’s first interactive out-of-home advertising initiative, recently launched in New York City. Through this campaign, consumers are invited to... MORE
Sniffable Deodorant Billboards
Sniffable Deodorant Billboards
Sure's Out-of-Home Campaigns Invites Passersby to Take a Whiff
Deodorant brand Sure is releasing a whole-body deodorant touted as the first of its kind in the category for the UK, and the public is being made aware of it with interactive deodorant billboards... MORE
Interactive Advertising Installations
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Intimissimi’s Feel the Billboard campaign introduces a tactile approach to outdoor advertising by integrating a real cashmere swatch into street‑level billboards. The installation was placed in... MORE
Pet-Finding Billboards
Pet-Finding Billboards
Hrvatski Telekom Created Scented Billboards That Attract Lost Dogs
Croatian telecom company Hrvatski Telekom collaborated with creative agency Bruketa&Zinic&Grey to create scented billboards that are useful for locating missing pets. More dynamic than the average... MORE
Imperfect Marketing
Brands are turning real-life blunders into authentic connection opportunities
Trend - Marketing campaigns are shifting from showcasing perfect customer experiences to highlighting genuine consumer blunders and everyday failures. Rather than airbrushed perfection, these campaigns feature real spilled milk, burnt dinners, muddy footprints, and authentic human moments that resonate with consumers' actual lived experiences.
Workshop Question - Younger demographics quickly spot inauthenticity -- how might you authentically capture “messy moments” in a way that feels playful rather than patronizing?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Authenticity-Centric Beauty Series
Authenticity-Centric Beauty Series
Sephora Adds to Its 'We Belong to Something Beautiful' Campaign
Sephora Canada’s 'We Belong to Something Beautiful' campaign redefines beauty, celebrates self-expression, and empowers Canadians to embrace their true selves. Launched on January 27, this bold... MORE
Imperfect Cooking Campaigns
Imperfect Cooking Campaigns
Knorr's #EffortIsEverything Campaign Celebrates Kitchen Mishaps
Knorr is flipping the script on picture-perfect food photography with its latest #EffortIsEverything campaign. The brand celebrates real cooking fails from home chefs by featuring their charred... MORE
play_circle_filledFamily-Focused Cleaning Campaigns
Family-Focused Cleaning Campaigns
ECOS Celebrates Life's Beautiful Chaos with Little Messes Ad
ECOS has launched its new connected TV campaign called "Little Messes," which takes a refreshingly honest approach to household cleaning. Rather than portraying pristine homes, the campaign... MORE
Authenticity-Forward Insurance Campaigns
Authenticity-Forward Insurance Campaigns
Allianz Ireland Unveils Its New ‘Real Life’ Campaign
Allianz Ireland leads with authenticity in its latest brand campaign, 'Real Life,' created by Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin. The campaign aims to challenge traditional insurance advertising by... MORE
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
BeReal, the social media app that asks users to post unfiltered photos of themselves once a day, is on the hunt for “The Realest Person on Earth.” In its search for the face of its... MORE
Local Loyalty
Hyper Local Commerce shifts toward neighborhood-first shopping
Trend - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing local retailers, regional goods, and community-based shopping experiences. Whether it’s buying from a neighborhood store or choosing products made nearby, there’s growing momentum behind commerce that feels rooted in place. National brands are responding by incorporating local elements into their offerings, partnering with small businesses, highlighting regional sourcing, and localizing store formats, to stay relevant in a shifting retail landscape.
Workshop Question - How might your brand collaborate with local businesses, creators, or communities to build trust and relevance at the neighborhood level?
4.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Canadian-Made CPG Brand Campaigns
Kruger Products Debuts Made by Canadians for Canadians
Kruger Products has launched a new campaign titled 'Made by Canadians for Canadians.' With this initiative, the CPG brand aims to encourage consumers to choose locally manufactured tissue products.... MORE
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Canadian-Focused Campaigns
Maple Leaf Foods Sparks Pride with Its 'Look for the Leaf’ Campaign
'Look for the Leaf' is more than just a tagline; it’s a movement. Maple Leaf Foods is taking a bold stand in response to U.S. tariffs, urging Canadian consumers to support homegrown brands, even... MORE
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Aberdeen is Bringing Back its 'Shop Aberdeen' Initiative
The Shop Aberdeen initiative, organized by Aberdeen Inspired, is a campaign aimed at revitalizing the city's retail sector by encouraging shoppers to visit the city center. The event features... MORE
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
Civic-Led Buy Local Campaigns
City of Toronto Launches 'Love Local' Campaign to Support Businesses
The City of Toronto has launched the Love Local campaign to bolster small businesses and reinforce Canada’s economic resilience in response to recent U.S. tariffs. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow... 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?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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
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?
6.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
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
Multi-Platform Progress
Developers are launching games with cross-progression for convenience
Trend - Game developers are increasingly integrating cross-progression features in their titles, allowing players to carry over their game progress, achievements, and in-game purchases across multiple platforms. This feature provides gamers with a seamless and flexible gaming experience.
Workshop Question - How can our brand react to the demands of its customers to ensure their convenience and accessibility needs are being met?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Anime Roll-Playing Game Ports
Anime Roll-Playing Game Ports
HoYoVerse is Bringing Genshin Impact to Xbox Consoles
Genshin Impact, developed by HoYoverse, is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S consoles on November 20, 2024. This marks the first time the popular open-world action RPG will be available on Xbox... MORE
play_circle_filledHorror Fighting Game Characters
Horror Fighting Game Characters
Warner Bros' MultiVersus is Back with Jason Voorhees
Jason Voorhees, the iconic antagonist from the Friday the 13th franchise, has been introduced as a new playable character in Warner Bros. Games’ MultiVersus. The addition of Voorhees was announced... MORE
Expansive Touchscreen Control Games
Expansive Touchscreen Control Games
The Assassins Creed Mirage Game Expands to iPhones and iPads
The latest Assassin’s Creed game is now launching on iPhone and iPad mediums—the Assassin’s Creed Mirage game will make its appearance on the new platform on June 6th. Ubisoft... MORE
play_circle_filledBattle Arena Game Sequels
Battle Arena Game Sequels
Titan Forge Games Announced 'Smite 2' on Unreal Engine 5
Smite 2 is the sequel to the popular third-person action MOBA that lets players become gods and wage war in mythological battles. Developed by Titan Forge Games and powered by Unreal Engine 5, Smite... MORE
Pizza Inspired
CPG and QSR Brands are Developing Snacks and Quick-Eats with Pizza-Inspired Flavors
Trend - QSR and CPG brands are tapping into the popular flavors and ingredients pizza to create unique and exciting snack offerings. These pizza-inspired snacks are designed to capture the essence of everyone's favorite comfort food while providing convenient, on-the-go options.
Workshop Question - How can we incorporate nostalgic and novel flavor profiles into our products to create convenient, exciting offerings for busy, modern consumers?
5.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Pizza-Flavored Cinnamon Cereals
Pizza-Flavored Cinnamon Cereals
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pizza Flavor Tastes Like Totino’s
The Junk Food Aisle—an Instagram account that posts AI-generated flavor ideas alongside real, offbeat products—had its audience of adventurous snackers wondering if the Cinnamon Toast Crunch... MORE
Puffed Pizza-Flavored Snacks
Puffed Pizza-Flavored Snacks
Cheetos Puffs Cheese Pizza is Arriving This Winter
The Cheetos Puffs Cheese Pizza snack is a new limited time offering from Frito-Lay that’s crafted with the brand’s signature cheesy snack product in mind along with a familiar flavor... MORE
Pizza Crust Hot Dogs
Pizza Crust Hot Dogs
Domino's Australia's New Pizza Dog is a Cross Between Pizza and a Hot Dog
Domino's Australia is bringing together two iconic treats in the form of its new hybrid Pizza Dog. Currently available from Domino's Pizza outlets across Australia, the new Pizza Dog is a mashup... MORE
Pizza-Flavored Popcorn Snacks
Pizza-Flavored Popcorn Snacks
Pizza-Seasoned Garrett Popcorn is an Exclusive Stadium Treat
Garrett Popcorn Shops and Home Run Inn Pizza teamed up to create Pizza-Seasoned Garrett Popcorn and share it with fans at Wrigley Field concession stands during Chicago Cubs games July 2nd to 7th.... MORE
Seamless Engagement
Pop-ups that require minimal time to engage consumers are gaining traction
Trend - Brands are creating passive pop-ups, such as billboards or signposts, that beget consumers to engage with only a brief action. These are more engaging than regular billboards while not requiring much time from consumers. Additionally, brands do not need to staff these pop-ups, thus reducing costs.
Workshop Question - How could your brand benefit from passive engagement opportunities to enhance its marketing strategies?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
play_circle_filledHug-Activated Marketing Machines
Hug-Activated Marketing Machines
UNIQLO France and The Pull Launch the Hug to Unlock Ad
UNIQLO France unveils the Hug to Unlock campaign with the help of Paris-based marketing agency The Pill. The campaign encourages passersby to embrace in a hug to initiate a surprise by the brand. It... MORE
play_circle_filledIllusory Fry Billboards
Illusory Fry Billboards
KFC is Promoting Its Fing Fing Cajun Chips with a Clever Billboard
In China, KFC is promoting its new Fing Fing Cajun Chips with an optical illusion billboard that has people literally shaking their heads. With “fing fing” meaning “shake” in... MORE
play_circle_filledFood Truck Billboards
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
McDonald’s Sweden recently launched a new fried chicken burger inspired by street food culture. As part of the launch campaign, the fast-food giant transformed digital-out-of-home (DOOH)... MORE
play_circle_filledRecord-Breaking AR Mirrors
Record-Breaking AR Mirrors
Maybelline New York & FFFACE.ME Debuted a Large Interactive Experience
Maybelline New York worked with XR company FFFACE.ME to unveil a record-breaking augmented reality mirror with a screen size of 43,000 square feet on the side of the Gulliver Mall in Kyiv. This AR... MORE
play_circle_filledDeserted Island Billboards
Deserted Island Billboards
Silk & Spice Set Up a Billboard for Fans to Go and Find
While most billboards are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility, Silk & Spice is taking a different route, opting to set up a desert island billboard and initiate... MORE
In-Game Advertisement
Gaming companies are allowing non-intrusive in-game live advertisements
Trend - Game developers are implementing live billboard advertisements into their games. These advertisements are non-intrusive, meaning they exist in the game world but do not inhibit the players' interaction with the games. This is a value-add for advertisers while adding legitimacy to the game world.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure it is advertising its products or services through its best-suited medium?
6.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Clear In-Game Billboard Advertisements
Clear In-Game Billboard Advertisements
SCS Software's Truck Simulator Uses Real-Life Advertising
American Truck Simulator, developed by SCS Software, has introduced in-game advertisements for real-world trucking companies. This initiative began with Schneider National, a major logistics company,... MORE
In-Game Billboard Advertising
In-Game Billboard Advertising
Gameloft Enables Partners to Advertise Natively in its Games
Gameloft for Brands has introduced in-game advertising within its popular titles, including Asphalt 9: Legends. This initiative aims to create meaningful connections between brands and players by... MORE
Contextual Intelligence Companies
Contextual Intelligence Companies
GumGum is an AI-Powered Marketing Company with Dynamic Placement
GumGum is a contextual intelligence company that uses artificial intelligence to see and analyze the full content of a web page in a whole new way. It offers high-impact and dynamic ad solutions... MORE
In-Game Advertising Services
In-Game Advertising Services
StackAdapt Offers Engaging Game Advertising for its Clients
StackAdapt’s in-game advertising service offers marketers the ability to integrate their brand seamlessly into various gaming environments. This service targets a highly engaged and influential... MORE
In-Game Advertising Platforms
In-Game Advertising Platforms
Anzu Partners Integral Ad Science to Legitimize Gaming Ads
Anzu, a leading in-game advertising platform, has teamed up with verification standard company Integral Ad Science to legitimize gaming ads by standardizing measurement tools, further establishing... MORE
Social Community
New social media platforms are launching with an emphasis on personal connections
Trend - Companies are opening new social media services with the intention of fostering more intimate connections between users. In a rebellion against social medias built around endless feeds, these platforms connect users with similar interests and have convenient public and private group chat systems.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure its products or services are meeting the needs of its more niche consumer demographics?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Upcoming Anti-Loneliness Apps
Upcoming Anti-Loneliness Apps
Phori Is an AI-Enhanced Chat App to Help Introverts with Loneliness
Phori is a new chat app that aims to help introverts make genuine connections online. Unlike other dating or social media apps that focus on appearances and popularity, Phori uses artificial... MORE
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
Kyndr, an app designed to provide users with a safe haven for inspiration, personal growth, and community building. In a world where toxic and overcrowded social media platforms dominate, Kyndr... MORE
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
In an age where social media platforms are plagued by misinformation, censorship, and data exploitation, Take emerges as a pro-community social media platform for users seeking a better online... MORE
Connective Foodie Apps
Connective Foodie Apps
Letslicious is a Foodie Social Media App Connecting Likeminded People
Letslicious has hit the foodie social scene with its innovative platform connecting like-minded individuals. With a focus on fostering community and boosting visibility for food and drink-related... MORE