FuturistU > Innovation & Change > Infectious Messaging > Module 3 / 4

Well Packaged Stories

Instructor: Jeremy Gutsche
Recall that with a cultural connection, you are not speaking to your customers, you are speaking with them, and that’s empowering. The most powerful way to speak with your customers is to tie your message to a story or a lifestyle.

This module uncovers various tactics and examples illustrating how to do just that. How can you articulate or visualize your message in a way that truly resonates?
Workshop Questions:
1. How could your product or service better communicate cultural purpose?
2. What truly differentiates your brand from competitors? Do your customers know that as well as you do?
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Frugal Flex
Dupe culture enables luxury style access while spending smart
Trend - Retailers and brands are embracing dupe culture as consumers seek affordable alternatives to luxury across beauty and fashion; driving demand for products that mirror high-end aesthetics, formulations, and design—from makeup to apparel—at more accessible price points.
Workshop Question - How could your brand support consumers in balancing aspiration with value-driven, intentional spending?
8.2
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Megatrends
Affordable Luxury Body Washes
Affordable Luxury Body Washes
Harry's Redacted Body Wash Dupes a Favorite Fragrance House Scent
Redacted Body Wash is a limited-edition launch from Harry's that promises a woody, complex scent with notes of santal and violet leaf. Beyond having a scent that customers have called a dupe of a... MORE
Luxury-Inspired Dupe Fragrances
Luxury-Inspired Dupe Fragrances
ALT. Fragrances Makes Cost-Conscious Interpretations of Scents
ALT. Fragrances specializes in creating designer scents without designer price tags, offering consumers the equivalent of a fragrance that costs hundreds for just $25 to $35. Consumers want dupe... MORE
Luxury Handbag Dupes
Luxury Handbag Dupes
The 'Wirkin' Bag is Redefining Affordable Luxury and Dupe Culture
The 'Wirkin', a viral dupe of the iconic Hermès 'Birkin' bag, is making waves for its affordable price and practical design, sparking conversations about the evolving meaning of luxury. Priced at... MORE
Designer Dupe Fragrance Expansions
Designer Dupe Fragrance Expansions
Dossier is Arriving into CVS Pharmacy Locations in the US
The Dossier perfume brand is making its way to CVS Pharmacy locations in the US to help consumers access its various designer dupe fragrances in a decidedly easy way. The brand will debut eight... MORE
Human-Powered
Brands launch services that are 100% powered by people
Trend - From Write.ad’s 24-hour human-written ad copy to Literal Humans’ editorial-style storytelling and Del Real Foods’ “Abuela Intelligence” campaign, a wave of brands are leaning on people, not algorithms, to deliver creativity, wisdom, and authentic connection.
Workshop Question - How could your brand inject more human voice and lived perspective into the experiences you create?
5.1
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play_circle_filledPeople-Powered Intelligence Campaigns
People-Powered Intelligence Campaigns
Del Real Foods' Abuela Intelligence Honors Real, Warm Wisdom
As artificial intelligence technology pops up everywhere, Del Real Foods launched its first-ever brand campaign, Abuela Intelligence, to push back with a focus on people-powered wisdom. This... MORE
Human-Centric Marketing Agencies
Human-Centric Marketing Agencies
Literal Humans Prioritizes Authentic Storytelling Over AI Content
Literal Humans has positioned itself as a counterpoint to AI-driven marketing by emphasizing genuine human connection in its digital strategies. The agency combines journalist-level editorial work... MORE
Human Copywriting Services
Human Copywriting Services
Write.ad Delivers Human-Written Ad Copy in Just 24 Hours Flat
Write.ad is a human-powered copywriting service that delivers ad copy within 24 hours. Unlike AI-generated alternatives, this platform emphasizes originality and creativity crafted by professional... MORE
Human-Penned AI Newsletters
Human-Penned AI Newsletters
The 'Not A Bot' Newsletter Explores AI from a Human Perspective
The ‘Not A Bot’ newsletter is a free news source that focuses on all things artificial intelligence (AI), but keeps a focus on a human perspective. Penned by humans, the newsletter... MORE
AI Nuance
AI is evolving to interpret culture, context, and inclusivity with greater sensitivity
Trend - As AI matures, some brands are using it less for automation and more as a cultural lens. Tools like M+C Saatchi’s Cultural Power Index, Brandtech’s Bias Breaker, ARI, and Empwrd’s chatbot show how AI can decode cultural relevance, counter bias, and interpret nuance to help brands navigate complexity with cultural and ethical awareness.
Workshop Question - How might your brand make your presence feel relevant and human?
5.5
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Megatrends
Cultural Power Assessment Tools
Cultural Power Assessment Tools
M+C Saatchi Group's Cultural Power Index Uses AI for Brand Growth
M+C Saatchi Group created The Cultural Power Index as an AI-powered tool to help brands tap into cultural power to grow. This tool gathers data from social media, media, and more to assess how... MORE
Diversity-Focused AI Image Generators
Diversity-Focused AI Image Generators
Create Labs Ventures x TONL Enable Authentic Representation
An innovative new AI image generator is redefining what inclusion looks like in the digital age. Developed by Create Labs Ventures in partnership with TONL, a Black-owned stock photography... MORE
Cultural AI Platforms
Cultural AI Platforms
Empwrd Launches Purpose-Trained Chatbot for Inclusive Brand Communications
Empwrd has introduced an AI platform that addresses cultural sensitivity gaps in brand communications through purpose-built functionality. The tool features a specialized chatbot trained on... MORE
AI Cultural Prediction Tools
AI Cultural Prediction Tools
Digital Culture Group's ARI Platform Analyzes Emotional Signals
Digital Culture Group launched ARI (Audience Resonance Index), an AI platform that decodes subconscious motivators and predicts cultural resonance before campaigns launch. Unlike traditional... MORE
Localized Visual Creation
Localized Visual Creation
BharatDiffusion.ai Generates Culturally Relevant Visual Content
BharatDiffusion.ai is an AI-powered visual generation platform designed to address the content needs of India’s linguistically and culturally diverse audience. It allows brands, eCommerce... MORE
AI Intimacy
Retail brands are using AI to create deeper emotional connections with customers
Trend - Retail companies are deploying AI systems that go beyond transactional interactions to build genuine emotional relationships with customers. These technologies learn individual preferences, remember personal details, and anticipate needs in ways that make customers feel truly understood. AI is being used so every interaction feels like a continuation of an ongoing relationship.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use AI to remember and celebrate the small details that make each customer feel uniquely valued?
7.7
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Megatrends
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore have announced a new partnership that will see the performance footwear brand and the creative agency offering access to the Luna kiosk. The artificial... MORE
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
KITS Eyecare Ltd. Has Introduced OpticianAI™
KITS Eyecare presents an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to modernize the eyewear shopping experience — OpticianAI™. This system combines facial recognition, prescription... MORE
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
Lowe's Mylow Companion Enhances Service & Associate Onboarding
Lowe's Mylow Companion is a new AI tool for associate sales floor devices and it's poised to enhance the in-store customer experience and the associate onboarding process. The app quickly provides... MORE
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
The Ubacart Loyalty Program is Targeted Towards Convenience Stores
The Ubacart loyalty program has been created by the brand as a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered discount solution for shoppers to help them enjoy exclusive discounts and wards for their... MORE
Private Plant
Large retailers are investing in plant-based products for their private label brands
Trend - Grocery retailers are increasingly launching plant-based and vegan products under their private label brands. Marketed as more cost-effective, these products claim to offer the same flavors, tastes, and textures as branded products for a fraction of the price and with less ecological impact.
Workshop Question - How can your brand make a premium category more accessible to more kinds of consumers?
4
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Private Label Flexitarian Foods
Private Label Flexitarian Foods
The Waitrose PlantLiving Products Come in 12 Varieties
The Waitrose PlantLiving products are a series of private label food items for consumers to incorporate into their cooking regime as a way to prioritize a flexitarian lifestyle. The product range... MORE
Private Label Plant-Based Foods
Private Label Plant-Based Foods
The ALDI UK Veganuary Range Focuses on Variety and Convenience
The ALDI UK Veganuary range has been announced by the brand as a lineup of plant-based food products that will provide shoppers with a wide variety of options for those trying out a meat-free new... MORE
Private Label Vegan Foods
Private Label Vegan Foods
ALDI My Vay is Arriving in Germany with Many Options
The ALDI My Vay vegan private label brand is being launched by the brand in Germany to coincide with Veganuary and provide shoppers with a variety of plant-based options to try out this year. The... MORE
Accessible Plant Protein Ranges
Accessible Plant Protein Ranges
Lidl's Own-Label Vemondo Plant! Range Makes Alt Protein Affordable
Lidl launched a new Vemondo Plant! range under its vegan private-label brand Vemondo, which makes alternative protein products more accessible, and more affordable, to shoppers in the UK. “We’... MORE
Kitty Confection
Hello Kitty is increasingly used for marketing desserts and confectionery items
Trend - Sanrio's Hello Kitty is venturing into the snacking space through a number of innovative brand collaborations. From candies to ice cream, these treats combine the character's charm with delectable flavors, allowing fans to express their love for the cartoon cat in a delicious and adorable way.
Workshop Question - How can your brand tap into the inner child of its target audience?
5
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Popularity
Activity
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Megatrends
Collaboration Graham Crackers
Collaboration Graham Crackers
Goldfish Hello Kitty Strawberry Shortcake Flavored Grahams are Tasty
The Goldfish Hello Kitty Strawberry Shortcake Flavored Grahams are here as a limited-edition product perfect for avid fans to pick up as a way to satisfy cravings. The snack is inspired by Hello... MORE
Celebratory Cartoon Candy Bars
Celebratory Cartoon Candy Bars
This New Japanese KitKat Flavor Showcases Sanrio Characters
This new Japanese KitKat has been unveiled by Nestlé with a series of Sanrio characters front and center to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hello Kitty. The limited-edition product boasts... MORE
Iconic Cartoon Ice Creams
Iconic Cartoon Ice Creams
The Van Leeuwen Hello Kitty Ice Cream is a One-Day-Only Release
The Van Leeuwen Hello Kitty Ice Cream, developed from a crafted partnership, marks the debut of the ‘Hello Kitty Yummy Berry White Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream’ which will be available... MORE
Cartoon Kitty Cookie Confections
Cartoon Kitty Cookie Confections
The Hello Kitty Assorted Cookie Tin is Made in Japan
The Hello Kitty Assorted Cookie Tin is a new holiday product from Bourbon Foods USA to provide avid fans of the namesake cartoon cat franchise with a way to commemorate their holiday festivities.... MORE
Product Analytics
AI tools are being used to assist managers with analyzing product insights
Trend - SaaS companies are launching Artficial Intelligence (AI)-based tools that gather and analyze both customer feedback and product information to provide recommendations for product managers. These tools are designed to automate monotonous tasks and free up time for managerial action.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI tools to streamline data analysis and provide actionable insights for our managers?
6.2
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Megatrends
AI Product Insights Tools
AI Product Insights Tools
Zeda IO Offers a Product Discovery Platform and Planning Tool
The Zeda.IO AI tools for product management and product insights are designed to streamline the product discovery and development process by leveraging artificial intelligence to gather and analyze... MORE
Comprehensive Analytics Platforms
Comprehensive Analytics Platforms
Heap by ContentSquare is a Smart Platform for Customer Analytics
The Heap service from Contentsquare is an advanced analytics platform designed to provide comprehensive insights into user behavior across web and mobile applications. By combining Heap’s... MORE
AI-Driven Product Management Platforms
AI-Driven Product Management Platforms
Productboard Pulse Promises to Enhance Efficiency
Productboard has unveiled its latest innovation, Productboard Pulse, which is designed to enhance product management by integrating customer feedback at scale. This AI-driven platform offers product... MORE
AI Product Experience Solutions
AI Product Experience Solutions
Stibo Systems Helps Brands Keep Products Competitive with Data
The Product Experience Data Cloud from Stibo Systems is a comprehensive solution designed to optimize product data management and enhance customer experiences. By consolidating product information... MORE
AI-Driven Consumer Goods Platforrms
AI-Driven Consumer Goods Platforrms
Cpg Radar’s New AI-Driven Platform is Efficient
CPG Radar’s new AI-driven platform is designed to streamline and enhance research and development for companies in the consumer packaged goods sector. By leveraging an extensive dataset that... MORE
Green Loyalty
F&B brands encourage sustainable consumption with eco-friendly rewards systems
Trend - In response to global sustainability concerns, brands are designing new loyalty programs to encourage and reward shoppers for making environmentally friendly choices. These programs typically offer discounts on eco-friendly products, rewards points, or donations to environmental causes.
Workshop Question - How can your brand align its reward systems with environmental and social issues?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Eco-Conscious Coffee Programs
Eco-Conscious Coffee Programs
Costa Coffee's Club Loyalty Scheme Rewards Eco-Minded Customers
Costa Coffee’s loyalty program, the Costa Club Loyalty Scheme, is a new initiative designed to reward customers for making environmentally conscious choices. The program introduces a unique... MORE
Local Sustainability-Promoting Initiatives
Local Sustainability-Promoting Initiatives
CopenPay Encourages Environmentally Friendly Behaviors
CopenPay — which launched on July 15th and is running until August 11, 2024, is an initiative in Copenhagen designed to incentivize environmentally friendly behaviors among residents and visitors.... MORE
Steel Drinkware Recycling Programs
Steel Drinkware Recycling Programs
MiiR Launches Innovative Re:Claimed Takeback Program
MiiR, a premium lifestyle brand renowned for its design-forward and generosity-driven reusable drinkware, has introduced the Re:Claimed Takeback program, a revolutionary initiative aimed at... MORE
Eco-Conscious Juice Boxes
Eco-Conscious Juice Boxes
Simple Times Mixers Supports Curbside Recycling with its New Packaging
Simple Times Mixers, a leading provider of clean-label ultra-premium mixers, has introduced fully curbside recyclable packaging as part of its commitment to sustainability and zero waste. Simple... MORE
Cosmetic Recycling Initiatives
Cosmetic Recycling Initiatives
rom&nd's Green Chemi Project Works to Recycle Cosmetics Packaging
rom&nd has introduced the Green Chemi Project, a sustainability initiative focused on recovering and recycling used packaging for color cosmetics. The program was developed with TerraCycle to... MORE
Postcard Pop-Up
Brands are hosting personalized postcard-making events for consumers to gift
Trend - Postcard-making workshops are becoming a popular feature at pop-up events, offering guests a creative, hands-on way to connect with the brand. These interactive sessions allow participants to create a tangible, personalized product that delivers a message and introduces a new brand to the recipient.
Workshop Question - How can your brand effectively engage with its consumers while considering relevant individuals in their lives?
6.3
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Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
To commemorate the opening of the new Moët Hennessy boutique, an animation was presented in the JCDecaux media space across the store from 28 June to 8 July, designed to attract visitors. The... MORE
Customized Valentine's Cards
Customized Valentine's Cards
Angel's Envy is Sharing Personalized Cards for Valentine's Day
In preparation for Valentine’s Day, Angel’s Envy is giving whiskey lovers a unique way to personalize their gifts by offering a complimentary custom image of a customer and their loved... MORE
Creative Play Pop-Ups
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
At SXSW 2024, the Sharpie Studio shared interactive experiences to help attendees enjoy creative play using the newest products from Sharpie and Paper Mate. Before the event, the brands surveyed 2,... MORE
Immersive Digital Experiences
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Kraft works in collaboration with creative studio Nexus Studios to create the immersive Mayoverse experience. It is a digital space that honors the passion that fans have for the condiment. The... MORE
Sober Subscription
Brands launch curated subscription services with mocktails & non-alcoholic wine
Trend - Mocktail and sober beverage subscriptions are gaining popularity as more consumers seek alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. These subscription services offer curated selections of non-alcoholic beverages, from sophisticated mocktails to wellness-focused drinks, delivered directly to consumers' doors.
Workshop Question - How can your brand develop new offerings that cater to the growing trend of health-conscious consumers seeking sophisticated alternatives to traditional products?
4.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Monthly Mocktail Subscriptions
Monthly Mocktail Subscriptions
Raising the Bar Offers Sustainable Mocktail Kits On-Demand
‘Raising the Bar’ is a new monthly subscription box that offers curated non-alcoholic cocktail kits in sustainable packaging. Each month, customers receive a set of ingredients designed... MORE
Mocktail Subscription Boxes
Mocktail Subscription Boxes
Mocktail Club Offers a Subscription Service
Mocktail Club, a renowned and innovative provider of non-alcoholic cocktails, offers a truly unique subscription service passionately designed to deliver premium, flavorful beverages crafted... MORE
Non-Alcoholic Wine Clubs
Non-Alcoholic Wine Clubs
Proxies Offers a Range of Alcohol-Free Wine Packages for Subscription
PROXIES, a premium non-alcoholic wine club, caters to the sober curious, non-drinkers, and wine enthusiasts. Unlike traditional de-alcoholized wines, which often compromise flavor, PROXIES offers a... MORE
Alcohol-Free Subscription Services
Alcohol-Free Subscription Services
Raising the Bar is a Monthly Subscription Beverage Company
Raising the Bar is a company that offers consumers alcohol-alternative beverages on a monthly basis. The zero-proof brand curates a selection of alcohol-free cocktails to create a monthly... MORE
Alcohol-Free Subscription Partnership
Alcohol-Free Subscription Partnership
Kit NA Brewing Partners with HelloFresh for Deliveries
Kit NA Brewing, a leader in the non-alcoholic beer market, is excited to partner with HelloFresh, America’s #1 Meal Kit service, to create the ultimate home dining experience. From May 18th to May... MORE