Trendwatching.com provides some ideas and insight into the world around us. These trends can be translated into viable ideas that will resonate with consumers. Following up on part one, presented are seven more powerful trends.
ECO-BOUNTY
This refers to numerous opportunities that exist in this still hot arena (despite the economy). For example, how many businesses use boxes – almost all in some way so Lifeboxcompany.com offers environmental option. A cardboard box infused with seeds so it can be planted after use.
TRYVERTISING
This is the notion of sampling on steroids– getting products into consumers’ hands and letting them try them out in a relevant setting, at a relevant moment. Club Amostra Gratis in Brazil takes memberships online which provides access to its retail stores. Here consumers can see new products (before they are in stores) and take home up to 5 per month. Members fill out online surveys about the products they choose.
STATUS STORIES
“Owning” something that no one else has always been hot but now it comes in the form of “bragging rights”. Consumers tell stories about their experiences or purchases in order to get a status boost. Examples of this include a Belgium restaurant that offers “dinner in the sky” (hanging up in the air). See Flattenme.com which has developed a line of storybooks that can be personalized with a child's photo, making them part of the story.
SELLSUMERS
This is not about individuals starting a business as a primarysource of income but rather one that is a secondary or even tertiary source of income. Israel’s fiverr.com allows anyone sell a service of any type for USD 5 (obvious exceptions apply). For each task sold, the seller receives $4; Fiverr keeps $1. Both buyers and sellers remain anonymous, while a feedback system enables participant ratings.
INTENT
We all intend to do or buy something. Before we do so, we can reveal our purchase intentions in exchange for bids and offers from eager suitors. Dev.OfferMeATrip.com (in development) aims to provide a service in which consumers dictate what they want from a trip and agents bid for their business.
ON = OFF
More online and digital manifestations seep into the offline world. Kwedit.com offers the ability to get virtual goods now in exchange for an offer to pay later at participating offline retail stores.
SERVING GRAPHICS
This refers to targeting well-established demographics, ethnograpics and other 'graphics' (and their desires) in novel way. Online publication www.equallywed.com provides gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples inspiration, ideas and trends for planning their engagements, weddings and honeymoons.
>> Click here to read Trends Lead to Innovation Part One
