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FuturistU > Consumers > Consumer Behavior > Module 2 / 5

Consumer Mindset

Instructor: Shelby Walsh
Experiential Dining
Download the Experiential Dining Trend Report
This module will look at how brands are building consumer trust by publicly taking bold stances on polarizing issues and creating an avid community around their brand by doing so. There has been a growing trend of distrust as of late (towards governments, brands, individuals, etc.) and to combat some of the skepticism that has become prevalent, some brands are establishing authenticity by bringing social, political and environmental causes to the forefront of their marketing, manufacturing and product development strategies.


Aside from this, consumers are also shifting their mindsets, demanding more from all industries to aid them in bettering themselves. We'll dive into a few case studies from brands that have expertly crafted experiences to help drive engagement and satisfaction, from Airbnb to West Elm and Eataly.
Related Trend Report: Experiential Dining
Workshop Questions:
1. In what ways could your brand set consumers on the path to self-betterment?
2. How could you invoke a deeper emotional connection through storytelling?
View Innovation Webinars

Featured Insights

Adolescent Activism
Activism among youth is more prevalent and impactful than ever before
Trend - The intersection of youth engagement, their social media savvy, and various social issues in North America has resulted in Gen Z being more empowered than youth who have advocated for change in preceding generations. The diversity and magnified platform of this generation have resulted in a slow re-characterization of youth activism as progression, rather than it being met with immediate associations of rebellion and defiance.
Workshop Question - How can your brand empower individuals and groups seeking to make positive change?
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Branded Commentary
Brands make bold comments on social issues to take a public stance
Implications - No longer choosing to be a bystander, brands are making moves toward bolder, in-your-face marketing tactics that push on topics that are often sensitive or political in nature. Seeking to connect with consumers, brands are taking part in conversations around things like gender stereotypes and the state of the political environment to clearly showcase their stance on social issues. These examples speak to the rise of more straightforward marketing tactics, as well as the fact that brands are willing to take more risks when it comes to creating authentic connections with their consumers.
Workshop Question - What social and political issues most affect your core consumers? How can you speak to those issues more prominently in your products or marketing efforts?
2.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Culinary Agritourism
Agricultural brands enlighten consumers to drive satisfaction and engagement
Implications - Similar to retailers offering educational, in-store classes, farms, orchards and the like, draw in local and traveling consumers with experiential learning events. Combining culinary, tourism and experience, brands are able to promote an understanding of the agriculture industry while simultaneously engaging consumers who ultimately purchase the end product. This participation-driven marketing tactic shines a light on the how consumers are increasingly enthusiastic about their role in the flourishing of locally grown and sourced sustenance, as their understanding of climate change and over-consumption grows.
Workshop Question - How can your brand increase your consumers' knowledge of your industry?
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Dystopian Resurgence
Dystopian representations in literature and pop culture are back on the rise
Implications - Classic dystopian imagery and literature is being revisited, and dystopian societies as concepts are being reimagined, as a result of the political and technological forces that are shaping the world today. The resurgence of such concepts in pop culture and academia alike function as a conflicted form of escapism, in which consumers' political fears can be simultaneously strengthened and assuaged when confronted with radical dystopian representations.
Workshop Question - What kind of escapist experiences could your brand involve itself with for the sake of customer engagement and relief?
3.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Gamified Storefront
Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
8.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sustainable Pop-Up
Brands host in-person marketing activations with a focus on sustainability
Trend - Brands are hosting in-person activations to showcase new products, campaigns, and other branded materials through a sustainable lens. These events highlight the brand's environmental impact and promote social responsibility, educating consumers on their environmental footprint with the goal of raising awareness.
Workshop Question - How can your brand communicate its mission through marketing activations?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Everyday Web3
Web3 is integrated into everyday routines
Trend - Though the introduction to Web3 has had a shaky start, it's adoption in everyday routines and business practices is showcasing the real impact of the decentralized web. Customer service, online shopping, and even health care are enhanced by Web3 services when they're seamlessly integrated.
Workshop Question - How could your brand make new tech more digestible for its customers?
8.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Recruitment Metaverse Shops
Recruitment Metaverse Shops
IKEA on Roblox Merges Virtual Gaming and Real-World Job Opportunities
IKEA on Roblox introduced the Careers Done Different collaboration to reach a new generation interested in virtual gaming and real-world employment opportunities. This virtual IKEA store is styled... MORE
Metaverse Pharmacies
Metaverse Pharmacies
MAG and the Pharmacy Group are Developing a Virtual Pharmacy in Decentraland
iMining Technologies, a leading publicly-traded Web3 tech company, has announced that its subsidiary Metaverse Advisory Group (MAG) has entered a partnership with Noman Qureshi, owner of the... MORE
play_circle_filledDigital Footwear Experiences
Digital Footwear Experiences
Reebok Impact is a Next-Gen Shoe Experience with AI and Wearables
Futureverse, a leader in artificial intelligence and metaverse technologies, is teaming up with Reebok to launch Reebok Impact in 2024. This digital shoe experience is aimed at allowing mass... MORE
Customer Loyalty Partnerships
Customer Loyalty Partnerships
tokenproof and adidas Announce a Strategic Long-Term Partnership
tokenproof and adidas are “ushering a new era of loyalty and rewards for all consumer brands with a strategic three-year partnership. The collaboration began with the integration of tokenproof&#... MORE
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
Roblox has announced a strategic partnership with Shopify to enable the sale of physical goods directly within its platform. This integration allows developers, creators, and brands to sell real-... MORE
Eco Event
Tech-based solutions are making event planning more sustainable
Trend - As environmental protection becomes more important to consumers, tech-based solutions are being used to bring sustainability to the events industry. Hybrid virtual events and app-based audience reward systems show both the micro and macro ways brands in this space are reducing their impact.
Workshop Question - How is your brand keeping up with the values and lifestyles of its customers--whether those are environmental, social, or economic?
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Evolved Education
Post-secondary institutions offer courses specific to Gen Z's hobbies and habits
Trend - Schools are targeting the skills and industries that Gen Z is making influential. In order to maintain their relevance in a rapidly evolving learning environment, honing in on students' personal hobbies and the skills they're self-taught in keeps these institutions evolving with their target market.
Workshop Question - How is your brand evolving with the cultural changes that Gen Z's influence has caused?
2.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sports Metaverse
Sports brands are launching web3 experiences for community engagement
Trend - Sports brands are entering the metaverse with web3 experiences such as virtual reality (VR) worlds, collectible NFTs, and online events. These services deepen community involvement in sports, providing a convenient and accessible way for fans to connect with athletes and each other.
Workshop Question - How could your industry make its customers feel more involved?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sports Metaverse Partnerships
Sports Metaverse Partnerships
WAGMI United is Expanding Web3 Ventures with adidas
WAGMI United, a new brand dedicated to bringing Web3’s most innovative ideas and passionate communities to the world of sports, has announced a partnership with adidas. The two brands will... MORE
Olympic Metaverse Partnerhips
Olympic Metaverse Partnerhips
Roblox Announced a Partnership with Team USA and the Paralympics
Roblox has announced a partnership with Team USA and the Paralympic Games to create an immersive experience for users. This collaboration introduces “The Team USA Ultimate Obby,” a virtual... MORE
Football Metaverse Hubs
Football Metaverse Hubs
The FCFL is Entering the Metaverse with Four NFT-Tied Fan-Controlled Teams
The Fan-Controlled Football League (FCFL) announced it is making its FCFL metaverse debut with four new NFT-tied teams. Two of these new teams will be controlled by the Bored Ape Yacht Club and the... MORE
Athlete-Led Web3 Sports Platforms
Athlete-Led Web3 Sports Platforms
LootMogul is a Sports Metaverse Powered by Virtual Assets
LootMogul is a new sports metaverse platform that is aimed at offering a unique experience for sports fans and influencers. Virtual real estate, training academies, blockchain games, and meta shops... MORE
play_circle_filledSports-Inspired Pop-Up Shop Metaverses
Sports-Inspired Pop-Up Shop Metaverses
Meetkai Announces Its Partnership with THINK450 at CES 2024
MeetKai stuns consumers at CES with its pop-up shop metaverse, inspired by its official partnership with THINK450, the innovation engine of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The... MORE
Esports Education
Institutions are appealing to students through sports and gaming programs
Trend - Esports continues to dominate the entertainment industry, and with the new opportunities in games, companies are racing to equip today’s students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue a career in gaming. These initiatives include student esports leagues, esports management programs, and more.
Workshop Question - How can your brand connect with the habits of the Gen Z demographic?
2.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
HBCU Esports Tournaments
HBCU Esports Tournaments
Brag House, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s Host a Tournament for HBCU Students
Brag House has launched a new Fortnite tournament called the ‘Black & Positively Golden Gamers’ in cooperation with Coca-Cola and McDonald’s USA. The tournament will spotlight 400 student... MORE
Esports Management Programs
Esports Management Programs
University of Sunderland Launches an Esports Event Management Degree
In September 2023, students will be able to enroll in a new esports-related degree program that the University of Sunderland has launched. Students who get a degree in esports event management will... MORE
Student-Focused Esports Leagues
Student-Focused Esports Leagues
NACE Starleague Partners with LeagueSpot for its Upcoming Season
NACE Starleague has partnered with gaming education platform LeagueSpot to develop the league’s online presence, organize student tournaments, communicate, and build a community for students... MORE
Danish Student Esports Leagues
Danish Student Esports Leagues
Astralis Partners with HK Privat for the 'Studie_CS' Esports League
Danish esports organization Astralis has announced it will be creating ‘Studie_CS’ an esports league for high school and post-secondary students. Designed in collaboration with Danish trade... MORE
Educational Esports Panels
Educational Esports Panels
Copenhagen Flames Partners with Energive to Tackle Taboos About Gaming
Copenhagen Flames, a Danish esports organization, has partnered with Energive in order to tackle common misconceptions about the gaming industry and young children. By allowing prominent individuals... MORE