PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures. First published Monday, December 2
This week’s roundup of insights uncovers a range of innovations reshaping industries—from Hyundai's wearable robots enhancing workplace efficiency to Streamguy's blockchain-based reality TV revolution. Explore how technology, design, and sustainability converge in key areas such as participatory design, mindful smartphone usage, and retro-futuristic synthesizers. Discover how these concepts inspire fresh approaches to creativity, community, and commerce.
And before we start, to remind you….
Piers Fawkes and the PSFK team can help your organization find real and original opportunity in this ocean of ideas. DM him via piers@psfk.com
This Week’s Key Ideas
Hyundai's Wearable Robot Enhances Workplace Efficiency
Hyundai's 'X-ble Shoulder' wearable robot reduces worker strain and boosts efficiency, decreasing muscle activity by 30% and limiting injuries. Learn More
Robotic Garments Anyone Can Build
Anouk Wipprecht's open-source platform allows makers to design robotic garments with modular sensors and actuators, blending fashion with technology. Learn More
Wearable Tech in Performance Art
The Atlas Copco E-Air H185 powered dancers in Prague, integrating articulated exoskeletons into an immersive art performance. Learn More
Mindful Smartphone Usage
The Intenty app encourages users to state their purpose before unlocking their phones, promoting intentional and focused phone usage. Learn More
Participatory Design Advocate
Upasana Paul's concept empowers communities through democratic design, emphasizing human-centric solutions that resonate and connect. Learn More
Retro-Futuristic Synthesizer by Kevin Parker
Tame Impala's Kevin Parker co-created 'The Orchid,' a synthesizer blending moon sounds, vintage effects, and a portable design. Learn More
Transparent's Brutalist Speaker
Inspired by Brutalist architecture, this speaker combines high-performance audio with industrial design, offering a bold home centerpiece. Learn More
Preserving Australia's Milk Bars in Kid’s Clay
Diego Faivre's interactive Play-Doh replica honors disappearing Australian milk bars, blending nostalgia and sensory engagement. Learn More
Streamguy's Reality TV Revolution
Streamguy experiments with blockchain-based reality TV and audience engagement, paving the way for new creator monetization models. Learn More
Last Week’s Video / Next Week’s Webinar
Next Webinar: RSVP
More Links of Inspiration
JPMorgan Chase and Capital One Leverage AI for Banking Innovation
JPMorgan Chase and Capital One are revolutionizing banking with AI, as detailed in Evident's AI Index report. Learn MoreExploring the Cultural Impact of Ayahuasca
The New Yorker examines the ethical implications and cultural significance of the growing ayahuasca trend in the West. Learn MoreCafe Gitane: 30 Years of Nolita Charm
Cafe Gitane reflects on three decades of serving Moroccan-inspired cuisine and fostering community in NYC. Learn MoreRIMOWA's Sustainability Push
RIMOWA introduces second-hand and refurbished luggage, promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Learn MoreNike x Fortnite Collaboration
Nike brings its iconic Jordan styles to Fortnite, allowing players to personalize their avatars with stylish virtual kicks. Learn MoreNano-Creators Revolutionize Beauty Marketing
Beauty brands are tapping nano-creators for genuine interactions and higher engagement rates over traditional influencers. Learn MoreIKEA's Electric Fleet Conversion in NYC
IKEA transitions to electric delivery vehicles, taking a bold step toward sustainability in the consumer goods sector. Learn MoreSonos Enhances User Experience with Subscriptions
Sonos adopts a subscription model and redesigns its app to improve user experience and customer retention. Learn MoreUber Drivers Struggle Amid Declining Conditions
Reports reveal Uber drivers are earning less than $100 for 12-hour days, sparking concerns over pay and support. Learn MoreTrump's Unique Merchandise Line
From $11,000 guitars to cologne, Trump offers fans a humorous and distinct way to show their support. Learn MoreInclusive Office Celebrations Gain Momentum
Employers are replacing traditional holiday parties with wellness-oriented and inclusive celebrations. Learn MoreBlack Friday Evolves as Online Shopping Dominates
Black Friday's importance wanes as retailers focus on extended discounts and online convenience. Learn MorePepsi x Bad Gyal: Collaboration Event
Pepsi and artist Bad Gyal celebrated their partnership with a launch event in Barcelona, featuring the Pepsi Ring made of gold and diamonds. Learn MoreNike x Isamaya Ffrench: Air Max DN Collaboration
Nike collaborates with makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench to merge beauty and athletic wear with the unique Air Max DN shoe. Learn MoreTikTok Limits Cosmetic Beauty Filters for Teens
TikTok restricts filters that mimic cosmetic enhancements for users under 18 to protect teenage mental health. Learn MoreTesla Faces Backlash Over Musk's Political Stance
Tesla owners voice concerns about Elon Musk’s political endorsements, questioning brand alignment with consumer values. Learn MoreJD Sports x Adidas: Exclusive Branded Spaces
JD Sports and Adidas debut sleek, confidence-driven branded spaces in the UK, offering a unique shopping experience. Learn MoreMeta Invests $10 Billion in Subsea Internet Cable
Meta’s global subsea cable will enhance connectivity across continents, strengthening its infrastructure and service reliability. Learn MoreJaguar Revives Legacy with GT Launch in Miami
Jaguar highlights its heritage with the new GT concept car, blending nostalgia and innovation in automotive design. Learn MoreConsumers Demand Data Transparency in Auto Repairs
A Digidentity survey reveals increasing demand for transparency and data security in automotive service decisions. Learn MoreAudi Redesigns Branding for Chinese EV Market
Audi adapts its branding with an all-caps wordmark to align with cultural nuances in the competitive Chinese EV market. Learn MoreLacoste x Maison Château Rouge Collaboration
Lacoste celebrates cultural diversity with an eight-piece collection inspired by the African diaspora, blending style and heritage. Learn MoreAmazon Builds AI Model to Replace External Partners
Amazon develops an in-house AI video processing model, reducing reliance on external AI providers like Anthropic. Learn MoreWalmart Reassesses DEI Programs Amid Corporate Trend
Walmart scales back its diversity programs, raising questions about the future of corporate investments in equity initiatives. Learn MoreFashion Co Reinvents Customer Support with AI
Meesho uses AI chatbots to streamline customer support, reducing costs and enhancing service efficiency in e-commerce. Learn MoreVolkswagen Rolls Out New SUV, Shifts Towards EVs
Volkswagen begins production of the Tayron SUV as it transitions towards 70% global EV sales by 2030. Learn MorePrivacy Concerns Grow Over Auto Data Retention
Automakers face criticism for retaining personal vehicle data after resale, raising concerns about privacy and consumer safety. Learn MoreHuawei's Maextro S800 Challenges Luxury Car Brands
Huawei debuts the Maextro S800, a luxury saloon to compete with Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce, focusing on technology and sustainability. Learn MoreBMW Supports Arts with Kochi-Muziris Biennale
BMW partners with Kochi-Muziris Biennale to showcase its commitment to arts, culture, and sustainability in India. Learn MoreTikTok Implements Teen Filter Restrictions
TikTok reduces access to beauty filters for under-18 users, addressing concerns about mental health and self-esteem. Learn MoreRetail Media Shoppers Eye Amazon’s Shoppable Prime Ads
Retail ad buyers are closely monitoring Amazon's shoppable Prime ads during the holiday season for new marketing insights. Learn More
A Sample Of Our Retail Innovation Week Newsletter
MagicMiles: AI Travel Planning Revolution
MagicMiles plans to disrupt travel planning with AI-powered itineraries, real-time updates, and offline access, offering personalized and tech-driven experiences for modern travelers. Learn More
Wyld Sauna in Liverpool
Liverpool’s Wyld Sauna offers a floating Finnish-style wellness retreat, blending extreme heat with scenic waterfront views for a refreshing experience. Learn More
Circulation Workshop in Shibuya
This semi-basement store promotes sustainability with product repair, resale, and customization, creating a hub for eco-conscious shoppers. Learn More
Greggs x Top Trumps Collaboration
UK bakery chain Greggs partners with Top Trumps for a limited-edition card game celebrating its menu items, merging nostalgia and creative brand engagement. Learn More
(Subscribe to Retail Innovation Week here)
PSFK’s Broadmind Analysis
Rémy Cointreau: H1 2025 sales dropped 16% to €534M. The company focused on innovative products, strategic marketing, and expansion efforts to enhance brand presence and drive future growth. Learn More
Guess?: Q3 2025 revenue grew 13% to $739M, driven by strong brand expansions and marketing investments, despite challenges from currency impacts and rising freight costs. Learn More
DICK's Sporting Goods: Q3 2024 comp sales grew 4.2%, with an expanding gross margin. The company emphasized store expansion, digital enhancements, and community engagement for sustained growth. Learn More
Best Buy: Q3 2024 revenue totaled $9.4B, supported by improved gross profit margins, store expansion, strong online sales, and enhanced customer engagement. Learn More
The J. M. Smucker Company: Flat sales were forecasted for Q3 and FY '25, while the company highlighted strong product innovation, operational enhancements, and strategic marketing initiatives for sustained growth. Learn More
Abercrombie & Fitch: Achieved record Q3 net sales of $1.2B, up 14%. Growth in digital and retail sales drove the brand's focus on expansion, innovative products, and enhanced customer engagement. Learn More
Kohl's: Q3 2024 reported a 9% decline in store sales. Leadership changes, new store openings, and growth in digital sales aimed to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. Learn More
HP Inc.: Q4 2024 revenue increased 2%, driven by AI innovations, strong product launches, and strategic growth in Personal Systems, while focusing on sustainability and customer engagement. Learn More
Nordstrom: Q3 2024 net sales reached $3.3B, with 4% comparable sales growth. Enhancements in customer experience, digital sales, and operational efficiency drove strategic momentum. Learn More
Urban Outfitters: Q3 sales grew 6% to $1.4B, with net income up 24% to $103M. The company reported robust subscriber growth and planned strategic retail optimizations. Learn More
Dell: Q3 2024 revenue grew 10% to $24.4B, driven by strong order demand, a $4.5B AI server backlog, and innovations strengthening leadership in AI infrastructure. Learn More
Interviews & Speeches We’re Tracking
Etsy CEO Discusses AI Integration and Loyalty Program at Needham Conference
At the 4th Annual Needham Consumer Tech/Ecommerce Virtual Conference, Etsy CEO Josh Silverman detailed the company's plans to enhance the marketplace through artificial intelligence and the introduction of a new loyalty program. These initiatives aim to improve the shopping experience and foster customer loyalty. Learn More
