PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures selected by Piers Fawkes & the PSFK research team.
PSFK Analysis of Emerging Paradigms
January 2023
Looking across all the data we’ve shared over the last 180 days, certain larger themes run through our newsletters and PSFK IQ content.
Green Tech Synergy: Navigating Sustainability with Digital Innovation"
A fusion of environmental consciousness with digital advancements, shaping a new era of eco-friendly and technologically empowered business models. This leads to a significant shift in both consumer expectations and corporate strategies towards more sustainable, efficient, and tech-integrated solutions.
"The Age of Hyper-Personalization and Immersive Experiences”
The tailoring consumer experiences using data analytics and creating immersive, engaging environments through technology. This approach is transforming customer engagement, elevating expectations for personalized interaction and innovative presentation.
"Social Renaissance: Championing Inclusivity and Ethical Practices"
A growing focus on diversity, equity, and ethical responsibility across various sectors. This results in more inclusive, community-oriented business practices and products, appealing to a socially-aware consumer base and enriching societal dynamics.
"Wellness Evolution: Prioritizing Holistic Health in Consumer Markets"
An emphasis on integrating wellness and health into various products and services. This drives market shifts towards offerings that support holistic well-being, influencing lifestyle choices and consumer preferences.
"Cultural Mosaic: Artistic and Heritage Infusion in Industry"
The incorporation of cultural, artistic, and heritage elements into diverse industries, enhancing local and global identities. Ultimately, this enriches the consumer experience with cultural depth, fostering a global appreciation of diversity and creativity in products and services.
Ideas & Case Studies We’re Tracking
For this section of the PSFK Weekly email, we explore various innovative ideas and projects that challenge traditional norms and push the boundaries of creativity. From Elo Health's personalized nutrition gummies to fashion items that confuse facial recognition technology, these articles delve into unique approaches to improving health outcomes and protecting privacy. Additionally, we highlight designs that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, repurposing old materials into new products, and nostalgic fashion collections that appeal to Gen Z.
Nostalgic design: Manual NYC's MNL MK-I camera celebrates the beauty of film in a world driven by digital technology. The camera, a collaboration with Korean design studio (acasso), combines classic and modern design with an anodized aluminum body, silicone grip, and intricate details. Learn more
Borrowing from a past unlived: We Are Rewind's retro portable cassette player offers a nostalgic yet functional way to listen to music, combining old-school modernist design with modern features such as a rechargeable battery, built-in Bluetooth, and playback and fast forward/rewind buttons. Learn more
Interface with happiness: Love Hulten's Tegel sound sculpture is a creative combination of nature and technology that offers a unique audio experience. The sculpture features a VU-meter, MIDI keyboard, and generates organic MIDI signals through subtle changes in electrical currents. It challenges traditional perceptions of music and design by incorporating nature and technology. Learn more
Letting go by keeping memories: Samsung's Re:Create Design Challenge offered designers the chance to repurpose old devices or materials into new products or services. Eunsu Lee proposed a recycling campaign called Memory Capsule, in which discarded smartphones would be repurposed into USB devices that store memories such as images, videos and other data from old phones. Learn more
Play to pay: Panhead Custom Ales' vending machine offers “free” beer to people who can play guitar well, and.. powered by AI (of course) it provides a unique and engaging experience for partygoers. Learn more
Facepay: Burger King's new experiential campaign in Brazil uses facial recognition technology to give out coupons based on the severity of a person's hangover, sparking a debate on whether this campaign is fun and engaging or invasive and unethical. Learn more
Faceoff: An article in Quartz showcases fashion items that confuse facial recognition technology, protecting individuals' privacy. These items introduce new patterns that distract or confuse image recognition software, making it difficult to identify individuals. Learn more
Bespokediet: Elo Health's Smart Gummies provide personalized nutrition, combining seven supplements and plant-based ingredients into one gummy. Customers can receive coaching through the app and can choose from eight flavors. This innovative approach to nutrition promotes a healthier lifestyle, reducing the need for multiple supplements and improving health outcomes. Learn more
Contemplating the things that surrounds us: Panorammma, a design studio in Mexico City, blends different references and materials to create playful and subversive furniture with a darker undertone, offering a unique and surprising twist on design. Learn more
Design partnerships: Massproductions and Eyes of My Mind have created an industrial incense burner and custom scented incense, creating the perfect pairing. The Smudge Tool, made of folded steel sheet metal and a wingnut, has a raw yet polished design. The scent of Modern Spirit incense, described as "the scent of modernism," is a bridge between an abstract idea and olfactory delight. Learn more
Waste opportunities: Razeen Mohammed's EDGAR Stool is a creative solution for reducing waste from electronic packaging. Made from waste materials from adhesives and electronic packaging, the stool is eco-friendly and reduces carbon footprint. Learn more
What is home: Terzetto, a home in north London, blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living by creating a seamless flow between the interior and the lush garden. The home features a central courtyard that connects all areas, allowing residents to enjoy a closer connection to nature and a unique living experience. Learn more
When luxury is just too much: Dacia's 'Duster SUV' is a creative and functional solution for consumers who value practicality and affordability over luxury and unnecessary frills. This approach appeals to a growing demographic of consumers looking for products that meet their needs without any unnecessary frills. Learn more
Auto-cues: TOZZ, a Dutch company, has launched a 90s-inspired electric motorbike that brings back the retro vibe to the streets. The bike has a built-in high-power Bluetooth speaker and pop-up headlights, making it a party machine. It is also sustainable and eco-friendly. Learn more
Re-Turn of the century: Louis Vuitton is launching a nostalgia-inspired collection of Y2K fashion staples, including the Monogram Vernis and Monogram Denim designs, to appeal to Gen Z customers. The collection includes both new and iconic designs, such as the Noé and Speedy bags in Monogram Denim, and prices range from 295 euros to 3,500 euros. Learn more
Simplification of complexity: Tomohiro Okazaki's stop-motion video highlights the beauty and artistry of matchstick creations, showcasing their potential as an everyday object and highlighting the power of creativity. Learn more
Quick Stat
In the US Net Promoter Rankings 2023 report, NPS has dropped for eight industries, risen for one (luxury auto manufacturers), and remained level for four. Four industries have lost gains they achieved in 2022, and most top-ranked brands maintained their rankings despite some drops in NPS. Learn More
Quotes Of Note
"The once humble practice of up-cycling has exploded into a substantial and colossal business. The realm of resale now encompasses everything from hypebeast GOAT sneaker drops to rare, six-figure luxury handbags. The world of resale is bustling with activity and jam-packed with a slew of new jargon, platforms, and rules."
Richard Agerbeek, Founder, Sweden
vs.
“Revenue for second hand is by definition limited, because essentially companies earn a commission on lower-value products, rather than selling the full-ticket price. Second-hand divisions can be marginally helpful for retailers, but I don’t think they are going to become a substantial part of their business over the next few years.”
Anne Critchlow, Analyst, Societe Generale
Video
“Last” week’s talk on how Piers rebuilt pretty much every part of PSFK last year with AI and automation and a little sticky tape.
PSFK helps companies and their agencies identify new opportunities and develop better ideas based on future trends: www.psfk.com