Hello! Today's innovation: Crying as self-care? NYC's Sob Parlour creates dedicated spaces to weep and bawl
INNOVATION
In a novel approach to mental wellbeing, Sob Parlour hosts dedicated spaces in New York City where people can come to intentionally cry. Currently organized as pop-ups, the 'SobSuites' are comfortable, private oases nestled within existing wellness and cultural hubs, providing a serene environment optimized for emotional release.
Upon booking, clients are matched with personalized music and interactive writing prompts to help access their tears. The multi-sensory experiences aim to unlock the holistic health benefits of a good cry, from stress relief to boosting oxytocin and endorphins.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02snVkr0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
In a novel approach to mental wellbeing, Sob Parlour hosts dedicated spaces in New York City where people can come to intentionally cry. Currently organized as pop-ups, the 'SobSuites' are comfortable, private oases nestled within existing wellness and cultural hubs, providing a serene environment optimized for emotional release.
Upon booking, clients are matched with personalized music and interactive writing prompts to help access their tears. The multi-sensory experiences aim to unlock the holistic health benefits of a good cry, from stress relief to boosting oxytocin and endorphins.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02snVkr0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Fairphone introduces Fairbuds, calling them the world's most repairable earbuds
INNOVATION
Fairphone, the pioneering sustainable electronics brand, has once again raised the bar for prioritizing longevity and repairability with the launch of its new Fairbuds. Billed as 'the world's most repairable earbuds,' they're the next step in Fairphone's mission to disrupt the destructive culture of disposable gadgets.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02syKKg0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Fairphone, the pioneering sustainable electronics brand, has once again raised the bar for prioritizing longevity and repairability with the launch of its new Fairbuds. Billed as 'the world's most repairable earbuds,' they're the next step in Fairphone's mission to disrupt the destructive culture of disposable gadgets.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02syKKg0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Normandy's attractions now offer reduced fees to tourists arriving by bike, train or bus
INNOVATION
In a move designed to incentivize more eco-friendly travel, Normandie Tourisme is introducing le tarif bas-carbone, offering discounted admission to over 70 cultural attractions and tourism sites across the region. Kicking off in spring 2024, the initiative rewards visitors with at least 10% off regular ticket prices if they reduce their carbon footprint by traveling via train, bus or bicycle.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02sGf_B0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
In a move designed to incentivize more eco-friendly travel, Normandie Tourisme is introducing le tarif bas-carbone, offering discounted admission to over 70 cultural attractions and tourism sites across the region. Kicking off in spring 2024, the initiative rewards visitors with at least 10% off regular ticket prices if they reduce their carbon footprint by traveling via train, bus or bicycle.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02sGf_B0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Bakery chain uses AI to help Bangladeshis estimate their actual date of birth
INNOVATION
Bangladeshi bakery chain Tasty Treat has created Best Birthday Gift, an AI service that helps citizens figure out when they were born. Around 20 million Bangladeshis use January 1st as a default date of birth. Home births are common and birth certificates didn't become mandatory until the late 1990s, so actual dates often weren't registered.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02sPK080
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Bangladeshi bakery chain Tasty Treat has created Best Birthday Gift, an AI service that helps citizens figure out when they were born. Around 20 million Bangladeshis use January 1st as a default date of birth. Home births are common and birth certificates didn't become mandatory until the late 1990s, so actual dates often weren't registered.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02sPK080
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Resizing ancestral heritage for compact homes, Yuidan makes miniatures of household altars
INNOVATION
In Japan, traditional Buddhist household altars called butsudan are often passed down through generations, serving as tangible connections to ancestors. However, as people downsize to smaller homes and apartments, these shrines are increasingly difficult to accommodate. Shizuoka City-based Yuidan solves that problem by transforming full-sized butsudan into palm-sized versions. The service allows people to retain their altar's personal history and profound meaning in a compact form tailored to modern living spaces.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02t0xCT0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
In Japan, traditional Buddhist household altars called butsudan are often passed down through generations, serving as tangible connections to ancestors. However, as people downsize to smaller homes and apartments, these shrines are increasingly difficult to accommodate. Shizuoka City-based Yuidan solves that problem by transforming full-sized butsudan into palm-sized versions. The service allows people to retain their altar's personal history and profound meaning in a compact form tailored to modern living spaces.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02t0xCT0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Slipped onto a pen, a tiny gadget uses speech-to-text to help people learn to write
INNOVATION
Using simple technology to tackle a complex issue, Media.Monks and the World Literacy Foundation have unveiled the Literacy Pen, a thumb-sized device that provides a new pathway into reading and writing. The gadget slips onto any regular-sized pen or pencil and features a small digital screen. After speaking a word into a built-in microphone, users will see it appear in caps, allowing them to copy it onto paper letter by letter.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubz.li/Q02t7YW-0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Using simple technology to tackle a complex issue, Media.Monks and the World Literacy Foundation have unveiled the Literacy Pen, a thumb-sized device that provides a new pathway into reading and writing. The gadget slips onto any regular-sized pen or pencil and features a small digital screen. After speaking a word into a built-in microphone, users will see it appear in caps, allowing them to copy it onto paper letter by letter.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubz.li/Q02t7YW-0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: A Dutch coffee brand is recruiting a Board of Little Directors (aged 8-12)
INNOVATION
Dutch coffee brand De Koffiejongens built its business on offering a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to Nespresso's coffee pods. Now, connecting its focus on the planet's future to the future of the planet's inhabitants, De Koffiejongens is forming a Raad van Commissarisjes, or 'Board of Little Directors.' With ads in major newspapers, it's recruiting a board comprised entirely of children aged 8–12, specifically ones that enjoy coloring outside the lines.
Within days of launching its recruitment campaign, De Koffiejongens received over 500 applications.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02t9SqJ0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Dutch coffee brand De Koffiejongens built its business on offering a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to Nespresso's coffee pods. Now, connecting its focus on the planet's future to the future of the planet's inhabitants, De Koffiejongens is forming a Raad van Commissarisjes, or 'Board of Little Directors.' With ads in major newspapers, it's recruiting a board comprised entirely of children aged 8–12, specifically ones that enjoy coloring outside the lines.
Within days of launching its recruitment campaign, De Koffiejongens received over 500 applications.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02t9SqJ0
TrendWatching Team
Back by popular demand!
Soak up the consumer trends that have to be on your 2025 radar - from the latest advancements in AI x Consumerism to purposed innovations. Sourced and curated from all over the world 🌏
How and when? By joining us at one of our Trend Events - Bangkok 🌺 on 27 August, Amsterdam 🌷on 26 September, or New York 🏙️ on 10 October.
To keep things inspirational and affordable, just secure your seats at our ‘very early-bird’ price 🐦 now (only available until 30 April).
Click through to find out more and secure your spot at the best possible price 👇
https://www.trendwatching.com/trend-seminars - let’s meet, learn and ideate, human x human style, with a heavy dose of AI 😉
Soak up the consumer trends that have to be on your 2025 radar - from the latest advancements in AI x Consumerism to purposed innovations. Sourced and curated from all over the world 🌏
How and when? By joining us at one of our Trend Events - Bangkok 🌺 on 27 August, Amsterdam 🌷on 26 September, or New York 🏙️ on 10 October.
To keep things inspirational and affordable, just secure your seats at our ‘very early-bird’ price 🐦 now (only available until 30 April).
Click through to find out more and secure your spot at the best possible price 👇
https://www.trendwatching.com/trend-seminars - let’s meet, learn and ideate, human x human style, with a heavy dose of AI 😉
Free AI Webinar ✨
Not sure where to even begin when it comes to understanding and anticipating AI and its radical impact on consumer behavior and expectations?
Join our “AI x New Consumer Expectations" Webinar to learn from and interact with our analysts Acacia Leroy (in Singapore) and Robbie Hodges (in London). Choose from May 15 (EMEA/AMERICAS) or May 16 (APAC).
The webinar will cover 5 major AI-driven consumer trends, including lots of juicy AI innovation examples. Basically, key intelligence that will turn you into an instant AI x Consumers Expert 😉
Sign up below, for free, and tell your co-workers, too 💚
https://www.trendwatching.com/ai-webinar-2024
Not sure where to even begin when it comes to understanding and anticipating AI and its radical impact on consumer behavior and expectations?
Join our “AI x New Consumer Expectations" Webinar to learn from and interact with our analysts Acacia Leroy (in Singapore) and Robbie Hodges (in London). Choose from May 15 (EMEA/AMERICAS) or May 16 (APAC).
The webinar will cover 5 major AI-driven consumer trends, including lots of juicy AI innovation examples. Basically, key intelligence that will turn you into an instant AI x Consumers Expert 😉
Sign up below, for free, and tell your co-workers, too 💚
https://www.trendwatching.com/ai-webinar-2024
Hello! Today's innovation: Perfume brand appeals to younger consumers with sleek incense burner for Qing Ming
INNOVATION
The Chinese festival of Qing Ming, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, fell in early April this year. To celebrate, high-end Chinese fragrance label Documents partnered with funeral products brand Greatroam to release a special incense burner. Made of sleek white porcelain, the product is designed in the shape of a conch shell, one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhism. The shape also signifies ‘the sound from beyond,’ recalling childhood memories of putting a shell to one's ear to hear the sea, and representing the spirit of communicating with departed loved ones during Qing Ming.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02tN7pG0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
The Chinese festival of Qing Ming, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, fell in early April this year. To celebrate, high-end Chinese fragrance label Documents partnered with funeral products brand Greatroam to release a special incense burner. Made of sleek white porcelain, the product is designed in the shape of a conch shell, one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhism. The shape also signifies ‘the sound from beyond,’ recalling childhood memories of putting a shell to one's ear to hear the sea, and representing the spirit of communicating with departed loved ones during Qing Ming.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02tN7pG0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Kid-walking service brings focus to a 'Blurry Generation' of nearsighted children
INNOVATION
Nearsightedness in kids is skyrocketing. In a cheeky stunt that initially had some parents and pundits outraged, Spanish eyewear giant Multiópticas launched a 'kid walking' service: Paseadores de Niños. The business purportedly employed people to take children outside for walks, highlighting the alarming reality that many kids today spend less time outdoors than household pets.
The concept was soon revealed to be an awareness campaign about the growing childhood myopia crisis. Hoping to slow down the growth of a Generación Borrosa, or Blurry Generation, Multiópticas wants to educate families on the importance of adequate sunlight and outdoor activity for preserving healthy eyesight.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02tWhpf0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Nearsightedness in kids is skyrocketing. In a cheeky stunt that initially had some parents and pundits outraged, Spanish eyewear giant Multiópticas launched a 'kid walking' service: Paseadores de Niños. The business purportedly employed people to take children outside for walks, highlighting the alarming reality that many kids today spend less time outdoors than household pets.
The concept was soon revealed to be an awareness campaign about the growing childhood myopia crisis. Hoping to slow down the growth of a Generación Borrosa, or Blurry Generation, Multiópticas wants to educate families on the importance of adequate sunlight and outdoor activity for preserving healthy eyesight.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02tWhpf0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Frida Uncensored shoots explicitly instructional videos for new and expecting moms
INNOVATION
Defying societal taboos around women's bodies, parenting care brand Frida has launched Frida Uncensored — an online video library providing detailed, unfiltered instructional content showing real people using the company's conception, pregnancy and postpartum products. The demonstrations, filmed on all-female sets, provide candid views of acts like at-home insemination and prenatal perineal massage.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02v1F9Z0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Defying societal taboos around women's bodies, parenting care brand Frida has launched Frida Uncensored — an online video library providing detailed, unfiltered instructional content showing real people using the company's conception, pregnancy and postpartum products. The demonstrations, filmed on all-female sets, provide candid views of acts like at-home insemination and prenatal perineal massage.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02v1F9Z0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: First AI president takes the stage, courtesy of a Lebanese newspaper
INNOVATION
Lebanon has been without an elected leader for over two years, and the country has long been plagued by political gridlock and sectarian rifts. Newspaper An Nahar responded to the lack of leadership with an unprecedented move: it created an AI President. With the generative AI-powered entity, An Nahar aims to fill the power vacuum with a force driven by transparency, integrity and data-driven decision-making.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02v8-9g0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Lebanon has been without an elected leader for over two years, and the country has long been plagued by political gridlock and sectarian rifts. Newspaper An Nahar responded to the lack of leadership with an unprecedented move: it created an AI President. With the generative AI-powered entity, An Nahar aims to fill the power vacuum with a force driven by transparency, integrity and data-driven decision-making.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02v8-9g0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation:Not sold off-the-rack, Singapore brand's clothing can only be fashioned by local tailors
INNOVATION
The Singapore National Heritage Board recently launched Recustom, a fashion brand aiming to revive the country's tailoring community. The initial collection featured 15 exclusive looks, developed in collaboration with seven local designers, including Graye and ANS.EIN. Unlike conventional retail, these designs are not available off-the-shelf. Instead, customers must visit local tailors to recreate the looks using provided design blueprints and their own pre-loved garments as raw material.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vk_Sp0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
The Singapore National Heritage Board recently launched Recustom, a fashion brand aiming to revive the country's tailoring community. The initial collection featured 15 exclusive looks, developed in collaboration with seven local designers, including Graye and ANS.EIN. Unlike conventional retail, these designs are not available off-the-shelf. Instead, customers must visit local tailors to recreate the looks using provided design blueprints and their own pre-loved garments as raw material.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vk_Sp0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Network operator Odido publishes a free phone-shaped book for kids
INNOVATION
Recognizing the declining reading habits among older elementary school children, who are increasingly glued to their smartphones, Dutch network operator Odido has launched a creative initiative to reignite their interest in books. In collaboration with renowned children's author Marjon Hoffman, Odido released Het Telefoonboekje, or The Phone Booklet — a children's book designed to resemble a smartphone, with a story unfolding through WhatsApp-style conversations.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vwzdX0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Recognizing the declining reading habits among older elementary school children, who are increasingly glued to their smartphones, Dutch network operator Odido has launched a creative initiative to reignite their interest in books. In collaboration with renowned children's author Marjon Hoffman, Odido released Het Telefoonboekje, or The Phone Booklet — a children's book designed to resemble a smartphone, with a story unfolding through WhatsApp-style conversations.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vwzdX0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: AI-powered summaries in Google Maps help EV drivers locate hard-to-find charging stations
INNOVATION
Alongside purchase price, range anxiety remains a key barrier to more widespread EV adoption. Google Maps aims to reassure drivers with new tools that make it easier to find reliable charging stations. Maps will use AI to generate detailed directions to a charging point's exact location. For example, instead of just providing an address, the app will advise EV owners to "Enter the underground parking lot and follow signs toward the exit, then turn right just before exiting."
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vGNT50
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Alongside purchase price, range anxiety remains a key barrier to more widespread EV adoption. Google Maps aims to reassure drivers with new tools that make it easier to find reliable charging stations. Maps will use AI to generate detailed directions to a charging point's exact location. For example, instead of just providing an address, the app will advise EV owners to "Enter the underground parking lot and follow signs toward the exit, then turn right just before exiting."
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vGNT50
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Helsinki's Kaffa Roastery unveils AI-conic: the world's first AI-designed coffee blend
INNOVATION
Generative AI is rapidly reshaping every industry, and F&B is no exception. From Finland comes what's claimed to be the world's first coffee blend crafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence. A roaster in Helsinki turned to AI to develop a unique coffee blend, marrying the latest machine learning technology with the traditional craft of coffee roasting.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vH2d-0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Generative AI is rapidly reshaping every industry, and F&B is no exception. From Finland comes what's claimed to be the world's first coffee blend crafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence. A roaster in Helsinki turned to AI to develop a unique coffee blend, marrying the latest machine learning technology with the traditional craft of coffee roasting.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02vH2d-0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Redefining perfect teeth, Aquafresh portrays kids with radiant, gap-toothed smiles
INNOVATION
Narrowly-defined beauty standards impact not just adults, but children as young as four. Research by Haleon, parent company of toothpaste brand Aquafresh, found that nearly half of British children aged 4 to 11 have suffered from low confidence because of how their teeth look — which is to say, not like a set of flawless, Hollywood-style pearly whites.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02w1n0H0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
Narrowly-defined beauty standards impact not just adults, but children as young as four. Research by Haleon, parent company of toothpaste brand Aquafresh, found that nearly half of British children aged 4 to 11 have suffered from low confidence because of how their teeth look — which is to say, not like a set of flawless, Hollywood-style pearly whites.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02w1n0H0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Paw Patrol, Seoul Edition? Pet-owner teams monitor neighborhood safety on daily walks
INNOVATION
The Seoul Dog Patrol Program is a voluntary citizen initiative where teams of dogs and their owners are appointed to watch for and report any suspected safety risks to authorities while going on walks in their neighborhood. Dog owners who sign up for the program have to undergo screening, followed by training on safety precautions and what to look out for during patrols.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02w7YKY0
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
The Seoul Dog Patrol Program is a voluntary citizen initiative where teams of dogs and their owners are appointed to watch for and report any suspected safety risks to authorities while going on walks in their neighborhood. Dog owners who sign up for the program have to undergo screening, followed by training on safety precautions and what to look out for during patrols.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02w7YKY0
TrendWatching Team
Hello! Today's innovation: Since nobody reads car owner's manuals, Audi merged theirs with seven novellas
INNOVATION
On World Book Day this year, Audi Spain took a creative approach to an age-old problem — nobody actually reads the owner's manual for their car. The German automaker teamed up with Penguin Random House to merge dry, technical manuals with captivating novellas. Seven Spanish authors were tasked with writing original pieces of fiction incorporating specific words and phrases from Audi's manuals — Novelas de Manual.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02wm2290
TrendWatching Team
INNOVATION
On World Book Day this year, Audi Spain took a creative approach to an age-old problem — nobody actually reads the owner's manual for their car. The German automaker teamed up with Penguin Random House to merge dry, technical manuals with captivating novellas. Seven Spanish authors were tasked with writing original pieces of fiction incorporating specific words and phrases from Audi's manuals — Novelas de Manual.
Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇
https://hubs.la/Q02wm2290
TrendWatching Team