Creativity, trends & futures selected by Piers Fawkes & the PSFK research team.

Jan 19, 2024

Giuseppe and Piers invite you to a free, early morning session of connection and idea sharing. Held at the prestigious Spring Studios in Manhattan, we welcome our community to reconnect over coffees and pastries before we host a short talk.

During the talk, Retail Innovation Week publisher (and PSFK founder) Piers will interview retail expert and author Giuseppe about the contents of his new book, 'Redefining Retail - 10 Guiding Principles for a Post-Digital World'. Specifically, Piers will try to understand how the customer experience may change in this age of Machine Thinking.

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PSFK Analysis of Emerging Paradigms

January 19 2023

The trends that we’re tracking in creativity, experience, and innovation for PSFK IQ can be grouped into several overarching themes.

The first theme revolves around leveraging technology to enhance user experiences, with trends like emotional intelligence in AI, augmented reality in retail, and virtual events and experiences. These trends focus on creating personalized, immersive, and interactive experiences for customers.

The second theme centers around sustainability, with trends such as sustainable packaging innovations and biophilic design in workspaces. These trends highlight the importance of reducing environmental impact and incorporating elements of nature into built environments.

The third theme is data-driven personalization, which involves utilizing consumer data and analytics to tailor products and marketing strategies to individual preferences.

Finally, the fourth theme addresses the evolving work environment, with trends like remote collaboration and communication tools enabling effective teamwork in the era of remote work.

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Ideas & Case Studies We’re Tracking

BREAKFAST, a Brooklyn-based new media artist studio, have unveiled "The Pearl," recognized as the world's largest kinetic art sculpture, on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Standing over 45 feet tall and 53 feet in diameter, it consists of nearly 3,000 computer-driven kinetic tiles that simulate ocean phenomena. What sets it apart is its interactivity, influenced by real-time tidal and wind data, creating an ever-evolving display. Learn More

A new museum in downtown NYC opens a 36,000 square foot museum of art and technology, featuring 15 immersive experiences, a mochi bar, and a retail concept store. Learn More

DATALAND's Large Nature Model, a museum and platform by Refik Anadol Studio, will offer businesses innovation inspiration through the use of data and AI in art and experiential marketing. Learn More

Emphasising the importance of touch in design, the Haptic Console integrates blown glass accessories with a corrugated oak surface, offering a unique and engaging experience for users. Learn More

Responding to the renewed interest in the audio-format, designer Anthony Chupp imagined this Bang & Olufsen's CD player concept that pairs an elegant design with high-quality audio, featuring turntable-style controls and touchable buttons. Learn More

Designer Kostas Dakanalis has developed a unique concept for headphones, inspired by Gundam mecha. These headphones feature a distinctive design with winged streaks on each earcup that serve a functional purpose. The central rotating dial allows users to adjust the equalizer settings and switch between closed-back, semi-open, or completely open configurations. Learn More

Samsung showcased its next-generation AI home assistant, Ballie, at CES. The innovative device can perform household tasks, interact with pets, and function as a mobile video projector or a home office assistant. Learn More

Figure's AI humanoid robots, initially introduced in March 2023, are partnering with BMW Manufacturing to assist in car production. These self-moving and autonomous robots will enhance production efficiency. Learn More

Designer Yalan Dan has created a 3D-printed "first aid kit" that enables furniture repair and construction. The colorful bioplastic joints aim to reduce waste and encourage creative re-use and repair of furniture, and ensure longevity. Learn More

Marina Abramović has introduced the Abramović Method, aiming to help individuals find simplicity and regain their spiritual center in a world dominated by technology. The artist emphasizes the need to live in the present, promoting longevity, and rediscovering forgotten rituals and knowledge of the past. Learn More

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Quick Stats

41% of Americans say they have become more spiritual over their lifetime, while 24% say they have become more religious.

44% of U.S. adults reported that the majority of digital ads they saw were at least 'somewhat' relevant to their interests.

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Quotes Of Note

"I firmly believe companies should innovate and seek out new opportunities for growth. But it is also important to be nimble and make tough decisions when needed."
David Solomon, CEO, Goldman Sachs Group

"We are excited to begin the retail store phase of growth strategy. We believe the best performing retail brands will have three legs to their growth story: wholesale, ecommerce and retail stores. We started with an outlet location due to the finished goods inventory that are already paid for and sitting at our warehouse, as well as the historical metrics and performance of this store."
Hil Davis, CEO, Digital Brands Group

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