One of the best things a brand can do for its image is to communicate directly with its target demographic and this list of 2018 interactive trends is bound to shine a light on some examples in the industry of late that have been successful in their engagement.
PUMA, for example, released its 90s-inspired Cell Venom. The chunky footwear model was celebrated at a one-day pop-up in London where guests could interact directly with the product and even prototype their design. The event was lab-themed and shoe customization experts Mr. Bailey and David Mawdsley were there to help individuals with concepts.
Other examples of 2018 interactive trends worth mentioning are Zappar and SIG who produced an AR-powered packaging sample that is informative, playful and allows consumers to interact directly with the purchased product.
For more interactive trends in the new year ahead, check out Trend Hunter's 2019 Trend Report.
Top 40 Interactive Trends in 2018
From Science-Inspired Sneaker Releases to Smart Vending Machines:

40
Comforting Cocoon Bedrooms
'The Zed Rooms' for Sleep Replicate the Safety of the Womb

39
Social Media Sneaker Try-Ons
adidas' Ultraboost 19 Style Can Be Previewed in AR on Snapchat
38
Science-Inspired Sneaker Releases
The PUMA Cell Venom Debuts at a Conceptual Pop-Up in London
37
Internet-Inspired Apparel Shops
The Next-Gen 'GU Style Studio' Blurs Online & Offline Experiences
36
Miami Fashion Pop-Up Shops
Madhappy Opens a Temporary Space in Conjunction with Art Basel 2018
35
Playful Independence Day Packaging
Markobar Boasts Interactive Board Game Packaging in Indonesia
34
Single-Day Pop-Up Bakeries
Strongbow Dark Fruit Honours Its Fans in Manchester with a Tasty Treat
33
Interactive Holiday Packaging
The Coca-Cola Packaging in Japan is District-specific & Collectible
32
Festive Grooming Pop-Ups
Benefit Cosmetics' 'Jingle Brow Express' Provides Last-Minute Services
31
Artful AR Hotel Rooms
LIFEWTR and Marriott Hotels Created a Customized Experience for Guests
30
Curiosity-Inspiring Phone Pop-Ups
This Google Pop-Up is Centered Around the Pixel 3 & Mindful Tech
29
Holiday Cooking Events
Chef Clodagh McKenna and Guinness Hosted an Interactive Cooking Event
28
Chocolate Customization Pop-Ups
This Kit Kat Chocolatory Pop-Up is Centered on Custom Confections
27
AR Sneaker Teases
Nike is Using AR to Showcase the New Air Jordan 11 Concord
26
Hands-Free Hair Coloring Guides
The Clairol Color Expert Provides Assistance Via Google Home
25
Smart Vending Machines
Mulberry's Interactive Retail Installation Captures Data & Offers Rewards
24
Multi-Sensory Confectionery Packaging
Electronic Equips Churchill's Tins with an Audio Component
23
Board Game Vending Machines
Big Potato's Product Vending Machine Shares Party Games
22
Playful Military Drum Tins
Design Bridge Creates Hero-Honoring Packaging for Cadbury
21
Augmented Educational Posters
Yorkshire Tea's Educational Campaign Shows the Importance of Trees
20
Thanksgiving Fun Run Promotions
Michelob Ultra is Offering Free Beer for Running a Turkey Trot
19
Perception-Shaping AR Experiences
Santander's AR experience Highlights Employed Homeless People
18
Informative AR Packaging Experiences
Zappar & SIG Produce Playful Interactive Packaging for Water
17
Personalized Jewelry Gift Guides
Alex and Ani is Sharing Gift-Giving Advice from Real People
16
Culinary Gondola Experiences
The Fondue Express Gondola Pairs a Three-Course Menu with Champagne
15
Multi-Sensory Holiday Markets
Paco Rabanne is Creating a Millennial-Targeted Fragrance Market
14
Festive Chocolate Postal Services
Cadbury's Secret Santa Service Shares Free Bars of Chocolate
13
Chicken Nugget String Lights
McDonald's UK Has Created Chicken McNugget String Lights and Baubles
12
Playful Canine Trampoline Parks
Rover.com' Pushes Unconventional and Entertaining Dog Activities
11
Experiential Invisible Cinemas
Santander's Cinema Educates Gen Z on Personal Data Privacy
10
Interactive Cancer Awareness Activations
'Testimatic' by FCB Raises Awareness of Testicular Cancer
9
Informative Food Packaging Concepts
SÍCLIC Attempts to Teach Consumers About Colombia Regions
8
Incentivized Shopping Campaigns
Burger King's Whopper-Shopper Helps Consumers Shop Online and Save
7
Artful Skincare Pop-Ups
La Prairie is Holding a Pop-Up at the Saatchi Gallery for Contemporary Art
6
Rewarding Reusable Coffee Tumblers
Starbucks' Brewed Refill Tumbler Comes with Unlimited Coffee
5
Festive Plant-Based Feasts
Tesco is Hosting 'Vegmas' as an Inspiring, Plant-Powered Holiday Dinner
4
Behind-the-Scenes In-Store Experiences
This Year, People Can Step Into the John Lewis Holiday Ad
3
Shoppable Holiday Choirs
Harvey Nichols' Charitable Experience Shares Shoppable Looks on Instagram
2
Festive AR Retail Experiences
Walmart's Holiday AR Lets Shoppers See Aisles Through a New Lens
1
Vodka Brand Travel Upgrades
Smirnoff Seltzer Will Pay for You to Avoid the Middle Seat of a Plane
Related Ideas
AI-Generated Fashion Campaigns
Mango Debuted Its First AI Campaign for Its New Teen Line
Collaborative Sporty Footwear Styles
Coperni and PUMA Unite for a New Footwear Collaboration
Fully Recyclable Sneaker Styles
The Nike ISPA Link Axis Has Interlocking Components with No Glue
Retro-Inspired Sneaker Hybrids
Martine Rose and Nike Create a Hybrid Air Max Sneaker
Animal Patterned Lifestyle Sneakers
adidas Presents a New Jungle Pattern on the Samba Sneaker
AI-Driven Dreamy Fashion Campaigns
ETRO's Spring 2024 Ad Campaign Uses Artificial Intelligence
Smartphone-Controlling Sneakers
The Samsung Shortcut Sneaker Can Perform Five On-Device Actions
Monochromatic Slim Leather Sneakers
PUMA Unveils Another version of the Mostro Sneaker
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Chic Festival-Ready Footwear
adidas' Icons are Festival and Spring-Forward Sneakers
Sneaker-Stealing Campaigns
Rob It To Get It by Distance Challenged Customers to Outrun a Sprinter
Dynamic Thigh-High Tech Sneakers
Voo Store Joins On Running to Create a Unique New Sneaker
RFID-Enabled Sport Sneakers
BANBROKEN ARTDesign Sport Shoes Have the TAP-Tech Feature
Customizable Shoe Decorating Events
adidas Hosts a DIY 'Style Your Toe' Pop-Up Event in Hong Kong
Juxtaposing Dynamic Running Shoes
The adiSTAR Cushion Sneakers have a Retro Design
In-Game Digital Sneakers
Nike and Fortnite Launched Four Digital Sneakers
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
GenAI Eyewear Shows
Innovative Eyewear Launched the First Generative AI Fashion Show for Eyewear
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
AI-Backed Sneaker Design Platforms
Nike Introduces the AIRImagination Platform of Design
Reissued Millennium Sneaker Styles
PUMA Mostro Sneakers Come in Two Color Options
Gaming-Inspired Haptic Response Sneakers
The Nike PG2 PlayStation Shoes are Paul George-Approved
GenAI Flip Phone Campaigns
Motorola's Styled with Moto Features AI-Generated Virtual Models
Sporty Dynamic Futuristic Footwear
adidas and James Harden Presents the Cyber Metallic Vol. 9
Impact-Absorption Leather Sneakers
Nike Introduces a New Premium Touch to the Shox Sneaker
Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes
Balenciaga x Puma Reinvent the Speedcat Ultrasoft Sneaker
90's Archival Footwear Pop-Ups
Dr. Martens Hosted a 'Buzz Bus' in NYC
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
Tech-Inspired Luxury Accessories
Coperni’s Tamagotchi Handbag Is a Y2K Tech Fashion Moment
Celebratory Footwear Capsules
The adidas X West NYC Capsule Honors 85 Years of Tip Top Shoes
Collaborative Textural Lifestyle Sneakers
Nike and Union Join on the Field General Sneaker
Prickly Monochromatic Sleek Footwear
A$AP Rocky and PUMA Launch New Mostro 3D Shoes
Dystopian Series Activewear
The PUMA x SQUID GAME Collection Celebrates Season Two
Artistic Sneaker Collaborations
The 'Skechers x Vexx' Collection Highlights Bold Graphics
Sporty Fashion Spring Campaigns
adidas Originals Introduces the 1000 Back Campaign
Digital Footwear Experiences
Reebok Impact is a Next-Gen Shoe Experience with AI and Wearables
Metaverse-Launched Luxury Fashion Collections
The Coach Spring 2024 Capsule is in the Metaverse
Footwear-Inspired Puzzle Brand Partnerships
Nike and LEGO Launch a Multiyear Partnership
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Digital-World-Based Shoe Collections
adidas Debuts the 'STEPN GO x adidas Ultraboost 5'
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
Glowing Collaborative Y2K Sneakers
Dover Street Market and Nike Present a Glowing Vomero 5
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Sneaker Tag-Inspired Car Keys
Nissan's Kicks Key Merges Auto Technology with Streetwear Culture
AI-Powered Virtual Closets
Stylitics' Products Support Next-Gen Personalized Shopping
Dynamic Sci-Fi Fashion Collabs
Fendi and MAD Architects Join Forces on a Futuristic Capsule
Revived Dynamic Running Sneakers
adidas' Adistar Cushion 3 Gets a New Visual Update by atmos
Custom Sneaker Marketplaces
Sneakify Showcases and Connects Nike By You Enthusiasts in 1 Platform
Tech-Driven Sexual Wellness
Experience the Future of Intimacy
Vibrant Collaborative Tech Sneakers
ASICS and Gallery Dept. Join on the GT-2160 Sneaker
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Anniversary-Honoring Hybrid Footwear
Foot Locker's TN 25th Celebration Honors its 25th Anniversary
Sleek Cozy Footwear Rebrandings
The Refreshing UGG Rebranding Brings the Name to New Heights
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Packaging-Inspired Footwear Designs
adidas Introduces the Unique Box Shoe Through its App
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
Luxurious Spring-Ready Sneakers
Burberry Introduces the Dynamic Box Sneakers to its Lineup
Shimmery New Year-Inspired Streetwear
Hajime Sorayama Joins PUMA On a LNY Collection
Surf Shoe-Inspired Spikey Footwear
The PUMA Mostro Gets a New Vibrant Textural Update
Leathery Black Sporty Fashion
adidas and IVY PARK Continue to Work in Collaboration
Futuristic Corporate Fashion Shows
Hugo Boss FW 23 Featured Sophia the Robot
Fashion-Forward Hybrid Sneakers
The COPERNI x Puma 90SQR Sneaker Capsule is Somewhat Futuristic
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
Personalized Footwear Pop-Ups
ASICS Personalization Studio Features LuxCreo 3D Printing Technology
Textural Collaborative Sneaker Models
Union and Nike Join on a Field General Sneaker
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Interactive Phygital Hoodies
Beyond Dropped Three Hoodies with Physical & Digital Elements
AI-Powered Cultural Trend Tools
Huge's Culture Decoder Uses AI to Understand Cultural Trends
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Urban Sneaker-Inspired Exhibits
Museum of Graffiti Introduces the Sneaker Stories Pop-Up Exhibit
Athleisure Style Influencers
Reebok Ambassador Angel Reese Wins 2024 FNAA Style Influencer
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Stylish Footwear Campaigns
Under Armour Targets Gen Z in its New 'Flex As You Go' Campaign
Emoji-Style Sneakers
Josewong's Shoe 1 Mimics the Look of an Iconic Emoji
Laceless Personalized Sneaker Fits
Reebok Commits to Functional Style with New Instapump Fury
Olympic-Ready Elevated Footwear
Nike Optimizes its Air Cushioning Tech in New Range of Shoes
Breathable Eco-Friendly Sneakers
The National Geographic Launch the Contour Zero Sneakers
Dynamic Collaborative Sneakers
adidas Presents the CLOT Superstar Sneaker with Bold Accents
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Hybrid Football Running Shoes
The FENTY x PUMA Avanti Updates a Classic Footwear Silhouette
Virtual Interactive Shopping Experiences
Appy Pie Endpoint Launches Suite of Virtual Try-On APIs
Revived Collaborative Textural Footwear
SAN SAN GEAR Creates Its Own PUMA Mostro Sneaker
Dramatic Spiked Sporty Footwear
The PUMA Mostro Returns in a Dramatically Spikey Design
Interactive Basketball Trackers
Spalding x SIQ Introduce Smart Basketball
Minimal Stylish Elegant Sneakers
18 East and Mephisto Present the Break Spectrum Shoe
AI-Powered Retail Tools
Walmart is Introducing a New Series of AI Tools for Customer Experience
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Gen Z Sustainability Campaigns
PUMA Recruits Gen Z Leaders to Showcase How They Live Sustainably
Holographic Game-Inspired Apparel
PUMA Unveils a New Collaboration with PlayStation
Interactive Shoppable High-Fashion Films
The Saint Laurent Summer 2024 Collection is Chic
AI Shopping Customization Tools
The Zegna X Experience Merges AI Technology & Traditional Retail
Colorful Collaborative Tech Sneakers
Jae Tips and Saucony Unveil the To Do List Collection
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Augmented Outerwear Mirrors
Ugg's Flagship Highlights Cold Weather Apparel with a Zero10 Mirror
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Collaborative Sleek Tonal Sneakers
Coperni Takes a Spin at Remixing the PUMA Speedcat
Collaborative Textural Lifestyle Sneakers
New Balance Presents Another Technical 1906 Sneaker
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Luxury AR Packaging Solutions
Mytheresa Released App-Controlled Innovative Product Packagings
Fall-Ready Denim Campaigns
Pacsun Launched Its Interactive Better in Baggy Denim Campaign
Tech-Driven In-Store Events
Dyson Launches an Interactive Event at Harrods Department Store
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Minimally Designed Collab Sneakers
PUMA and Slam Jam Join Forces on the PUMA GV Sneaker
Trend Prediction Services
Tagwalk Revolutionizes Fashion Forecasting with a New AI Dashboard
Trendy Metaverse Sportswear
adidas Enters the Virtual World Through a Roblox Collaboration
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Stylish Soda Pop-Ups
Poppi World Enticed Health-Conscious, Fashionable Visitors During NYFW
AR Fashion Creations
The ETERNITEE AR Platform Enhances Consumer Interaction
AI-Powered Clothing Shopping Partnerships
True Fit and Shopify are Working Together for Sizing
Communication-Based Immersive Exhibitions
Intuit Mailchimp and Design Museum Present Email is Dead
Inspiring Food Color Reports
Oterra Color Trends 2025 Put Four Trends in the Spotlight
Virtual Sneaker Authentication Services
Real Authentication Has Expanded to the Sneaker Market
Tech-Infused Dynamic Sneaker Models
UNAFFECTED Remixes the ASICS Gel-Kayano 20 Sneaker
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
AR Watch Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. and TIMEZ Created a Digital Experience for Luxury Watch Shopping
Collaborative Bold Sneaker Models
PUMA and Salehe Bembury Join Forces on a Dynamic Sneaker
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Interchangeable Themed Shoe Charms
Coach Debuts Shoe Charms to Captivate Gen Z Audiences
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
Interdimensional-Inspired Sporty Projects
PUMA and P.A.M. Join Forces on PAM/PUMA BIO/VERSE
Textural Chunky Collaborative Footwear
KITH and adidas Join Forces with a Festive Sneaker Capsule
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Transformative Textured Fashion
ANREALAGE SS 2024 Features Outfits That Change Color & Pattern
Active Lifestyle Retailer Ranges
The Sports Edit on M&S Now Features Reebok and Puma
Fashion Collaborative Sneaker Models
CLOT and adidas Join Forces Once Again on a SS24 Series
Immersive Keyboard-Focused Events
Logitech's Pop Icon Keys Event Merges Technology and Expression
Interactive AR Galleries
Chips Ahoy's Happy By Design Campaign Spotlights Multicultural Artists
AI-Powered Search Features
Shop Premium Outlets Enhances its Online Shopping with AI-Powered Tools
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Collaborative Zipped Sneakers
Footpatrol, Hiking Patrol, and Reebok Launch an Instapump Fury