Virus-protecting masks include skin-protection or enhancing functions
Trend - As people all over the world grow accustomed to wearing masks that protect against the spread of viruses, problems unique to wearing a mask for large amount of time in the day are arising—like skin irritation. Thus, brands are producing masks made with materials or functionalities that improve or protect the skin.
Insight - In an age where consumers expect multiple benefits from the products and services they invest in, even standard day-to-day products or rituals are immune from the expectation. With so many product and material innovations available to customers, people have no interest in buying items that don’t offer them with hybrid benefits.
Insight - In an age where consumers expect multiple benefits from the products and services they invest in, even standard day-to-day products or rituals are immune from the expectation. With so many product and material innovations available to customers, people have no interest in buying items that don’t offer them with hybrid benefits.
Workshop Question - How is your brand creating hybrid products/services for its customers?
Trend Themes
1. Multi-functional Masks - Consumers expect multiple benefits from products, leading to mask designs with additional functionalities such as skin-care or anti-bacterial properties.
2. Sustainable and Reusable Masks - With the global pandemic in full-swing, brands are producing sustainable and reusable masks as an alternative to single-use masks that have an environmental impact.
3. Transparent Masks - As face masks have become mandatory in many places, masks with see-through designs have emerged, improving communication and inclusivity for those who rely on lip-reading or expressions to communicate.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Industry - Developing advanced masks for healthcare workers is a critical area, and the incorporation of advanced materials, anti-bacterial properties, and skin-care components presents a tremendous growth opportunity.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Industry - The demand for masks has skyrocketed globally and aligns with the increasing demand for high-quality PPE geared towards everyday consumers and frontline workers.
3. Skincare Industry - Brands are beginning to build masks with skin-care properties like moisturizing and anti-aging elements, which highlight the growth opportunity to build hybrid products that cater to this market.
