Umbrellas evolve beyond rain protection to show that boring staples can be cool
Implications - You’ll never forget to bring your umbrella again… especially when you have one that can predict the weather, play music or display digital photos. These umbrellas demonstrate how everyday objects found in nearly every household can be turned into something that adds extra value, like providing information or entertainment. There is huge potential for umbrellas to be used as advertising mediums, particularly when they’re enhanced with eye-catching technologies. In regions where there’s a defined rainy season, you can get a lot of mileage out of “umbrellads."
Trend Themes
1. Everyday Item Enhancement - The trend of adding extra value to everyday items demonstrates that these products have greater untapped potential for additional uses.
2. Weather-aware Technology - Innovation in weather-aware tech is providing new solutions to common problems, such as forgetting to bring an umbrella on rainy days.
3. Multi-functional Products - Products that serve multiple functions, such as umbrellas with built-in speakers or projectors, are becoming increasingly popular as consumers look for gadgets that can streamline their daily routines.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - As everyday items become more tech-savvy, the consumer electronics industry has the opportunity to create innovative solutions for common problems.
2. Advertising and Marketing - Enhanced everyday items, such as umbrellas, can provide new opportunities for advertising and marketing, particularly in regions with defined rainy seasons.
3. Fashion and Accessory - Multi-functional products like the light saber umbrella demonstrate the potential for fashion and accessory industries to create unique and trendy items that serve more than just their traditional purpose.
