Consumers look to cutting-edge tech to regulate emotions
Implications - No longer satisfied with tools that merely collect data around mood and stress levels, consumers are moving toward the mainstream adoption of technology that go as far as to helps keep emotions in check. Often providing warnings to the user as well as incorporating unobtrusive, haptic feedback, these applications suggest an interest in digital solutions that guide users through various emotional states. This shift speaks to the mainstream acceptance of emotional health as something that needs to be managed and continually invested in.
Workshop Question - What small tweaks or adjustments could your brand make to your products or services to connect with consumers emotionally?
Trend Themes
1. Emotion-sensing Technology - Consumers are actively seeking technology that helps them manage their emotional health, allowing brands to create products and services that provide emotional warnings and unobtrusive feedback to aid in emotional regulation.
2. Wearable Tracking Devices - Wearable devices that monitor heart rate, skin temperature, and other physiological indicators are becoming increasingly popular as consumers prioritize physical and emotional health.
3. Therapeutic Robots - Robotic companions are being designed to help alleviate anxiety, pain, and isolation in healthcare settings, which opens up potential for other applications of this type of technology in helping individuals manage depression or other mental health conditions.
Industry Implications
1. Health Technology - The development of emotional health technology and wearable monitoring devices is increasingly relevant to the healthcare industry and provides opportunities to improve patient care and outcomes.
2. Wearable Technology - Wearable devices with emotional health monitoring capabilities are creating new possibilities for brands looking to tap into this growing market of individuals seeking custom solutions for managing their emotional wellbeing.
3. Robotics - The utilization of therapeutic robots in healthcare settings highlights a growing need and opportunity to incorporate robotic technology as a way to help individuals manage mental health and wellness beyond traditional healthcare settings.