Ulta's Joy project, Global 4th BYD, CMF reusing waste
In the wake of the pandemic, travel patterns have shifted, leading to changes in hotel preferences. According to a recent report by Hilton and Axios, travelers now expect amenities that cater to well-being, connectivity, sustainability, technology, personalization, experiences, and Bleisure (business travel + leisure) rather than just plush mattresses or TV sizes.
Here are some intriguing changes in hotels that we've observed:
1. Sleep and Wellness
As consumers seek relaxation and rejuvenation, hotels have embraced features like white noise machines, blackout curtains, enveloping headboards, and luxurious bed linens as standard. Pillow menus have also become serious business. Imagine options like anti-snoring pillows to reduce snoring and induce deep sleep, cooling pillows with millions of air beads for a refreshing night, and bedtime pillows embedded with tiny speakers for a comfortable and intimate sleep soundtrack. The playful options are endless. I can't help but want to check into a hotel right away to try out various pillows. (The most popular one is the Swedish memory foam pillow, which uses heat-sensitive self-molding foam to contour to your body shape, keeping you cool in summer and cozy in winter.)
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Additionally, hard-to-clean carpets and impractical closets are disappearing trends, as are single-use toiletries. About 80% of guests use their travel bags as makeshift closets, leading hotels to transform closets into extra space. With the growing trend of ordering meals for delivery, trash bin sizes have increased to accommodate the packaging waste. |
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2. Connectivity and Personalization
Online reservations and smartphone check-ins are standard. Upon entering the room, a kinetic art screen with the guest's name greets them in a friendly voice. Workouts typically done at home can be controlled via an app, connected to the in-room Peloton bike. Wireless charging pads adorn bedside tables, and the hotel bar offers healthy snack options and alcohol-free beverages for those who prefer a vacation without alcohol, ensuring everyone can enjoy their leisure time. |
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3. Fusion of Experience and Local Culture
The image below showcases the Balldrop Room offered by Times Square Hilton. Every January 1st, guests can witness the blue ball drop at Times Square, heralding the New Year, with room rates starting at $700 for the night. This illustrates how American consumers are willing to spend money to create their own joyful memories.
Additionally, hotels are enhancing their menus with locally-inspired cuisine, organizing tasting events featuring locally sourced foods, and using fresh ingredients and spices purchased from local markets to develop dishes. According to Hilton expert Schuyler, travelers find happiness in spending money when hotels provide greater comfort. Observing these updates in hotels, which offer both home-like comfort and new experiences, prompts us to consider what comfort and experiences we can provide inside vehicles as well.
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🤗 Contents of this week
01 Consumer Trend - Ulta Beauty is currently running a project aimed at educating internal staff to help customers discard negative self-talk, fostering a positive self-image.
02 CMF Trend - Exploring methods to reduce waste disposal costs and promote responsible design visibility by increasing the reuse of waste materials.
03 Automotive Weekly - BYD, now the fourth-largest global seller, is closely following Tesla's lead |
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01 Consumer Trend - Ulta Beauty's Empowering Initiative
Ulta Beauty identified a concerning trend among its customers: negative self-talk regarding their appearance. In response, Ulta Beauty partnered with YouGov to conduct a survey involving over 5,000 American teenagers and adults aged 13 and above. Shockingly, 91% of respondents revealed that negative self-expression robbed them of joy and happiness. Furthermore, 67% admitted that these negative expressions had become habitual, leaving them unaware.
In collaboration with writer and podcast host Mel Robbins, Ulta Beauty launched "The Joy Project," educating its 53,000 employees on how to confront customers engaging in negative self-talk. This initiative aimed to empower customers by fostering inner strength.
Beyond being a mere employee training program, The Joy Project has reshaped customer experiences. By utilizing the acquired knowledge, customers are encouraged to build healthier self-images through positive conversations, profoundly impacting their self-esteem.
Ulta's Chief Marketing Officer, Michelle Crossan-Mtos, emphasized that combating negativity is just the initial step; it's a fundamental stride toward enhancing self-satisfaction. She expressed hope that this initiative would positively shape how future generations perceive themselves.
While we may not be in the retail industry, contemplating how our brand can contribute to the well-being of both employees and customers is a crucial task. Initiatives like this should not have short-term goals; they should endure as ongoing projects, reflecting our commitment to fostering positivity and empowerment.
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02 CMF Trend - Responsible Design and Waste Reduction through Reuse
Efforts to integrate waste into products and spaces persist due to their appeal to consumers concerned about carbon emissions, resource conservation, and climate uncertainty. These initiatives continue to grow, considering both environmental and social aspects. The eco-friendly construction market, which combines materials like glass, plastic, fabric, and leather, is one area experiencing significant growth.
1. Glass
Glass waste, constituting 95% of discarded glass, can be replaced without compromising quality and can lower manufacturing costs in the medium to long term. Industrial glass previously used in old microwaves, ovens, and refrigerator shelves often retains unique patterns from its previous usage. Many designers are incorporating these traces, preserving the distinct patterns in items like plates, tiles, and tableware. Additionally, some efforts involve transforming glass bottles into various products to minimize waste. This trend showcases the creative repurposing of glass waste while promoting responsible and sustainable design practices. |
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2. Marine Resources
Innovative ideas utilizing marine resources have been gaining attention. Products created from collected plastic and fishing equipment from the ocean not only promote a positive image but also contribute to waste reduction. Additionally, discarded seashells are being transformed into exquisite, luxurious, and sparkling surfaces, highlighting their delicate nature.
Fishy Filaments converts nylon from discarded fishing nets into 3D-printed filaments, producing products with two different grades of filament. Nature Squared transforms waste materials like shellfish shells generated during food preparation into high-end materials, decorating walls and floors as luxurious elements.
Seastex offers positive products to consumers who were once negatively impacted by climate change, converting discarded mussel byssus waste into high-quality materials for architectural environments. These initiatives not only reduce waste but also provide consumers with eco-friendly alternatives, demonstrating the potential of marine resources in sustainable design.
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3. Textile and leather
The optimization of fibers and leather through traditional weaving and tanning processes has become a prevalent method for recycling. Particularly, the recycling processes focus on aligning with natural materials both in terms of durability and handling. ECCO Leather, in collaboration with Anne Holtrop, introduced transparent Apparition leather inspired by ancient Egyptian techniques used to create parchment. This innovative leather, reminiscent of ancient craftsmanship, demonstrates the fusion of tradition and recycling in modern design.
Moreover, Camira utilizes a fiber recycling technology called Iinouiio, transforming discarded fibers into circular wool fabrics. This approach not only reduces waste but also contributes to the sustainable evolution of the textile industry, emphasizing the importance of eco-conscious practices in material production.
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03 Automotive Weekly - BYD, the global fourth-best seller, closely follows Tesla in sales
According to market research firm TrendForce, Chinese manufacturer BYD has surpassed Ford and secured the fourth position globally in terms of car sales, trailing just behind Toyota, Volkswagen, and Honda. As of August, BYD had sold 5.55 million vehicles worldwide. In the electric vehicle (EV) sector, BYD is closely competing with Tesla, with a difference of only 3,500 units in their Q3 sales. Ford, on the other hand, has dropped to the sixth position due to reduced sales in Europe and the United States, following Hyundai.
BYD's founder and CEO, Wang Chuanfu, known for his unconventional methods, has played a significant role in the company's success. He once drank the electrolyte used in BYD's batteries to impress investors. BYD's competitive edge in the EV market stems from its vertical integration, covering all processes from battery manufacturing to vehicle production, leading to significant cost savings.
However, as the electric vehicle market in China becomes increasingly competitive, challenges lie ahead for BYD amid slowing economic growth and decreasing vehicle demand. The future developments in BYD's business will be closely watched to see how the company adapts to these market dynamics.
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Parking in a cluttered and dimly lit garage can be a daunting experience. It's not enjoyable maneuvering carefully to avoid hitting walls or struggling to find the right angle for parking. Solutions like hanging tennis balls from the ceiling to illuminate the space or utilizing specialized kits available on platforms like Amazon can make this task much more manageable. |
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There's someone who ingeniously mastered the art of parking using backup cameras in a way that might seem impractical but undeniably fun. It's an unconventional approach that turns the everyday chore of parking into something more delightful. We dare say, it adds a touch of whimsy to the mundane! |
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Written by Jenna Chwee
Kia Design Center AMerica jchwee@hatci.com101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92606 714-472-1188수신거부 Unsubscribe |
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