New Research: November Trend Hunter Report Explores the Digitized Home

November 30, 2018 | From enhanced security measures to interactive soap dispensers, TrendHunter.com’s latest free monthly report for Toy Association members, titled “Digitized Home,” showcases how technology is being integrated into the home.

“Millennial families today prioritize convenience and ease of use along with technology apps they can control from their phone,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “The report showcases examples of how brands can apply interactive features to their products to appeal to this demographic.”

The report features the following topics, among others:

• Humidified Tech – In-home air quality tech items extend their functions to detect humidity, fitting into a wider network related to ease and functionality within personal spaces. The 'Olarm' security system works with a hub and accompanying sensors that can be used to detect motion, door or window activity, water leaks, smoke, and even changes in temperature and humidity.
• Streamlined Luxury – Standard home items, including everything from workout equipment to closets, are being updated with high-end functions and designs that appeal to wealthy homeowners. Coming from a team of former Apple, Fitbit, and Nest employees, the Tonal is a new digital training system bringing luxury training exercises to the home. Comprised of a screen, adjustable arms, and a cable system, the digital training suite simply mounts to the wall without any extra purchases.
• Automated Chore – Tech-integrated appliances and gadgets are fairly commonplace in the modern home, especially since they can add elements of convenience to the consumer’s daily life. The addition of technology to chore-related products enables consumers to spend less time on tedious household tasks. The 'LaunderPal' is the first-ever “smart” laundry basket. Through an app, users are easily able to see which pieces of their clothes are in the basket or not, as well as get assistance when it comes to sorting similar articles of clothing for washing.
• Connected Cooking – The incorporation of internet connectivity in various kitchen appliances has enhanced the cooking process for everyday consumers. The Traeger Timberline grill is equipped with Traeger's proprietary WiFire technology and can be controlled via an app, including temperature, smoke settings, timers, and more.
• Projection Interaction – Consumers are now able to project touchscreen interfaces at home, on everything from kitchen counters to their own arms. These technologies come as smart tech offers all-encompassing approaches to convenience and connectivity in the home. Intelligence-imparting lamps such as the Lantern by Nord Projects casts light to turn virtually any object or surface into a smart interface.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and beyond youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, toy companies may click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

Members are encouraged to send topic suggestions for future trend reports to The Toy Association’s Anne McConnell.

TrendHunter.com has accumulated nearly 3 billion views from more than 100 million visitors. The data research company helps clients “Dive Deeper,” “Work Smarter,” and “Save Effort” in order to increase the overall success of their companies and brands.