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Covid-19: A virus-proof suit for post-pandemic partying

Microshell by Production Club

Los Angeles – Production Club has designed a virus-proof, half-body suit concept to allow socialising without distancing.

Described as a 'virus-shielded, disinfectable suit', the Micrashall is a form of personal protective equipment for everyday citizens. As well as functional design features such as an air-filtration helmet and a clear shield for visibility, the suit also includes wireless voice communication, a video camera and an accompanying smartphone app.

With the events industry feeling the fallout from Covid-19, the Micrashell could offer a solution for large-scale events such as music festivals and sports events. ‘We believe events are essential to the human experience and create the memories that define our lives,’ explains Corey Johnson, head of special projects at Production Club.

In future, the Nightlife Market will have to continue to reinvent itself. For more scenarios and future-fit strategies, explore our new Covid-19 vertical.

Deciem's virtual consultations connect skincare experts

Deciem at Home by The Ordinary

Canada – Deciem's new virtual consultation feature invites consumers to digitally connect with the brand's skincare experts.

The initiative, called Deciem at Home, will enable customers to video chat and share pictures of their skin concerns with beauty experts and brand ambassadors, in exchange for a recommended routine. Consumers then have the option of checking back with an expert three weeks later to check in on the progress of their skincare.

‘Skincare is deeply personal, and our audience deserves to receive dedicated advice before considering what may work for their specific needs,’ explains Nicola Kilner, co-founder at Deciem. ‘Deciem at Home will be an online reflection of the educated, human experience that our store ambassadors are so passionate about delivering daily.’

With remote consumption on the rise, retailers are recognising the importance of investing in multichannel communications that offer heightened levels of service and expertise.

This bespoke playlist offers wellness-inspired listening

Global – Spotify has launched a daily wellness playlist for listeners, including music and podcasts, which is updated each morning and evening.

The updates are based on users’ unique listening habits and preferences, with a focus on upbeat and motivational content for the mornings, and a more relaxing sample for the evenings. Featuring content such as inspirational podcasts to boost daily optimism, as well as breathing exercises, poetry and relaxing tracks, the playlist is intended to support overall wellbeing.

‘Taking a moment—or two—for yourself is especially important these days. With that in mind, Spotify is introducing Daily Wellness, a personalised mix of grounding motivational podcasts and feel-good music that can help you find positivity, mindfulness or peace throughout your day,’ explains Spotify. Following the outbreak of Covid-19, the streaming platform has reported a 31% year on year growth in the first quarter of 2020.

The wellness playlist reflects the rising importance of audio in health and wellbeing. For more, read our Music as Medicine microtrend.

Daily Wellness Playlist by Spotify

Stat: Young Brits are taking up traditional pastimes

A study by Mintel has shown that many Britons have been engaging in traditional pastimes including knitting and board games, with 31% of women and 28% of 16-24-year-olds choosing to spend time on these activities.

With much of the nation agreeing on their increased reliance on technology for communication, 38% say they have spent more time on video calls to family and friends. As a result, the research suggests some are increasingly opting for analogue activities to keep them busy.

While young people are using technology for work, education and keeping in touch with loved ones, they also seek balance. In our Teen Tech Welfare market, we explore how brands can actively support consumers in living more mindful digital lives.