Need to know 26 : 07 : 17

Need to know 26 : 07 : 17

In today’s daily digest: Kenzo, Hotel Chocolat, TSB, Molecure pharmacy, cross-sector product shrinkage and the importance of emotional dining

1. Playful Kenzo campaign tackles climate change 2. Hotel Chocolat uses cacao shells in iced tea 3. TSB to offer iris scanning on mobile banking app 4. Molecure rethinks the pharmacy concept 5. Products shrink as prices remain constant 6. Thought-starter: Is Instagram ruining the restaurant experience?

1. Playful Kenzo campaign tackles climate change

Kenzo autumn/winter 2017 prints campaign by Traum Inc

Global – Created in collaboration with creative agency Traum Inc, Surfing on the Northpole is a light-hearted take on the issue of global warming. The video depicts 3D representations of people outfitted in pieces from Kenzo’s autumn/winter 2017 collection as they perch on top of melting ice caps and surf across a body of water.

The colourful characters, patterned surfboards and lighting effects reference the garments that feature in the collection. As LS:N Global explored in our New Consciousness design direction, a bold visual language focused on optimism and change rather than fearmongering is emerging around sustainability.

2. Hotel Chocolat uses cacao shells in iced tea

Teaolat by Hotel Chocolat, UK Teaolat by Hotel Chocolat, UK
Teaolat by Hotel Chocolat, UK Teaolat by Hotel Chocolat, UK

UK – Hotel Chocolat’s Teolat light infusion range of drinks are billed as being for on-the-go wellness. With flavours such as ginger chai, raspberry and lemon, each chilled beverage contains antioxidants from the cacao shells and vitamins B3, B6, B7 and B12, and can either be enjoyed on its own or as an alcoholic mixer.

The cacao shells, which are typically discarded by chocolate manufacturers, have in recent times become known as a rich source of fibre and antioxidants. Brands such as Hotel Chocolat and The Husk Mill are taking a Whole-system Thinking approach and elevating the once overlooked ingredient to something that is a sought-after superfood.

3. TSB to offer iris scanning on mobile banking app

UK – While several banks across the Middle East have already introduced iris recognition, this marks the first time a European bank will introduce such biometric technology. From September, customers using a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ smartphone will be able to access their account using the Samsung Pass iris scanner.

Iris scanning is considered to be the most secure iteration of biometric authentification, with 266 unique features compared to 40 for fingerprint scanning. By eradicating the need for passwords, the new feature will also help to streamline the mobile banking process.

The move marks a significant step for European banking, demonstrating that trust in Mobile Money and the use of biometrics is on the rise.

EyesUp campaign by Murad, Los Angeles EyesUp campaign by Murad, Los Angeles

4. Molecure rethinks the pharmacy concept

Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan
Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan
Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan
Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan Molecure by Waterfrom, Taiwan

Taiwan – Based in the Taichung district, the apothecary features a variety of design elements that reference natural phenomena to highlight how pharmacists traditionally used plant extracts to create medical tinctures. Created by design studio Waterfrom, the walls and flooring in the space feature thousands of small, laser-cut holes, which create shadows that resemble scattered leaves, and a series of tree branches are suspended from the ceiling.

A new kind of pharmacy is emerging as brands move away from traditional clinical environments towards comfortable, welcoming spaces. Driven by the rise of wellness, pharmacies are repositioning themselves as accessible lifestyle brands. Read our Post-pharmacy Brands microtrend to find out more.

5. Products shrink as prices remain constant

On average, consumers are getting less for their money now than they did five years ago, according to the Office for National Statistics. In light of recent sociopolitical events such as the Brexit vote, uncertainty about the future of the economy is driving brands to reduce their offer across sectors. See our series An Uncertain Future for more on how the UK General Election affected consumer mindsets.

6. Thought-starter: Is Instagram ruining the restaurant experience?

Restaurants risk losing out if they spend too much time focusing on their Instagrammability, according to LS:N Global insight editor Daniela Walker.

Restaurants are all begging to be a part of your social feed – and that’s a problem. Increasingly, restaurateurs are embedding social media into their planning for a restaurant in terms of décor and menus.

Some, such as Dirty Bones in the UK, are offering Instagram kits to make food photography easier, while others such as The Sosta in New York are including Instagram moments, from a neon sign on the wall to photogenic pasta plates and Millennial pink branding, to ensure they are noticed on social media.

While this make sense from a marketing perspective – it’s free and easy – it also risks confusing brand loyalty with brand recognition. Restaurateurs are no longer considering how to make an emotional connection with their diners.

For more on why Instagram is in danger of ruining the restaurant experience, read the full opinion piece here.

Foodography, a food photography Workshop by Carmel Winery Foodography, a food photography Workshop by Carmel Winery
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