The 2016 consumer trend report emphasizes a transformative shift in manufacturing towards local production and sustainable practices, driven by technological advancements like 3D printing and consumer preference for ethically produced goods. It highlights the value of craftsmanship and unique products while fostering a deeper connection between consumers and brands. As consumers become more socially and environmentally conscious, they prioritize quality and the human story behind products over price, prompting brands to adapt and innovate their approaches to engagement and content.

1. 2016CONSUMER
TREND REPORT
BY: CONCEPT 21

2. A momentous shift in awareness, efficiency, and technological integration is upon
us. We are rapidly mastering the true potential of our innovations, and gaining
greater awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. We hope to inspire you by
sharing our perspective…

3. LOCAL PRODUCTION
efficiency | sustainability | craftsmanship
INTERACTIVE BRAND
valuable content | meaningful experiences
ACCESS
SPIRITUAL BAROMETER
integrated internet
higher self

4. LOCAL PRODUCTION
efficiency | sustainability | craftsmanship

5. We are at the dawn of a new era of manufacturing. Filled with new possibility,
unrestricted by location, order volume, or technical ability. This exciting
shift is attributed to advances in technology, a desire to have a human
connection with our products, and a consumer who is more socially and
environmentally conscious.
The consumer of the future considers the full life-cycle of their product
meaning they are ethically and environmentally concerned. They value
quality over price and are interested in the human story behind their
products. The demand for such products is matched with emerging
technologies, allowing for greater connection and improved manufacturing
processes.
TREND REPORT 2016 7

6. HIGH TECH | A REVOLUTION IN PRODUCTION
3D printing, rapid assembly, and automation will
completely revolutionize the way products are built.
No longer will we be confined by the scales of
economy. Gone will be the days of substandard
working conditions, complex supply chains and the
need to ship goods around the world.
Instead, technology will allow for our things to be
built in small scale facilities on domestic shores.
Machines will build product on-demand, reducing
the need for large amounts of inventory to be
stored. Local production will service the needs of
the local consumer directly.

7. 10
3D printing technology1
has been all the rage over
the past decade. Only recently has it graduated from
its use as a tool for building prototypes into being
considered as a serious means for manufacturing
products2
.
General Electric3
has successfully proven that new
technologies can replace outdated and resource-heavy
production models with more efficient, economically
viable ones. This is evident in use of 3D printing
technology that GE has employed to develop several
aspects of their latest jet engine.
One such example is their 3D printed fuel nozzle. By
using 3D printing rather than casting or machining,
GE has developed a part that is incredibly efficient,
higher performing, and more cost effective. 3D printing
allows them to create complex geometries that hadn’t
been possible in previous manufacturing processes.
Because this part is built on site, it also significantly
reduces lead-time and insures a quality product.
3D PRINTING
TREND REPORT 2016

8. ADIDAS
The latest from the
Adidas Futurecraft
project, an open-
source collaboration
approach to
sportswear
development,
highlights a 3D
printed midsole that
can be tailored for
individual needs.
Although only a
prototype, this
demonstrates further
development into
soft 3D printed goods
that can be applied to
footwear.

9. Rapid assembly and automation allows a tech
company like Yo Shirt4
to provide a user experience
never thought possible in the apparel industry.
They allow customers to design custom shirts on a
smartphone app and receive them within a week. To
do this Yo Shirt utilizes the latest in fabric printing
and automation along with a skilled, local workforce
in their Los Angeles facility.
In the future, production will require smaller and
smaller facilities. They will function like a bakery for
products: Small, regional production facilities will
deliver just-in-time inventory and uniquely service
their customers.
RAPID ASSEMBLY | AUTOMATION

10. HIGH SKILL | CRAFTSMANSHIP REBORN
We are transitioning into a renaissance period
led by highly skilled craftsmen who are creating
unique, quality products. They are developing
niche companies which are pushing design
boundaries and offering a superior product.
In turn, these artists are supported by consumers
whopreferartisanqualityovergeneric,mainstream
products and are willing to pay a premium. This
consumer shares similar values to the craftsman
and appreciates the human connection to their
products. This trend is evident in the success of
platforms like Etsy5
and other handcrafted brands.

11. Dodo Case6
has taken the values of
craftsmanship and applied them to a highly
scalable product: iPhone and iPad cases.
Their wooden cases are hand-assembled by a
team of craftsmen based out of San Francisco.
Customers can pick from an assortment of fabric
liners to represent their personal tastes, which are
then applied by hand. This connection between
the customer and craftsman further enhances
the customer experience, and provides a unique
product that they can love for years to come.
DODO CASE
TREND REPORT 2016 15

12. Icon 4x47
, an automotive car manufacturer based out
of Los Angeles, CA, is proving that quality, design,
and a unique voice can defy all odds and thrive in one
of the most demanding industries. Icon is creating a
high-performance off-road vehicle that pays homage
to its vintage roots while incorporating top shelf items
and meticulous design principles. With the ability to
offer direct input on every vehicle, the customer is
given the opportunity to be part of the design and
production process.
Icon attracts a new demographic. One that
appreciates restoration, utility, and preservation of
the past. This is a sharp contrast to the consumer
culture we have been living in, which is based on the
ethos of hyper consumption and instant gratification.
ICON
TREND REPORT 2016 17

13. The ideology of local production can carry over
to products that are produced internationally.
Fair Trade8
certified items and direct-from-the-
source goods are in higher demand than ever.
Certifications such as these help achieve better
trading conditions and promote higher social and
environmental standards. The human connection
to a product is strengthened by knowing about its
origins. For example, Salty Girl Seafood9
provides
the profile of the fisherman who caught that
particular fish on their packaging.
When it comes to choice, customers are drawn
to products that connect them with the source.
Genuine trust and connection to a brand is
increasingly important to the educated consumer.
This education-based trend10
has emerged in
response to collective mistrust of the profit-driven
intentions of large corporations that dominated
the American economy for the past century.
TELLING THE HUMAN STORY

14. SUMMARY: LOCAL PRODUCTION
HUMAN-TO-HUMAN CONNECTION
STORYTELLING
SUSTAINABLE
PURPOSE-DRIVEN
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
DIRECT FROM THE SOURCE
ETHICAL SUPPLY CHAIN
QUALITY PRODUCT
CELEBRATE LOCAL
Handcrafted aesthetic creates a personal connection
with the product and its brand.
Showcasing the people behind the brand or product.
Utilizing technology to increase efficiency and deploy
new manufacturing techniques that result in less waste.
Brands that stand for something and actively add value
to our communities.
Impacting the community in a meaningful way.
Insight into who produced the product allows consumers
to feel good knowing they are supporting someone else.
Consumers prefer ethically produced product from work-
ers who are fairly compensated.
No longer is cheaper better. Instead quality and utility
are valued.
Highlight the origins of the brand and its product. Be
proud of your roots.
TREND REPORT 2016 19

15. INTERACTIVE BRAND
valuable content | meaningful experiences

16. Experience is everything. Today, brands focus on creating
superior content and providing rich experiences that educate
consumers. The relationship with the consumer is no longer
passive or superficial. Instead, it is interactive, inclusive, and
collaborative11
.
Consumers seek interactive consumption of content that brings
more meaning to their lives. This forces brands to re-imagine the
function of retail stores, promotions, services, and relationships.
21TREND REPORT 2016

17. TREND REPORT 2016 61
IDEAS MADE REAL