News 21.02.2022

Need to Know

An exhibition questioning the return of Luddism, Adidas leads the path for protective athletic apparel, and Chinese consumer wellbeing thrives.

Silk to Silicon explores craft’s impact on tech

Silk to Silicon by Sebastian Koseda at Backlit Gallery, UK
Silk to Silicon by Sebastian Koseda at Backlit Gallery, UK
Silk to Silicon by Sebastian Koseda at Backlit Gallery, UK

Nottingham, UK – Silk to Silicon is an art exhibition that examines the link between the history of textile-making and modern computing. Through moving images, fabric samples and graphic design, artist Sebastian Koseda analyses how craft practices have given birth to automation in the past 200 years.

The exhibition follows the evolution of automatic silk weaving to the discovery of the silicon chip, which paved the way for crypto-mining, drone deliveries and data collection. The show examines the legacy of the Luddites, a group of skilled artisans who resisted mechanisation in the early 1800s.

With growing global concerns about the rise of automation, Koseda wonders if a Luddism revival is on the horizon. ‘In the next 10 years we are likely to see more change in automated technology than the last 100 years combined. Automation is ubiquitous, but for how long will workers and machines continue to co-exist in peace?’ asks artistSebastian Koseda.

Exploring the material history of digital innovations, Silk to Silicon grounds technologies like cryptocurrency in the real world. By demystifying abstract concepts in tangible ways, the exhibition taps into Digital Dialogues.

Strategic opportunity

Material objects can help make abstract concepts more concrete. For companies dealing with data, develop tangible materials or experiences to help explain detailed issues or subjects

A hyper-inclusive overhaul for Adidas sports bras

 Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany
 Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany Adidas’ New Sports Bra Collection, Germany

Germany – After conducting research that found that 90% of women wear the wrong-sized sports bra, Adidas has re-engineered its entire sports bra portfolio to cater for the needs of all active women.

The new collection is the result of significant research and extensive testing performed in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth in the UK. With research indicating that wearing the wrong bra can cause skin stretch, the collection includes 43 new styles that cater for more bodies and exercise types than previously. Accommodating the individual needs of active women, the new collection comprises Everyday bras for lounging, Studio bras for low-to-mid intensity activities, Train bras for HIIT sessions, and Run bras for the highest level of breast support.

As the health sector's gender data gap impacts women’s wellbeing and athletic performance, there’s a rising need for Protective Performance Apparel. ‘The wrong sports bra can have a serious impact on performance and efficiency – for example, if you run a marathon, unsupported breasts travel an extra four miles on their own,’ explains Amy Charlton, senior director of product at Adidas.

Strategic opportunity

Make sure your organisation is undertaking product and experience-led research to help close the gender data gap and inform better, more appropriate products

This dating app caters for NFT collectors

US – Adding an element of finance to flirting, Lonely Ape Dating Club is a dating app for NFT collectors. The app, which combines Web3 with online dating, allows cryptocurrency owners to meet like-minded people.

Developed by a group of hackers and NFT collectors, the platform adopts an asset-based approach to online dating. Instead of submitting their personal information and romantic preferences, users that join the platform connect their crypto wallets, putting their NFT collections and net worth on full display.

Users then have the option to filter other prospective daters based on their net worth and NFT collection. The app also has a match-to-earn feature, which allows users to earn tokens by interacting with others. Its first launch will target individuals who own a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT, allowing holders to match with other collectors.

As a result of the recent cryptocurrency boom, apps and services that allow Crypto-cliques to meet in person are gaining popularity.

Lonely Ape Dating Club

Strategic opportunity

Dating apps should consider how the emerging class of crypto investors wants to show off their wealth. Is it possible to integrate features that allows daters to flex their alternative assets?

Stat: Chinese citizens lead global wellbeing charts

Hermès Fit campaign by Lane & Associates, France Hermès Fit campaign by Lane & Associates, France

The findings of Lululemon's latest Wellbeing Index suggest that global wellbeing has improved, owing to better coping strategies and a greater focus on mental health. Despite a slight decline from the previous year, Chinese respondents ranked first in the index, reporting a 75% feeling of overall happiness.

The wellbeing rate in China is notably higher than the 66% average of the 10 markets surveyed by the sports apparel company. According to the research – which surveyed 10,000 people – the overall Wellbeing Index currently sits at 66, indicating a moderate level of wellbeing. But just 29% of respondents report 'good' wellbeing across all three elements of feeling well – physical, mental and social.

Since last year, the report finds that overall mental wellbeing has improved, but physical and social wellbeing have remained unchanged. Despite improving slightly since last year, social wellbeing remains the lowest of the three factors. Of note, just 21% of Generation Z say they’re happy in all three aspects compared with 29% of the total population. Despite outperforming other nations, Chinese respondents’ overall happiness declined compared with the previous year, suggesting that more has to be done to strengthen the Chinese Wellness Market.

Strategic opportunity

Consumers in China are resurrecting old-fashioned pastimes such as fishing and tufting. Consider how your company can help these emerging subcultures and calming pastimes thrive

Previous News Articles
Opera Air turns browsing into a mindful experience

News

Opera Air turns browsing into a mindful experience

Norwegian software company Opera is reimagining web browsing with the launch of Opera Air, a first-of-its-kind browser designed around mindfulness.
Health & Wellness : Technology : Pop-culture & Media
Foresight Friday: Dan Hastings, deputy foresight editor

News

Foresight Friday: Dan Hastings, deputy foresight editor

Every Friday, we wrap up the topics, issues, ideas and viral moments everyone’s been discussing. This week, deputy foresight editor Dan Hastings de...
Society : Pop-culture & Media : Technology
Stat: Consumers admit to choosing inaction on climate change due to eco-guilt

News

Stat: Consumers admit to choosing inaction on climate change due to eco-guilt

More than a quarter of people (28%) in 31 countries fall into the category of ‘anxious inactives’, according to the latest GlobeScan Healthy & ...
Society : Sustainability : Retail
Key takeaways from Live Retail Week and The Grocer 2025

News

Key takeaways from Live Retail Week and The Grocer 2025

At Ocado, the three key principles driving its double-digit growth ambitions are clarity, culture and collaboration, according to Amit Chitnis, chi...
Retail : Food & Drink : Events
Equinox and Stripes Beauty launch luxury menopause spa experience

News

Equinox and Stripes Beauty launch luxury menopause spa experience

The Spa by Equinox Hotels has partnered with pro-ageing beauty and wellness brand Stripes Beauty to introduce a high-tech, luxury wellness spa circ...
Health & Wellness : Luxury : Travel & Hospitality
Stat: Teens say Victoria’s Secret Pink is one of North America’s coolest brands

News

Stat: Teens say Victoria’s Secret Pink is one of North America’s coolest brands

According to YPulse’s annual Cool Brands Report, released in early 2025, 71% of North American teenagers say it is important that the brands they p...
Fashion : Youth : Society
LS:N Global Just Got Smarter

News

LS:N Global Just Got Smarter

Meet our new AI tool, Ember.
The Future Laboratory
The Ordinary’s new platform shatters skincare myths

News

The Ordinary’s new platform shatters skincare myths

The Ordinary is dispelling skincare myths with its new platform, TheTruthShouldBeOrdinary.com.
Advertising & Branding : Beauty : Health & Wellness
Stat: Super Bowl smashes viewership records

News

Stat: Super Bowl smashes viewership records

Fox’s broadcast of the 2025 Super Bowl LIX drew a record-breaking 126m viewers across platforms, cementing its place as the most-watched Super Bowl...
Sports & Leisure : Advertising & Branding : Pop-culture & Media
Harrison Ford brings Hollywood charm to Glenmorangie whisky

News

Harrison Ford brings Hollywood charm to Glenmorangie whisky

Scotch whisky distillery Glenmorangie has unveiled actor Harrison Ford as its new global ambassador.
Advertising & Branding : Food & Drink : Pop-culture & Media
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN