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Work in Use designs high-end movement tools

Movement tools by design studio Work In Use, US

Providence, US – The design studio has created a collection of handmade exercise equipment using a combination of fine and natural materials.

Inspired by the Ido Portal Method, which combines elements of gymnastics, dance and martial arts, the collection features a balance rail, weights, gymnastic rings and a pull-up bar. Each of these objects have been elevated through materials such as wood, brass and leather, and have been designed to be used and displayed in the home, rather than hidden away.

To create the high-end work out series, Work in Use founder Wu Hanyen combined her passion for training and design. Instead of dumbbells, for example, she designed a set of six solid brass cylindrical hand weights stored in an oiled hard maple stand. The pull-up bar, meanwhile, is made of walnut and cordovan steel. By combining functional training with a celebration of craft in this way, each object encourages a more mindful way of engaging with exercise equipment.

In a similar vein, we explore how movement is becoming a focus for consumers in our Conscious Deceleration macrotrend.

Adidas by Stella McCartney presents a recyclable hoodie

The Infinite Hoodie, adidias by Stella McCartney

Germany – Adidas has unveiled the first 100% recyclable performance garment within its adidas by Stella McCartney brand.

Developed in partnership with textile innovations company Evrnu, the Infinite Hoodie has been created using technology that liquifies and purifies old cotton before transforming it into a new material. The resulting fibre, called NuCycl makes up 60% of the hoodie, with the other 40% coming from organic cotton that has been diverted from landfills. As a result, the garment can been reused again and again to be remade into a performance garment.

‘Creating products with upcycled plastic waste was our first step,’ explains James Carnes, vice president of strategy creation at Adidas, referring to the brand’s work with Parley. ‘The next challenge is to end the concept of waste entirely. Focusing on three core areas, we will explore ways to create products that can either be fully recyclable or biodegradable.’ As such, the Infinite Hoodie indicates how textile innovations are creating a future where products can be completely recycled and repurposed.

For more, read our Material Far Futures report.

TWG Tea launches a tea-infused gastronomy experience

TWG Tea restaurant, London

London – The Singaporean luxury tea brand has unveiled a food menu featuring dishes enhanced with tea.

Located above the brand’s central London outpost, the TWG Tea restaurant offers breakfast, an all-day menu and afternoon tea inspired by tea gastronomy. The culinary team has translated the tasting notes of 800 tea blends into dishes using techniques such as blending, infusing, powdering, smoking, marinating, blanching and pickling.

The creations include eggs benedict with Breakfast Queen Tea-infused Hollandaise sauce, Genmaicha mushroom linguine, scallops with Green of Fujian Tea and matcha fries. The menu is described as ‘a celebration of the finest harvests and blends; each dish magnificently exhibits exquisite tea blend infused into each recipe to create a unique gastronomic experience.’

With interest in coffee continuing to build, tea brands are finding new ways to experiment with flavour profiles and integrate the beverage into the high end dining experience.

Metalface transforms surfaces into an interactive display

Metalface resin by Kenma

Tokyo – The metallic resin aims to revolutionise the way designers use metal.

Developed by Japanese design company Kenma, Metalface is a metallic resin that can be applied to surfaces. With the ability to transmit light and radio waves, it can display information, transmit 5G and be operated by touch, making it a highly functional material for electronics companies.

The applications for Metalface include a car dashboard, signage and displays on trains, smart home devices such as fridges and sensors, as well as personal devices such as laptops, watches and fitness trackers. Positioned as an alternative to traditional metal, the material is expected to be used by electronic brands and designers in the coming years.

Discover how a new wave of Immersive Interfaces will enable us to gather digital information by interacting with any physical object.

Stat: Children under ten are making money from hobbies

Gen Alpha, defined as those born after 2010, are already proving themselves to be progressive in their attitudes, skeptical of digital technology, and yet highly entrepreneurial, according to a new study by Beano for Brands, the consultancy behind the children’s comic.

Although almost half (48%) of Gen Alphas often spend time away from devices and tech – compared to just 29% of Generation Z – they are using technology to be architects of their own creativity. While over half believe they could make a career out of their hobby – and a fifth are already making money in this way. ‘With unfettered access to information, and a natural interest in this tech-empowered creativity, this will potentially be the generation which spawns the next Elon Musks before they even leave school,’ reads the press release.

Empowered by technology from a young age, today’s children are outsmarting the education system and launching their careers before they hit adolescence. For more, meet our Kidpreneurs tribe.

Thought-starter: Does gaming present an opportunity for travel brands?

EMF by Nikopicto and Grey Hong Kong for Hong Kong Tourism Board

Travel and hospitality brands are levelling-up their services to embrace the thrills, sights and sounds of competitive gaming.

Travel brands have traditionally pivoted their campaigns, products and services towards a predefined category of traveller, whether families, couples or – more recently – solo travellers. But now they are beginning to acknowledge an entirely new tourist persona: the gamer.

Disney has recognised the lucrative potential for this market. In May 2019, doors opened for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland’s newest 14-acre fantasy world. Rides such as Smuggler’s Run turned the park into a paradise for gamers, requiring visitors to take on different roles and collaborate with one another in order to complete virtual missions.

Taking this one step further are the hotels that facilitate social game play. China, for example, is home to around 400 eSports hotels for young people to meet and play games with their friends away from home.

Gaming technologies such as virtual reality (VR) not only bring an element of play to these new holiday destinations, but are also being harnessed to promote tourism. In the future, VR could even replace the need to travel overseas entirely, providing a cost-effective, eco-friendly and enchanting alternative, with no physical limitations.

Read the full E-tourism microtrend here.