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Sukha simplifies at-home smear tests

At-home HPV testing by Sukha

Bath, UK – Design studio Matter studio has launched a series of design concepts to enable at-home HPV testing.

Called Sukha, the three concept designs were created to take the routine procedure of smear testing out of the doctor's surgery, opening up dialogue on how design can simplify a common medical process.

Created to mirror the accessibility of familiar sanitary products, the three designs include a compact applicator with absorbent swab; a smart device providing digital feedback for at-home reassurance; and a silicone moulded applicator that fits on the finger for more tactile testing. As well as empowering women to take testing into their own hands, the at-home convenience aims to encourage more women to be tested more regularly.

The next generation of diagnostic devices are being developed with a design-led approach for consumers and healthcare professionals alike. For more, read our macrotrend Certified Wellness.

Lumasol’s suncare for smart sunbathers

Lumasol, US

US – Lumasol has launched a suncream mist complete with a smart engine and wristband that reminds users to re-apply the product.

Designed to inform and safeguard the skin health of users, Lumasol offers a technology-based solution to suncare. Consumers can apply the SPF mist before or after make-up. Then, a corresponding wristband changes colour when exposed to UV light, reminding them to re-apply in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration recommendations.

‘The sun is an integral part of our lives, boosting happy hormone levels, and vitamin D, but it also has its negative effects,’ explains Sophia Hutchins, founder and CEO of Lumasol. ‘Re-application is so essential but it’s the part that falls off. Lumasol solves this to protect people and encourage protected sun exposure.’

With a growing awareness of the relationship between the sun and skin health, suncare is becoming increasingly important for consumers looking for protective skincare solutions.

This app throws shopping parties for fashion squads

Global – Squadded is a Google Chrome extension that enables users to shop together on major fashion e-commerce sites.

Taking inspiration from the social experience of group shopping trips, Squadded replicates the communication, advice and atmosphere of physical shopping with a concept dubbed the ‘shopping party’. When adding the extension to their browser, friendship groups can shop together on sites such as ASOS, Boohoo and Missguided – with the list expanding based on user requests.

‘Sharing your findings, asking the opinion of your friends, taking inspiration from the looks on social media communities, that is what is changing a simple online visit to a shopping experience,’ notes Squadded in a press release.

As we explore in Community Commerce, innovative retail concepts are on the rise as consumers seek new ways to discover and share products.

Squadded

Stat: Eco-conscious consumers are contradictory

See You Tomorrow resale store by Nordstrom

According to a study by Ipsos, climate change remains a concern for global citizens – with two thirds agreeing that the issue is just as serious as Covid-19.

This environmental concern extends to their purchasing behaviours, with 52% of respondents saying they would probably avoid buying new goods in the year ahead, choosing to mend what they already have or buy second-hand products instead.

However, the study also found that consumers are no more likely to change their environmental behaviour than they were six years ago. Across a range of environmental behaviours, as many as two fifths globally feel they are already doing as much as they possibly can on specific behaviours, such as recycling and saving energy at home.

While some consumers are displaying positive attitudes towards living more sustainability, many would benefit from improved brand communication and education on eco-friendly purchasing.