Need to Know
24 : 04 : 20

Australia – The Future of Sex Lab's online ‘spin the wheel’ game allows individuals, couples and distanced partners to remain intimate during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Wheel of Foreplay is designed to inspire conversations and activity focused on sex and pleasure, at a time when people are spending long stretches at home. Organised in a way that allows users to choose from categories such as ‘going solo’ and ‘long distance dating’, the platform encourages people to immerse themselves more in their mental and physical responses to sex, with a little help from technology such as video messaging and voice notes.

Bryony Cole, chief executive of The Future of Sex Lab, says: ‘Self isolation is a chance to deepen our relationship... how can we use tech that allows us a better way to connect without disappearing into the screen?’ As people navigate new ways of feeling close and intimate, Wheel of Foreplay is encouraging people to reflect on their bodies and rethink their relationship with pleasure at the centre.

Particularly during this period of isolation, people are exploring the benefits of haptic intimacy, something we examine in our new macrotrend Enlightened States.

UK – Wild is using sleek design to promote its 100% plastic-free, biodegradable and refillable deodorants.

Created by industrial design and innovation studio Morrama, the casing of the eco-friendly product aims to challenge the cosmetics industry by being the first compostable and biodegradable refill deodorant. Available as a subscription, customers can purchase the case and refill in a colour and scent of their choice, before deciding how often they receive refills by post.

With a reported 250 million deodorants bought in the UK each year, Wild hopes the shelfie-friendly design will encourage consumers to make more sustainable purchasing decisions. 'Refillable deodorants are not a new thing, but no one has yet been able to make the refills 100% plastic free,' says Jo Barnard, founder of Morrama. 'We took on the challenge to develop a refill that has zero impact on the environment once it has been used.'

In this way, Wild is catering to consumers' growing eco-consciousness, upgrading its packaging and opting for more Refined Refillables.

A study by King’s College London has shown the current period of lockdown has had a significant impact on the overall wellbeing of Britons.

Half of respondents to its study said they have felt more anxious or depressed as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak. In total, 38% report having slept less, or less well, than normal since lockdown began. Some 35% have eaten more food or less healthy food than normal, and 19% have drunk more alcohol.

On top of these health factors, Britons' anxiety could be exacerbated by social media usage – 25% of people surveyed by King's College check social media several times a day for coronavirus updates.

While technology is often blamed for inhibiting our ability to switch off, there lies an opportunity for brands to help retrain sleep through positive use of digital tools.