Tech Consumer Insights

Trend - Workpalces are using generative artificial intelligence to craft training modules, provide feedback, and improve overall onboarding experiences for employees. These AI models deliver accurate feedback more quickly than human workers, saving companies time and money on onboarding.

Insight - For many businesses, onboarding is an expensive process, often requiring time and resources invested from multiple other employees and branches of the businesses. As a result, these businesses continually search for ways to streamline the onboarding process while ensuring that new employees are prepared for their jobs. These businesses desire no-compromises automation that is customizable to suit each required role, leading to generative AI being used to create onboarding models.

Trend - As inflation financially constrains consumers, cashback programs from banks and businesses are becoming more popular. Now, some brands are focusing on consumers with greater or more specific needs with these reward systems--including students, caregivers and those struggling with high costs.

Insight - Rapid inflation, price gouging and stagnant wages are impacting North Americans, and more people are looking for ways to reduce their daily expenses in order to manage. Consumers are now turning to discount businesses and increasingly relying on brands that accommodate the barriers they face in order to retain their financial stability (or achieve it).

Trend - 3D scanner apps capture and generate three-dimensional models of real-world objects or environments. These apps transform physical objects into digital 3D assets that can be used in various applications and industries, including augmented reality, virtual reality, design, gaming, and health.

Insight - Consumers are often looking for ways to access advanced technology without purchasing a new device, and mobile-integrated scanners are an accessible resource for individuals looking to view and create personalized digital assets. By using an app instead of a machine, consumers without prior experience in 3D assets can experiment and produce their own without incurring hefty costs.

Trend - Peripheral manufacturers are experimenting with productivity-enhancing keyboards with integrated LCD panels. These keyboards act as an additional monitor for simple tasks, providing quick access to information or apps when needed. These are multipurpose for professional or entertainment use.

Insight - Nearly every consumer who uses a computer for work or entertainment in 2023 has multiple monitors. Additional monitors enhance workplace productivity, while on the entertainment side, monitors provide quick-access to extra content. There is a constant pressure from consumers on both of these sides for products that enhance productivity and entertainment, with brands consistently experimenting with new multipurpose peripherals that combine functions into one device.

Trend - Brands are adapting to the increasing presence of smart technology on worksites with professional-focused rugged tablets. These tablets have larger, clearer displays than rugged smartphones, making them more suited for on-site collaboration and communication.

Insight - Workers in physical labor industries, such as construction or engineering, often require smart technologies to view plans and instructions, and communicate with other workers. These workers cannot afford to have technology be fragile, like many smart devices are. While these users have previously used rugged phones, or phones with extensively protective cases, brands are now adapting to the needs of this industry in full with rugged, certified durable tablets.

Trend - Businesses across a variety of industries are debuting official artificial intelligence (AI) policies. These policies outline when and how AI should be used in workplaces to ensure that AI does not cause damage to the business in any way. This ensures AI is used optimally and productively.

Insight - Since the recent influx of highly utilizable AI tools in recent years, workers across numerous industries have looked to use AI to streamline workflow, improve efficiency, and more. These workers are in various levels of business, from entry-level to head office. This desire for efficiency causes many to overlook the potential harmful effects of AI, such as margin of error or ethical concerns. This created a need for many workplaces to launch formal AI policies to restrict usage.

Trend - Apps and virtual care that are specifically designed for people with gastrointestinal diseases are on the rise--addressing illnesses like IBS and GERD. These apps both educate and help users track symptoms--allowing them to identify and avoid triggers, and create plans to optimize wellbeing.

Insight - The growth of virtual care and wellness industries has allowed individuals to find community and get ahead of their health, particularly those who have illnesses that are stigmatized. Combining this sense of community with predictive monitoring allows for a personalized approach to healthcare--which isn't always possible in traditional medical settings. Targeted virtual care makes individual lifestyles and needs a priority, while reducing costs for patients.

Trend - Brands are launching lawnmowers that take advantage of modern artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. These lawnmowers can automatically patrol lawns with minimal human input. This saves consumers time to spend on more important tasks. These mowers are controlled by apps for simplicity.

Insight - Modern smart homes have nearly every product powered by AI. Consumers are quick to adopt AI doorbells, security systems, vacuums, and more. These consumers strive for automation that improves their quality of life by completing basic tasks and subsequently reducing stress by creating more free time. These consumers are willing to pay premium prices for products that are more efficient, leading to brands launching AI-powered lawnmowers and yard cleaners to reduce maintenance time.

Trend - Brands are launching platforms that automate media and customer outreach campaigns with AI. These platforms streamline lead detection, determine the optimal method to reach out, and send the message at an effective time. These enable AI marketing for brands without technical backgrounds.

Insight - Digital marketing continues to grow in competitiveness each year, with more businesses, channels, and voices reaching out to customers each day. In this competitive sector, businesses continually search for a tool that can give them an advantage over competitors. Businesses prioritize freeing up worker time for more intricate tasks, automation of simpler tasks, and reduction of expenses. These businesses are gravitating towards AI platforms to automate a large range of marketing tasks.

Trend - Keyboard manufacturers are creating keyboards using special keycaps and switches in order to appeal to fans of ASMR and soft, gentle sounds. These keyboards are crafted using special keycaps, lubrication, and materials that help customize the sound emitted when a key is pressed.

Insight - More people are seeking ways to enhance their work-from-home environments as remote work practices reach an all-time high. For some consumers, the fuzzy or tingling sensation felt when listening to certain recorded sounds can evoke a sense of relaxation and peace. Consumers who are fans of ASMR may gravitate towards keyboards with PBT, lubricated, or soft-sounding keycaps, as these offer an auditory benefit for fans of gentle sounds.