Innovation

Helium is a free peer-to-peer network for IoT devices. Users plug the Helium Hotspot into a home network and set it up with their smartphone to provide wireless coverage to others and earn Helium tokens, a form of cryptocurrency, in exchange. The hotspot uses LongFi, which is a new technology delivering maximum range and battery life for devices on the network. A single hotspot reaches up to 200 times farther than regular wifi and requires minimal power to operate, enabling 50-100 hotspots to cover an entire city.

SHAREit Lite is an app that makes peer-to-peer file sharing simple. Users can sign up using only a unique username, without entering an email address or phone number. They can then use the app to chat with their friends and transfer music, photos or any types of files without any limits on file size or number of files.

Skincare brand Atolla uses machine learning to create personalized serums based on each individual’s skincare needs. Each month, customers receive a Skin Health Kit in the mail and first answer a series of questions about their skin and lifestyle, then use special test strips to measure the moisture and pH level of different areas of their face. Atolla then creates a custom serum for each user based on their individual needs, using a machine-learning algorithm to track skin changes over time and adjust the formula

Personal care company L’Oreal partnered with microbial genomics company uBiome to research the skin microbiome and inform future development of skincare products that can address the needs of each individual’s unique bacterial ecosystem. L’Oreal’s research has found a connection between the skin microbiome and certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and eczema.

German skincare startup Skinmade has in-store kiosks that create skin creams custom-made for each client. The machine analyzes a client’s skin condition, then processes the results using cloud-based machine learning algorithms that determine the formula of the cream. The product is then quickly formulated within and dispensed by the machine.

At select Lancôme makeup counters, the cosmetics brand's color experts scan shoppers’ faces with a handheld device in order to determine their exact skin tone. From there, they use an in-store machine to mix a foundation that matches skin colors exactly. The custom foundation is ready in seconds, and the bottles come labeled with shopper’s unique complexion IDs for easy refills.

Beauty brand Neutrogena uses 3D printing to create personalized sheet masks. Using the Neutrogena Skin 360 app and their smartphone camera, users take a series of selfies to create a precise map of their face, dividing it into six distinct zones. The app then analyzes their individual skin concerns, such as dryness and discolorations, and makes recommendations for a combination of ingredients to target these concerns. Using a proprietary 3D-printing process, the ingredients are printed on a custom-fit mask on the exact zones of the face where they will deliver the most benefit.

Whether through added services, resale marketplaces or showrooms, brands are increasingly recognizing the imperative to make a P2P Play in order to enhance their overall customer experience and create more meaningful, long-lasting relationships with consumers

In partnership with Suzy, PSFK research reveals that tomorrow's consumers will expect increasingly personalized and localized offers and experiences that go beyond mere transactions

Prior to PSFK's Future Of Retail Conference 2020, YourStudio's co-founder and creative director Howard Sullivan explains why the next gen of retail stores will fulfill consumers with service and spirit instead of stuff

Seven shifts tracked by PSFK reports that will continue to drive retail, CX and shopper experience innovation over the next decade.

Solution provider AxleHire tells PSFK why delivery is one of the few areas where retailers can truly differentiate—and how his end-to-end platform helps enable last-mile service to drive clients' success

University NYU develops a smart dresser prototype to aid dementia patients in the process of getting dressed. The technology creates independence for people with dementia. Using a tablet, located on the top of a five drawer dresser, the display directs the wearer into how to dress. Lights guide the wearer into the next article of clothing to put on and simplifies the dressing process. Though, if the dresser runs into difficulties a caregiver can be notified for assistance.

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