Staying abreast of global trends is crucial In the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, At Fronteer, our mission is to deliver cutting-edge strategies and innovations, which involves delving deeply into emerging trends and developments. Our approach integrates both comprehensive research and immersive experiences to provide our clients with the most relevant insights and inspiration.
Insight and inspiration: the heart of our process
Every Fronteer, project begins with a strategic challenge posed by the client. Our process kicks off with an intense exploration phase focused on gaining “insight and inspiration”. This stage is critical as it combines rigorous trend research with real-world experiences. While we diligently scan the online space and venture into the real world to observe developments, we also believe in the power of client involvement. Clients often grapple with their challenges for extended periods, which can make it difficult for them to pivot and embrace new ideas. To bridge this gap, we introduce Parallel Perspectives—a full-day immersion workshop designed to shake up their perspectives and inspire fresh thinking.
Parallel Perspectives: a journey of discovery
Parallel Perspectives is more than just a workshop; it’s an experiential journey. We take clients on a full-day road trip to engage with various companies and experts. Our expert team dissects the client’s challenge and searches for innovative angles by exploring parallel industries, connecting with thought-leaders, and studying best practices. The goal is to uncover new perspectives and insights that can be applied to the client’s challenge.
For instance, we’ve taken Westland Kaas to soap makers in London to explore sensory retail techniques and visited Denim City with Heineken to discuss modernizing their craft with denim brand Denham. The most impactful insights often emerge from the most unexpected places.
Uncovering trends and innovations
Over the past year, Parallel Perspectives has explored several fascinating trends and innovations:
- New premium
One notable trend is the concept of “the new premium”. This refers to how premium experiences and products are evolving. For example, we visited Saints & Stars, a luxury gym that redefines premium with its indulgent design and personalized member experience. Similarly, The Grey, a Dutch skincare brand, exemplifies the new premium by offering a complete, engaging experience beyond just the product.
- Win-win partnerships
Effective partnerships are key to expanding reach and creating value. We examined the collaboration between Sonos and IKEA, which merged audio technology with furniture design. This partnership allowed Sonos to gain exposure to IKEA’s massive customer base. We also explored Rapha’s strategic partnerships, such as their exclusive collaborations with artists and sponsorship of the EF Education First Pro Cycling Team, which blend local cultural elements with global reach.
- Next generations
Understanding future generations is vital for staying relevant. We spoke with Youngworks to grasp what fascinates younger audiences. The agency highlighted that brands need to move beyond simple generational thinking and consider various life stages and contexts. This nuanced understanding helps brands connect more deeply with younger demographics.
The impact of Parallel Perspectives
Parallel Perspectives often stands out as a highlight of our projects. These immersive days leave us—and our clients—energized, with heads full of ideas and notebooks brimming with inspiration. For clients, these workshops are an opportunity to step away from their daily routines, approach their challenges with a fresh mindset, and identify new opportunities. It’s a powerful way to kick off a project and set the stage for co-creating innovative solutions.
Join us in exploring new horizons
Parallel Perspectives is just one part of our approach to innovation. If you’re intrigued by how this immersive experience can benefit your business or want to learn more about our methodologies, we invite you to reach out. Let’s explore new horizons together and turn insights into impactful strategies and solutions.