Top 11 Innovative Products And Services Of 2014
I write about innovation, marketing and brand-building.
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
At
the end of each semester, I ask my business school students to share
what they think are the best new products or services of the year. Given
how international, digitally savvy, and current the students are, it’s a
great way for us all to learn about standout innovations. Here are 11
of my favorites across a range of industries, and why I believe they’re a
win for both consumers and the idea originators.
ClassPass: Currently operates in 20 US cities. From $79-$99/month (varies by city) for unlimited lessons from a wide range of boutique fitness studios: from cycling to pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more. The stipulation is no more than 3 classes from the same studio in that month. The site is extremely user friendly and answers every question prospective users would want to know. It’s a win for consumers because ClassPass enables them to explore a range of exercise options far more affordably than was ever possible. It’s a win for small studios, including new concepts, because it increases their awareness and trial in a low cost manner. More people try than otherwise would, because the cost per class is so incredibly low and users want to get their monthly money’s worth. To a large extent, ClassPass users utilize slots that would go empty, so there is little incremental cost to the boutique studios. Because classes seem fuller as a result, they appear more popular. The studios hope to convert some of the trials into more permanent memberships. ClassPass is also great for the fitness class industry because it encourages more people to enter the market and try as many different exercise options as possible in a short time frame; And because those consumers are motivated to exercise as often as possible during the month, the exercise is more likely to turn into a habit.
Bluesmart Suitcase: This genius suitcase solves the most concerning problems travellers have with their luggage in ways previously unimaginable. It’s a prime example of how technology can transform something very basic and functional and solve age-old problems. Bluetooth tracks the location via a proximity heat map. GPS helps find the suitcase if it’s missing over a longer distance. A built-in digital scale weighs bags so you can easily tell if it’s overweight, and a built-in battery lets users charge devices. A digital lock lets users lock their suitcases with their smartphones, and if users get separated from their luggage, they can lock the suitcase remotely. A large, easily accessible, outside pocket on the carry-on version makes it much easy to access just the laptop when going through airport security. The Bluesmart suitcase is priced comparably to other high-end luggage, so the value added is great.
Christian Louboutin Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin is to my mind, one of the most innovative people on the planet. The most recent category he’s entered is nail polish, pioneering a new luxury segment. Everything about his new nail polish screams unique/different/innovative/luxurious. The patented design of the 8-inch tall bottle, with a pointed spire, reminiscent of his iconic ballet flat spike heel, is a statement by itself. Too tall to fit in an average mirrored bathroom cabinet, it’s likely to be displayed in the open, like a form of art. The glass bottle is faceted like a jewel. On display, it’s a conversation piece that reflects on the creative taste of the owner. The $50 bottle comes in a tiny smart looking patent leather box covering the base, making it a fun gift item. The brush shape is triangular and is said to eliminate air bubbles when applied. Because the unique formulation results in 2 coats looking like 20 for ordinary polishes, the price might not be as high as it seems.
LANCÔME PARIS GRANDIÔSE Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara: The
unique curved, patented “swan neck” wand makes it easier to reach all
parts of your eyelashes. The flower shape of the brush coats eyelashes
more evenly and completely, and the formula uses “rose-cell extract” to
keep eyelashes “soft and supple”. Each element has a unique “reason why”
it’s superior that sounds compelling to prospective users. In
particular, the unique wand shape, is a strong visual indicator of
overcoming what has historically been a key product category negative:
The difficulty straight wands have in fully reaching the opposite eye’s
lashes.
ClassPass: Currently operates in 20 US cities. From $79-$99/month (varies by city) for unlimited lessons from a wide range of boutique fitness studios: from cycling to pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more. The stipulation is no more than 3 classes from the same studio in that month. The site is extremely user friendly and answers every question prospective users would want to know. It’s a win for consumers because ClassPass enables them to explore a range of exercise options far more affordably than was ever possible. It’s a win for small studios, including new concepts, because it increases their awareness and trial in a low cost manner. More people try than otherwise would, because the cost per class is so incredibly low and users want to get their monthly money’s worth. To a large extent, ClassPass users utilize slots that would go empty, so there is little incremental cost to the boutique studios. Because classes seem fuller as a result, they appear more popular. The studios hope to convert some of the trials into more permanent memberships. ClassPass is also great for the fitness class industry because it encourages more people to enter the market and try as many different exercise options as possible in a short time frame; And because those consumers are motivated to exercise as often as possible during the month, the exercise is more likely to turn into a habit.
Bluesmart Suitcase: This genius suitcase solves the most concerning problems travellers have with their luggage in ways previously unimaginable. It’s a prime example of how technology can transform something very basic and functional and solve age-old problems. Bluetooth tracks the location via a proximity heat map. GPS helps find the suitcase if it’s missing over a longer distance. A built-in digital scale weighs bags so you can easily tell if it’s overweight, and a built-in battery lets users charge devices. A digital lock lets users lock their suitcases with their smartphones, and if users get separated from their luggage, they can lock the suitcase remotely. A large, easily accessible, outside pocket on the carry-on version makes it much easy to access just the laptop when going through airport security. The Bluesmart suitcase is priced comparably to other high-end luggage, so the value added is great.
Christian Louboutin Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin is to my mind, one of the most innovative people on the planet. The most recent category he’s entered is nail polish, pioneering a new luxury segment. Everything about his new nail polish screams unique/different/innovative/luxurious. The patented design of the 8-inch tall bottle, with a pointed spire, reminiscent of his iconic ballet flat spike heel, is a statement by itself. Too tall to fit in an average mirrored bathroom cabinet, it’s likely to be displayed in the open, like a form of art. The glass bottle is faceted like a jewel. On display, it’s a conversation piece that reflects on the creative taste of the owner. The $50 bottle comes in a tiny smart looking patent leather box covering the base, making it a fun gift item. The brush shape is triangular and is said to eliminate air bubbles when applied. Because the unique formulation results in 2 coats looking like 20 for ordinary polishes, the price might not be as high as it seems.
(Credit: AP Photo/Christian Louboutin)
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source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/michellegreenwald/2015/01/12/top-11-innovative-products-and-services-of-2014/#32272771492f
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