Technology Scouting
Enhancing Consumer Experience Through Multisensory Innovation
Client overview
Our client was a global FMCG manufacturer with a wide range of products and brands in its portfolio. There has been a shift in how consumers are engaging with brands with a growing focus on the overall experience. Rather than focusing solely on selling products, brands are creating memorable experiences that resonate with consumers to build stronger emotional connections. Consumers are increasingly relying on online and immersive technologies (such as the metaverse) when socialising with friends and family, and are desiring more experiential, multisensory experiences. The client was therefore looking to develop innovative technological solutions that will enhance consumers’ experience of consumption, improving interaction and engagement while offering their customers the emotional and psychological benefits to encourage purchase.
The search
Strategic Allies Ltd (SAL) performed a technology scouting exercise to seek potential partners with the capability to develop technologies for delivering a combination of digital senses (i.e. taste/flavour, smell/aroma, touch/haptics, audio/sound and visual/sight). SAL identified and engaged in detailed conversations with various technology providers globally (including universities, start-ups, SMEs, etc.) to understand the opportunities and limitations of any potential technological solutions, while exploring how the client could incorporate these into their brands. SAL reviewed and presented the most relevant opportunities, which included technologies at various levels of development, from early prototyping stage to those that were commercially available. Each technology was assessed based on a selection of key criteria (e.g. availability, affordability, versatility, technology maturity, etc.) to evaluate applicability to the client’s use case. SAL gathered and presented all insights in a report to be used by the client as material for stimulating discussion within its wider team to help define future company strategy.
“….brilliant, well-conducted research”
“…it’s really valuable to have the presentations and conversation with SAL”
Outcome
SAL interviewed and presented 20 technology providers to the client – Detailed technology offerings and company capabilities were presented along with supporting literature. The client is in the process of reviewing these and aim to have direct discussions with selected ones.
In addition, SAL has also captured another 20 potentially promising technological solutions in the report, to be used as a stimulus material for the client’s internal workshop and brainstorming exercise.