💡 Start My Idea: Weekly Report 10/03/2024

Hey there,

Welcome to this week’s Start My Idea report, where we spotlight early-stage companies and emerging products that are grabbing attention in the market. Let's dive in!

TRENDS TO WATCH
📈 Weekly Trends to Watch

Let’s take a look at what’s gaining traction this week. From cool new products to growing trends, here are the ones on the rise:

'Blanding' Still Going Strong: The Minimalist Branding Trend

"Blanding" refers to the trend of companies simplifying their logos and visual identities, often resulting in minimalistic designs with flat graphics and muted color palettes. While this approach aims to enhance functionality and user experience, it can lead to challenges in brand differentiation as many companies start to look similar. Recent examples, like PayPal's logo refresh, highlight the ongoing debate about whether this trend undermines brand identity. Critics argue that while simplicity enhances digital recognition, it may also sacrifice visual distinctiveness.

ManyChat : Automating Business Communication

ManyChat is a chatbot platform helping businesses automate communication through Facebook Messenger, SMS, and Instagram DMs—without any coding required. By creating interactive chatbots, businesses can enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. Searches for “ManyChat” have increased by 162% in the past 12 months. The chatbot market is booming, expected to reach $20.8 billion by 2029, with chatbots handling 65% of business-to-consumer communications by 2025.

Mouth Tape: The Sleep Hack Trending on TikTok

Mouth tape, an adhesive placed over the mouth during sleep, is becoming popular for improving breathing efficiency, reducing snoring, and enhancing overall sleep quality. Endorsed by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Graham, searches for “mouth tape” have increased by 39% over the past 12 months. This trend is part of the SleepTok meta trend on TikTok, where hashtags like #sleeptips and #sleeptok have amassed thousands of posts.

PDRN: The Next Big Thing in Korean Skincare

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), derived from salmon DNA, is gaining popularity for its regenerative properties in skincare. It promotes cell growth and repair, making it effective for wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and anti-inflammatory applications. Searches for “PDRN” have surged by 822% in the past two years, driven by Korean beauty brands like Banobagi. This trend is part of the broader Korean Skincare movement, with searches for “k-beauty” more than doubling in the last five years.

WEEKLY IDEAS
💡 Your Weekly Business Ideas

Based on this week's trends, here are some quick-start ideas you could consider:

BrandCraft Workshops: DIY Branding for Small Businesses

• Description: Offer BrandCraft Workshops, interactive sessions that teach small business owners how to create unique and effective branding without falling into the "blanding" trap. Provide resources, tools, and templates to help businesses develop their own logos, color schemes, and visual identities that stand out while remaining modern and user-friendly.

SleepWell Kits: Mouth Tape and Sleep Enhancement Products

• Description: Create SleepWell Kits, offering mouth tape products alongside other sleep-enhancing items like nasal strips, calming teas, and sleep masks. Market the kits as a holistic solution for better sleep quality. Leverage the SleepTok trend by collaborating with influencers on TikTok and providing educational content on the benefits of nasal breathing during sleep.

ChatEase Solutions: Simplified Chatbot Implementation

• Description: Establish ChatEase Solutions, a service that helps small to medium-sized businesses implement and customize chatbots using platforms like ManyChat. Offer end-to-end solutions including chatbot design, integration, and training without the need for coding. Focus on enhancing customer engagement and automating communication to improve business efficiency.

BrandRevive Agency: Standing Out Amid 'Blanding'

• Description: Launch BrandRevive, a branding agency that specializes in creating distinctive visual identities for companies in the era of minimalistic "blanding." Offer services that balance simplicity with unique design elements to ensure brands stand out. Provide custom logo design, brand storytelling, and marketing strategies that emphasize individuality and brand differentiation.

EXPIRING PATENTS
💡 Your Weekly Expiring Patents

Once a patent expires, its technology becomes available for public use. Here are our top picks for this week’s expiring patents:

💡 Customizable LED Night Lights

• Patent: LED night light or cover light has multiple functions.

• Idea: Design and sell LED night lights with customizable features like color-changing LEDs, motion sensors, or themed designs for children's rooms.

• Where to Start: Create simple designs that plug into standard outlets. Source affordable LED components and partner with a manufacturer. Sell your products online through platforms like Etsy or Amazon.

• Link: US11121513B2 

💡 Desktop Power Stations with USB Charging Ports

• Patent: Quickly charger has USB charging-ports for desktop power station or lighting device.

• Idea: Develop and market compact desktop power stations equipped with multiple USB charging ports for home or office use.

• Where to Start: Design a sleek and functional power station. Collaborate with an electronics manufacturer to produce your product. Promote it on e-commerce sites and through social media marketing.

• Link: US10574069B2

💡 Affordable Hinged Ankle Braces

• Patent: Hinged ankle brace.

• Idea: Produce comfortable and affordable hinged ankle braces for athletes or individuals recovering from ankle injuries.

• Where to Start: Consult with healthcare professionals to refine the design. Find a manufacturer specializing in medical devices. Market your braces to sports stores, physiotherapy clinics, and online shoppers.

• Link: US11039948B2

💡 Easy Website Content Management Service

• Patent: Methods and systems for website content management.

• Idea: Offer a service that helps small businesses create and manage their website content using easy-to-use templates.

• Where to Start: Utilize website building platforms to create customizable templates. Provide your services to local businesses lacking an online presence. Advertise through local networking events and social media.

• Link: US10929599B1

💡 Home Monitoring App Using Smartphone Sensors

• Patent: Handheld home monitoring sensors network device.

• Idea: Develop a simple home security app that uses a smartphone's built-in sensors (like the microphone and camera) to monitor for unusual activity when the user is away.

• Where to Start: Create an app that can detect sounds or movements and send alerts to the user. Focus on user privacy and data security. Offer the app on app stores with a free basic version and premium features.

• Link: US11844621B2