Untapped Thinking

The British Beauty Council’s “Future of Beauty” event this week was one of the most intelligently curated industry gatherings we’ve seen in quite a long time. Every panel was deliberate, with a mix of business leaders, founders, scientists and creatives who together told a story of an economically valuable industry, evolving faster than ever. For R&D leaders in FMCG, who don’t often get the luxury of stepping outside the business, there were some powerful takeaways on how consumer relevance, science, and creativity can work better together.

Packing Innovation On Show At London Packaging Week 2025
Two days at London Packaging Week left me energised by many examples of how packaging is evolving. As a user-centric product developer, I see this convergence between feeling and function as the most exciting design frontier – where empathy, inclusivity and circularity meet creativity and impact.

In today’s innovation landscape, R&D teams are navigating a complex, high-stakes environment. The pressure is on to deliver products that are not only advanced and scalable, but also deeply resonant with real human needs. In this context, AI is emerging as a game changing innovation co-pilot, accelerating critical delivery milestones.

So how can R&D teams continue to amplify emerging AI capabilities in a way that is strategic and effective, leading to consistent future breakthroughs?

As FMCG R&D leaders seek to develop breakthrough innovations in an increasingly competitive and cost-conscious environment, the latest Holland & Barrett flagship store offers a compelling case study. More than just a retail refresh, this space represents a radical rethinking of how consumers discover, engage with, and trust wellness products. No longer can R&D focus solely on the in-use experience of a product; the moment of discovery is now just as critical. Here are ten strategic lessons designed specifically for R&D leaders who want to be more user-led while managing the realities of innovation speed and cost.

Image Credit – Holland & Barrett.

“Untapped Innovation leverages user data and promotes collaboration to provide organisations with a road map for success through its Ideal Product Model Blueprint” The Independent

The WIRED Health Conference in London highlighted the future of healthcare, extending beyond medicine to consumer health and lifestyle. Innovations like microbiome-friendly habits and AI-driven longevity have major implications for FMCG brands, influencing skincare, nutrition, and home-care industries.