Uncovering unmet needs to inspire future products
A global athletic apparel brand
PROJECT CONTEXT: As we age, we become increasingly diverse in our experiences. This is true from biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. However, older individuals often find themselves reduced to tired stereotypes. In fact, women aged 50-65 are grappling with some of life’s most challenging situations: career advancement and changes, caregiving and grief, as well as personal reinvention and resilience. They also experience physical changes that are frequently misunderstood and highly personal. We collaborated with a global athletic brand to explore the authentic experiences and unmet needs of women aged 50–65. Going beyond common clichés, we aimed to understand their motivations, pressures, and how the brand could engage meaningfully to support their ongoing growth. WHAT WE DID: We participated in a ballet class with a late comer to the dance world, met a 70-year-old preparing for a Himalayan climb, and took part in CrossFit and spin classes with women who are challenging stereotypes about aging and fitness. Participants were recruited through a combination of our client’s guest panel and targeted grassroots methods involving gym owners and personal trainers across Canada and the U.S. Our research utilized a mix of ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and expert discussions with movement coaches, gym owners, and trainers focused on women's and midlife fitness. THE OUTCOME: We conducted an interactive strategy workshop with the client team to convert insights into actionable strategies. Together, we pinpointed five new areas for innovation, each based on genuine behaviors, unmet needs, and challenges. For every opportunity, we outlined the steps needed for success and examined the competitive landscape relevant to each area, whether established or emerging. The outcome was a well-defined and culturally informed roadmap for product innovation, aimed not just at "older women," but at any woman seeking to strengthen her identity and embrace reinvention on her own terms.