– Presenting trends for the first half of 2026… Report released featuring seven key keywords by category
– Growth of ultra-compact tech, home beauty, and preference-based projects… Core consumption patterns projected for 2026
– Wadiz School exclusively releases the full-length video covering product planning and successful crowdfunding strategies
Wadiz(CEO Shin Hye-seong, www.wadiz.kr) has released its '2026 First Half Trend Report' and presented seven major trend keywords that will drive consumer changes next year.
Wadizoffers seven distinct keywords: △ Thriving Amidst Recession (RACING) △ Hyper-Personalized Choices (SCENE) △ A Single, Unwavering Strength (FOCUS) △ The Journey to Complete Your Own Beauty△Demanding Choices for Our Children (PICKY) △Personalized Keywords (PERSONAL) △Adding Value to My Daily Life (WORTH).
This report analyzed rapidly rising keywords by category and funding amounts per project based on over 12,000 projects throughout 2025. It examined consumer trends for the first half of 2026 across seven sectors: tech & home appliances, home living, fashion, beauty & food, kids & pets, leisure, sports & activities, and publishing, art & goods.
First, in 2025, a trend emerged across all categories where individual choices became increasingly specialized based on personal preferences and functionality. Notably, △compact and lightweight ultra-small tech items △home beauty devices delivering professional results at home △projects with distinct concepts reflecting specific tastes showed particularly strong growth.
The trend for the first half of 2026 is expected to see this 'taste and function-driven consumption' pattern become even more pronounced.
First, small and lightweight 'ultra-compact' tech products are representative examples. As seen with the 'PicoPulse' mini PC, which raised 470 million won in its first funding round in 2025, demand for products combining portability and performance is expected to continue into 2026.
In the kids' sector, as evidenced by the case of the national infant mat 'Cream House' Pre2S Foldable Mat achieving 2,000% of its funding goal, 'functional products' that address clear needs like safety and durability are expected to become the core driver of consumption.
Additionally, in the publishing, art, and merchandise categories, 'taste- and fandom-based consumption' is expanding, as seen in successful cases like the official Tadao Ando art book (4 billion won) and the drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' merchandise (global crowdfunding across 33 countries). This trend suggests that creative, IP-centered projects will continue to thrive.
A Wadiz representative stated, "Wadizis a space that serves as a starting point for new challenges and global expansion," adding, "We hope this trend report provides practical direction for makers preparing for the 2026 market, and that the '2026 Trend Makers' special exhibition becomes an opportunity for more brands to leap onto the global stage."
Meanwhile, the Trend Report will also be released as a video on December 12th on theWadiz Maker Center YouTube Channel' (www.youtube.com/@wadiz_makercenter) to help makers easily grasp the key points. The full version containing successful funding strategies will be exclusively available onWadiz School' (www.wadiz.kr/web/school/main).
Additionally, through the '2026 Trend Maker' special exhibition, we plan to provide opportunities to meet more customers in the new year, supporting the brand's market expansion.
