In this episode of Round Table, Heyang, Yushun, and Steve Hatherly discuss the global craze surrounding "ugly-cute" toys like Labubu and Jellycat, exploring their appeal to young adults as collectibles and fashion statements, fueled by blind box marketing strategies, celebrity endorsements, and social media influence. They delve into the science behind the attraction to "ugly-cute" items, highlighting the element of surprise and humor they evoke, and also discuss the rise of AI-powered plant identification apps in China, which are transforming how people connect with nature by providing information, poetic references, and plant care advice, ultimately sparking greater interest in outdoor exploration.
