Part 6/8:
While design innovation is critical, Francois acknowledges that widespread adoption hinges not just on appearance and functionality but also on societal acceptance. The question remains: Will masks ever feel as natural and cool as other wearable tech? Can they achieve the same badge-of-style status?
He draws parallels with the success of Beats, which became a cultural phenomenon partly thanks to celebrity endorsements and strategic marketing. The endorsement of artists like Gwen Stefani or will.i.am turned Beats into a symbol of identity, not just a tool for listening to music.