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Bonus Workshop

Instructor: Jeremy Gutsche
When you envision how the near future might look, It's likely you cite changes that are perhaps already taking place. This module highlights an activity to fast-track your thinking and rework how you view time and progress.

By internalizing the pace of change that has already happened, you’ll realize that your far-future predictions are likely not that far off. The exercise highlighted in this module will help you prepare for it.
Workshop Questions:
1. If you could turn back time to 5 years ago, what would you change about your brand's plans? What would you keep?
2. What is one industry shift that has greatly impacted your business that you didn't see coming?
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Smart Gardening
Brands Launch Smart Systems That Automate and Monitor Home Gardens
Trend - Gardening brands are releasing AI‑powered tools such as smart irrigation systems, soil and light sensors, plant‑health apps, and automated indoor or outdoor garden units that monitor conditions and adjust care. These systems use data, machine learning and custom controls to simplify gardening.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage automation and data-driven technology to simplify and enhance the user experience in our industry?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Modular Biosensor
Health wearables featuring replaceable biosensors gain popularity
Trend - Brands release smart wearables with modular, swappable sensor modules sold separately; users slot cartridges or plug‑in modules into a durable hub to replace failed parts, add features, or buy upgrades. Products include sealed cartridges, standardized slots, and apps to manage modules.
Workshop Question - How might your brand incorporate modular components into your products or services to enhance longevity and user customization?
8.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Microtasking
In the spirit of automating what you hate, AI services assist in small admin tasks
Trend - Though some tech enthusiasts believe AI should be used in every facet of life, some believe it's smarter to "automate what you hate." This means using AI to reduce time spent on mundane tasks. Services that focus on AI used in hyper-specific, repetitive workplace tasks lend credit to this approach.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI to automate mundane tasks specific to our industry, enhancing efficiency and freeing up creative resources?
4.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Screen Management
Brands are releasing screen time management tools for mental and physical health
Trend - Brands are rolling out screen time management apps that combine real-time usage tracking, customizable app and website limits, timed focus sessions, and gentle behavioral prompts. The intent is to help users curb digital distractions and reclaim productivity and balance.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure its consumers interact with products or services in a healthy and secure manner?
5.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Regenerative Cotton
Home textile brands increasingly design products with regenerative cotton
Trend - Brands are launching sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers made from cotton that’s grown using regenerative agricultural practices. These methods aim to restore and enhance soil health, increase biodiversity, and capture carbon, helping mitigate climate change in the home textiles industry.
Workshop Question - How can your brand back up its sustainability claims?
4.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Retail Lounge
Retailers are launching experiential events to enhance connections to consumers
Trend - Retailers in various industries, such as department stores, luxury brands, and more, are launching in-store lounges and experiential events. These events are designed to enhance the comfort of shoppers while deepening the connection between the shoppers and the brand.
Workshop Question - How can we create experiential in-store events that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen their connection to our brand?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
ADHD Planner
Specialized planning tools emerge to support individuals with ADHD manage daily tasks
Trend - The rising awareness and diagnosis of ADHD has led to increased demand for specialized organizational tools. These planners incorporate features specifically designed for neurodivergent thinking patterns, including unique time management systems, visual cues, and simplified task tracking methods.
Workshop Question - How can we create tools that cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals in everyday tasks?
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Analog
AI technology integrated into traditional physical items marries the old with the new
Trend - Many consumers, especially younger Millennials and older members of Gen Z, are experiencing digital fatigue. Ironically, artificial intelligence can be the remedy to this as this technology does not require screen time to be effective. AI features integrated into analog objects are an example of this compromise.
Workshop Question - What other ways can your team imagine to satisfy the competing consumer desires to stay connected while reducing screentime?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
In-Game Advertisement
Gaming companies are allowing non-intrusive in-game live advertisements
Trend - Game developers are implementing live billboard advertisements into their games. These advertisements are non-intrusive, meaning they exist in the game world but do not inhibit the players' interaction with the games. This is a value-add for advertisers while adding legitimacy to the game world.
Workshop Question - How could your brand ensure it is advertising its products or services through its best-suited medium?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Running Clubs
Running clubs soar in popularity as individuals look to connect in real life
Trend - Running clubs are soaring in popularity and brands are tapping these groups for sampling opportunities and sponsorships. These clubs provide a structured and social environment for runners of all levels, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage the growing desire for real-life connections and community-focused activities to foster stronger customer engagement?
4.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends