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FuturistU > Tactics > The 18 Megatrends > Module 1 / 7

Intro to Megatrends

Instructor: Armida Ascano
Megatrends
Download the Megatrends Trend Report
Every major or minor shift in a given industry can be traced back to evolving consumer desires. To understand where your opportunities lie, you need an understanding of what your customer truly wants and why. The 18 Megatrends matrix unpacks consumer desire using Trend Hunter's Patterns of Opportunity as a base.

Our Chief Insights Officer, Armida Ascano, will guide you through the methodology of the 18 Megatrends, what each of them means, and how to effectively use them. If you're looking to implement more consumer-centricity into your product or service, this course is perfect for you.
Related Trend Report: Megatrends
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Evolved Education
Post-secondary institutions offer courses specific to Gen Z's hobbies and habits
Trend - Schools are targeting the skills and industries that Gen Z is making influential. In order to maintain their relevance in a rapidly evolving learning environment, honing in on students' personal hobbies and the skills they're self-taught in keeps these institutions evolving with their target market.
Workshop Question - How is your brand evolving with the cultural changes that Gen Z's influence has caused?
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Dine-In Tech
Technology to improve the dining experience through guest insights is on the rise
Trend - The restaurant and QSR industries are bouncing back from the Pandemic by better gathering insights on what consumers care about. Technologies dedicated to listening to and implementing suggestions for improving the dining experience are increasing in popularity. This can be done by gathering data on ordering platforms, surveys, and more.
Workshop Question - How could you better bridge the gap between your various guests' often opposing needs?
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Shoppable TV
Streamers introduce interactive ads to shorten the gap between content and checkout
Trend - Streamers are experimenting with Connected TV technology (CTV), which leverages QR codes, content overlays, and second-screen prompts to allow viewers to instantaneously shop the products that they see on screen. This includes products seen in commercials as well as those featured in actual shows.
Workshop Question - How could your brand take advantage of innovative advertising tactics, like those introduced by Connected TV technology?
5.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
SMS Support
Text-based customer support services prioritize convenience and quick communication
Trend - Traditional forms of customer support like going in-store or calling in and being put on hold are slowly being pushed aside for more modern, convenient options. Now, SMS-based customer support programs offer quicker service that requires less patience from both parties.
Workshop Question - How could your brand reduce friction in the customer service journey?
4.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Metaverse Support
The customer service experience will become more immersive through the metaverse
Trend - As the metaverse expands, customer service in the metaverse is becoming a recognized innovation that can create more valuable support experiences. Brands in this space are already finding ways to better engage with customers that foster mutual empathy and more efficient processes.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use the metaverse to enhance its customer support services?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Affordable Milestone
Traditional milestones are made accessible for the post-pandemic Millennial
Trend - Conventional adult milestones, such as buying a home or having children, are more difficult for the Millennial generation to achieve than ever due to the financial situation post-pandemic. Apps and services that make these milestones more accessible provide consolation and compromise.
Workshop Question - How can you better assist your Millennial customer in achieving their goals?
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Augmented B2B
As AR technology underperforms in the consumer space, it finds a home in B2B
Trend - AR/VR/MR consumer products are still fairly niched among consumers; however, these technologies increase in popularity in the B2B space. This is seen in employee onboarding, cross-company collaboration, sales, and beyond. Though the business world is becoming increasingly virtual, immersive technologies help retain sensory connections.
Workshop Question - Where in your business could the use of immersive technologies be beneficial?
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sustainable Label
Emerging private label brands prioritize sustainability
Trend - Brands are releasing private label lines that prioritize sustainability as they see demand in this space grow. Everything from activewear to beauty products are being released by brands looking to add eco-consciousness to their portfolios.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing sustainability?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Medicinal Waste
Medical and health products are created with upcycled waste
Trend - The health industry is now prioritizing waste-reduction by taking components of products that would normally be thrown away, and turning them into everything from PPE to bandages and supplements.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing sustainability and waste-reduction?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sustainable Test
Medical testing devices are updated with sustainability in mind
Trend - Brands are emphasizing a more eco-conscious approach to manufacturing in healthcare and, in doing so, are pioneering a number of consumer-facing sustainable and biodegradable medical testing devices. This does not only include specialized tests but also general testing equipment.
Workshop Question - How can your brand help create a more sustainable healthcare experience?
5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends