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FuturistU > Innovation & Change > Ability to Change > Module 6 / 7

Linear Thinking

Instructor: Jeremy Gutsche
In this module, Jeremy introduces the the concept of linear thinking and its impact on our ability to accurately predict and plan for the future. Unfortunately, our human brains are not designed for our exponentially evolving world. We understand that our world is changing, but we assume the next interval of change will be similar to the last. We have a very difficult time understanding the compounding impact of change.

This module also touches on the pace of change and how it continues to accelerate with each passing year. Throughout the module, you'll discover examples that showcase this acceleration and you'll also learn tactics on how you can better position yourself and your business to stay ahead of competitors.
Workshop Questions:
1. Realizing how much has changed, in so many categories, how much has changed in your world?
2. Create a list of a dozen far-future innovations in your industry and simulate how you would react if your competitor surprised you by releasing those innovations.
3. What can you do now to set yourself up for success during the next interval of change?
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Immersive Escapism
Entertainment venues transport consumers beyond traditional experiences
Trend - Entertainment brands are investing in fully immersive spaces that blur the lines between reality and digital fantasy. These venues use advanced projection mapping, spatial audio, and multi-sensory elements to create environments where visitors can step into different worlds without leaving the city.
Workshop Question - How can we design experiences that transport our audience beyond their routine environment and immerse them in transformative adventures?
6.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Positivity Platform
Social platforms with a positive focus rebel against the negative internet
Trend - New online platforms, whether private or social-focused, are launching with a focus on positivity and compliments. Some such platforms are powered by AI, while some are community-driven. However, each are designed to offer positive breaks from the negative nature of popular content platforms.
Workshop Question - How might we create a positive and uplifting experience for our audience to counteract the negativity often found in digital environments?
4.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Gamified Storefront
Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
7.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Eco-Digital Economy
Brands are leveraging technology for sustainability and economic growth
Trend - In the era of eco-digital advancement, brands are leveraging digital technologies that not only generate economic value but also prioritize environmental and social benefits. By leveraging tools like AI for efficiency, blockchain for transparency, and synthetic biology for sustainability, brands aim to reduce waste, improve supply chain sustainability, and drive business value.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage technology to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and meaningful sustainability practices, while aligning with the growing consumer demand for "innovation with a conscience"?
5.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Sustainable De-Influencing
Brands launch campaigns that highlight the danger of overconsumption
Trend - On social media, especially platforms like TikTok, the "de-influencing" trend is gaining traction. This movement flips the script on traditional influencer marketing by encouraging users to critically analyze trending products and resist impulsive purchases. De-influencers often expose potential drawbacks of popular items, prompting a shift in consumer behavior. As this movement gains traction, brands are strategically engaging in de-influencing campaigns to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.
Workshop Question - In an era marked by growing skepticism towards influencer-led consumerism, how can your brand authentically contribute to sustainable practices and engage customers in meaningful ways?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Virtual Scent
Scent-releasing devices are used in virtual reality applications for immersion
Trend - New products are being developed that monitor virtual reality environments and release scents accordingly. These devices store scents via fluid or wax pads, and can custom-mix sources to produce more scent varieties. This is designed to enhance immersion in entertainment or for scent therapy.
Workshop Question - How could your brand utilize scent-based technology with its products or services?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Discovery
Map applications are being upgraded with artificial intelligence-powered features
Trend - Map application developers are integrating artificial intelligence-powered features into their apps. These features improve the user's ability to locate themselves without a signal, identify nearby points of interest, and quickly access relevant data, such as weather.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the features and functionalities of your products or services?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Novice
Artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent alongside services teaching the basics
Trend - As AI becomes more prevalent due to well-known apps such as ChatGPT, consumers feel a growing push to both understand and utilize the technology more confidently. New technologies can be intimidating, especially when the technology is one with such magnitude as artificial intelligence. These services aim to lower the barrier to entry.
Workshop Question - How can your brand develop services that demystify artificial intelligence and help consumers feel more confident in utilizing the technology?
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Daily Automation
Advanced robots are being used to automate simple to complex tasks
Trend - Robotics companies are launching advanced robots capable of automating tasks in the workplace and the home. These robots have dexterous limbs, precision accuracy, and reliable problem-solving skills. Businesses are using these to automate simple and menial to complex jobs in the workplace.
Workshop Question - How could your brand benefit from access to advanced robotic workers?
5.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Infrared Fashion
Brands are utilizing infrared technology to create activewear and outerwear
Trend - Infrared technology is becoming commonplace in fashion as brands attempt to address problems that active consumers face. Infrared clothing is often made from lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking materials, making it comfortable to wear during physical activity. The style is also popular amongst fashion-forward consumers, as these pieces typically adopt contemporary design cues.
Workshop Question - How can your brand experiment with different forms of technology to give its product/service a competitive edge?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends