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FuturistU > Innovation & Change > Ability to Change > Module 5 / 7

Optionality

Instructor: Jeremy Gutsche
This module introduces the concept of optionality and looks how decisions we make today can limit our choices and opportunities of the future. We tend to make decisions that get short-term results, not realizing that certain choices can fix us to the path we are on and reduce our future potential. Optionality is about making decisions that increase our future choices.

To illustrate the impacts of optionality, Jeremy highlights examples from the CPG industry and his own journey building Trend Hunter and the Future Festival events. Throughout the module, you'll learn why and how seemingly small decisions you make, can have massive impacts on your future. You'll also learn more about how you can tap into optionality to increase your options and your ability to create more opportunity.
Workshop Questions:
1. What five decisions have most impacted your adult life?
2. What decisions are you making to open up your future options?
3. In which parts of your business could you create more long-term options?
Get the 2023 Trend Report FREE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Web3 Cannabis
Cannabis brands create metaverse-based experiences and events
Trend - Cannabis brands are expanding their digital footprint by creating experiences or hosting events in the metaverse. Brands in this space are offering everything from metaverse-based cannabis testing labs to virtual dispensaries.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better prioritize experience for its customers?
7.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Eco Subscription
Sustainable F&B subscriptions are making eco-friendly consumption simpler
Trend - As consumers look for ways they can live more sustainably, they're turning to brands that curate eco-friendly subscription boxes for food and beverages. Products in this space include everything from sustainable meal kits to wines.
Workshop Question - How could your brand make sustainable consumption easier for its customers?
5.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Advanced Baking
Baking kits are being offered with more upscale designs and ingredients
Trend - Elevated baking kits are giving consumers the opportunity to make the more sophisticated baked goods they see in stores or on social media, at home. The advanced flavors and designs of these kits make them suitable for everything from hosting to shared experiences with family.
Workshop Question - Which changing consumer behaviors or lifestyles could your brand better appeal to?
7.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Customized Makeup
Cosmetic brands make customized formulas and tools more accessible
Trend - Some brands are making personalization in beauty more accessible with formulas and tools that can be customized to consumers' color or application preferences. These customizable formulas are easy to access and more affordable than personalized beauty typically allows.
Workshop Question - How could your brand add an element of customization into its product/service?
5.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Campus Vending
School campuses invest in more sophisticated vending machines
Trend - As unattended retail becomes more advanced, and fresh food options become more popular--school campuses are investing in specialty vending machines. These options include everything from vending machines that contain fresh salad offerings, to ones that offer healthy, sustainable meals.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing convenience without sacrificing quality?
7.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Kids' Production
Toy brands help children learn the foundations of production and content
Trend - Brands are helping foster children's interest in creating content with toys and products that help kids learn the basics of recording--and even editing--content. These toys are especially popular as more kids show interest in digital creative expression.
Workshop Question - How is your brand adapting to the preferences of today's digital natives?
7.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Eco Banking
Finance apps allow users to make eco-friendly decisions
Trend - Banking and sales apps are allowing consumers to be more sustainable by offering features that have a positive impact on the environment. These include everything from clothing resale functions to making eco-conscious investments.
Workshop Question - How is your brand empowering sustainability?
4.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Eco Organization
Apps help consumers prioritize eco-conscious fashion choices
Trend - With the fahion industry being an enormous contributor to worldwide pollution, some brands are releasing apps that help users make better choices when it comes to buying, repairing and generally extending the life cycles of their wardrobes.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing sustainability?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Augmented Salon
Brands are launching salons that are enhanced by AR technology
Trend - Beauty brands have been experimenting with beauty try-on technology for some time, but AR technologies are now sophisticated enough to use in salons reliably. Rather than solely relying on verbal communication, the software in the augmented salons helps both clients and hairdressers visualize the available options for styling, cutting, and coloring.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage augmented reality to enhance consumer satisfaction?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Metaverse Expansion
Tech brands are investing in developing and perfecting metaverse experiences
Trend - The term “metaverse” refers to a virtual reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment, as well as with one another. Tech companies are racing to develop the potential of these digital spaces, with emphasis on social life, culture, and brand presence.
Workshop Question - How can your brand utilize future metaverse opportunities?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends