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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?
Jeremy Gutsche Keynote Speaker

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Visual Aid
Brands are designing packaging to be accessible for consumers with visual impairments
Trend - Brands are creating packaging designs with smart solutions for consumers with visual impairments. These solutions include scannable codes or symbols that interact with smart applications to provide either easier-to-read or audio-based information, more effectively supporting shoppers.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage technological solutions to make our products more accessible for a wider range of consumers?
7.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Reduction
New AI tools are launching with a focus on reducing food waste in the home
Trend - New AI tools are designed to reduce and optimize food consumption habits in the home. These tools analyze food waste patterns, grocery lists, and cooked meals, and create recommendations on how to optimize these habits. This involves purchasing different amounts of foods, altering recipes, and more.
Workshop Question - How could your business leverage artificial intelligence to better meet its environmental sustainability goals?
7
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?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Hobbyist
For tech enthusiasts, generative AI has become a tool to enhance hobbies
Trend - Chatgpt and similar models are being adapted into everyday life--and even hobbies and recreation are fair game. Tech enthusiasts are particularly likely to use generative AI for personal enjoyment, which can be seen through products like AI-equipped bikes, chess sets and travel assistants.
Workshop Question - How might your brand leverage generative AI to enhance customer journeys or product experience?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Robotics AI
Tech companies are training AI models for use in advanced robotics
Trend - Artificial intelligence companies are training AI models specifically for use in advanced robotics. These models mimick humanlike features, such as hand dexterity, reasoning patterns, and problem-solving abilities. These AI lead to robotics capable of performing tasks with high precision.
Workshop Question - How could your brand integrate advanced humanoid robotics into its operations?
5.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Training
Workplaces are using generative AI to train and improve employee efficiency
Trend - Workplaces are using generative artificial intelligence to craft training modules, provide feedback, and improve overall onboarding experiences for employees. These AI models deliver accurate feedback more quickly than human workers, saving companies time and money on onboarding.
Workshop Question - How could your brand implement generative AI training processes to improve its overall workplace efficiency?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Planned Microcation
Modern consumers are taking microcations to save time and money
Trend - Travel agencies are offering 'microcation' packages that include short-duration, event-packed getaways. These vacation are more affordable and are easier to plan than vacations, making them fit for customers of all ages. Microcations can also be taken in quick succession for versatility.
Workshop Question - How could your brand adjust its products or services knowing that the modern consumer takes less vacation time each year?
4.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Custom Chatbot
Brands are launching services that enable fast creation of personalized chatbots
Trend - Businesses offer tools enabling clients to build fully-functional chatbots quickly. These bots are trained on custom datasets, making them suitable for internal, consumer-facing, or consulting purposes. Businesses across numerous industries can benefit from personalized low-cost chatbots.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage personalized chatbot technology to enhance customer service or streamline workflow?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI Operations
Companies are leveraging AI platforms to optimize production and reduce waste
Trend - Companies in the production, retail, and logistics spaces are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) models to reduce emissions. The AI models help optimize production, cut-out excess waste, better manage inventory, and improve overall sustainability using predictive and analytical models.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI models to optimize production and improve overall sustainability in response to increased pressure to reduce emissions?
5.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Decentralized Social
Developers are launching decentralized content platforms
Trend - Independent developers are using shared protocols to create decentralized content aggregator platforms. Companies do not own or moderate these platforms, which offers better privacy than large alternatives. Many of these platforms communicate with one another to form the 'Fediverse.'
Workshop Question - How could your brand adapt to, decentralized social media platforms to better reach modern consumers?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends