The festive break offered a chance to catch up on reading and reflection. Iโve been especially curious to read articles about what might lie ahead for us.
Thereโs an art to forecasting and trend-spotting that is beyond most of us, myself included.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of modern-day Nostradamuses offering their predictions and insights. Here are a few trends that have caught my attention:
๐ญ. ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐
Now more comfortable with social interactions involving screens, the idea of AI as a friendly assistant feels less sci-fi. I couldnโt resist asking ChatGPT if it had a preferred name (though Iโm still refusing to call it โChattyโ as it suggested). As this trend grows, we may form new types of relationships with technology (saves friends being ear-bashed ๐).
๐ฎ. ๐๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐
In the wake of cases like Lively v. Wayfarer, the message is clear – brands need to practice what they preach. Relentless scrutiny is not new, so what is the difference? Be who and what you say you are โ because eventually, somebody will hold you accountable. Authenticity isnโt a just virtue; itโs a truth.
๐ฏ. ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฟ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐
Consumers are bored with oversimplified, binary narratives. Enter the good news story: tales of everyday kindness, thoughtful acts and heroism. Stories that remind us of the power of humanity.
๐ฐ. ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐บ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ฒ
People are increasingly interested in what will affect a minority (not just the majority). We care. From neighbourhood campaigns to advocating on local issues, people will rally around causes where they see a need. Itโs a reminder that meaningful change sometimes starts small and every voice can be heard.
๐ฑ. ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐๐น๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐
๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
With the cost of living and housing, more and more adults are staying home longer. There are negatives… and advantages such as kidโs products for adults. Think games, collectibles and Disney T-shirts – just some of the items keeping us young at heart. The line between adulthood and childhood is blurrier, and the demand for youth-inspired products will further grow.
Any other suggestions? Would love to hear from trend-spotters.
In the meantime, Happy New Year and may 2025 be fabulous for you!
