We all want to fix digital. But if we want the next wave of technologies – AI, VR, robotics and more – to shape a better future, we need to understand where they are leading us. The way to do that? View these transformative technologies through the lens of our age-old, evolutionary human nature. In this fast-paced session TrendWatching’s Global Head of Trends and Insights, David Mattin, argues that the coming wave of digital technologies will transform the search for connection, status and belief in the 21st-century. New trends in lifestyles, behaviours and mindsets will mean huge opportunities for innovators – and huge new challenges for us as individuals and societies. Are we ready?
Earlier this year Mark Zuckerberg was hauled before the U.S senate to account for Facebook’s impact on democracy...
That’s who he reminds me of!
All this change can throw you off balance. It can be hard to know how to make sense of it all, let alone plot your next move...
But there is one core truth that can help us make sense of all this change and spot meaningful directions of travel.
That truth is this: amid all this change, we are still the same humans with the same basic human needs.
Think needs such as value, connection, security, fun, etc. These needs are very stable over time.
All this change can throw you off balance. It can be hard to know how to make sense of it all, let alone plot your next move...
But there is one core truth that can help us make sense of all this change and spot meaningful directions of travel.
That truth is this: amid all this change, we are still the same humans with the same basic human needs.
Think needs such as value, connection, security, fun, etc. These needs are very stable over time.
Trends are made of these two fundamental building blocks: change and basic needs.
In fact, trends are all about new ways to serve age-old basic human needs.
Virtual assistants are already expected to do more than help us check our bank balance. Why do you think Apple is hiring people with this kind of background? People have serious conversations with Siri. People talk to Siri about all kinds of things, including when they’re having a stressful day or have something serious on their mind.
https://jobs.apple.com/us/search#&ss=health&t=0&so=&lo=0*USA&pN=0&openJobId=56398598
August 2018 saw Turkey's Istanbul New Airport announce plans to deploy Nely: a social robot assisting travelers. Nely is equipped with AI, facial recognition, emotional analysis, voice capabilities, a bar code reader, and can greet passengers. The robot can also make bookings on travelers' behalf, relay information, and provide weather updates. Nely changes its emotions and tone depending on the expressions, ages, and genders of passengers. It can remember the passengers it has interacted with before, as well as make small talk.
Link: http://www.nelyrobot.com/
In January 2017, San Francisco-based Fuseproject created ElliQ. The emotionally-intelligent robotic companion is designed to tackle the problem of loneliness amongst older adults. Using machine learning to determine behavior and preferences of the user, the device helps seniors to stay connected to the world by sending verbal notifications reminding them take medication and video calls, respond to messages and recommending activities. Loved ones can also monitor its use via an app.
Link: https://fuseproject.com/
In January 2017, San Francisco-based Fuseproject created ElliQ. The emotionally-intelligent robotic companion is designed to tackle the problem of loneliness amongst older adults. Using machine learning to determine behavior and preferences of the user, the device helps seniors to stay connected to the world by sending verbal notifications reminding them take medication and video calls, respond to messages and recommending activities. Loved ones can also monitor its use via an app.
Link: https://fuseproject.com/
Japan-based tech company Vinclu has developed Gatebox: a camera and microphone-equipped device with an AI-powered virtual companion living inside it. The character, named Azuma Hikari, is designed to be a home assistant and friend. She can provide weather updates, turn lights on, and send friendly text messages when the owner is away from home. Gatebox retails for USD 2,500, with pre-orders shipping in December 2017.
Gatebox video
Israel-based analytics firm Nutrino collects information on millions of food items offered around the world, and delivers personalized nutrition insights. Using data gathered from users' wearables and feedback, along with AI and machine learning, Nutrino assigns individuals a FoodPrint: an indicator of how they metabolize and react to certain foods. The company informs users on how they can use this data to reach their health goals, delivering insights via an app and reports. Nutrino works with individual users and other businesses, and closed a USD 8 million funding round in April 2018.
Link: https://nutrinohealth.com/
Japan-based electronics firm Xenoma has introduced E-Skin: a shirt that lets wearers control apps and games by moving their torsos. Launched in January 2018, the Bluetooth-connected shirt includes 14 sensors, which send data to devices, and is also intended for fitness-tracking and industrial applications. Additionally, the shirts are machine-washable, able to distinguish between different motions, and can track motion data. Software developers will be able to receive E-Skin shirts and developer kits for USD 5,000 in March 2018, and the shirts are set to be available to the general public at a later date in 2018.
Link: https://xenoma.com/eskin-dk
Japan-based electronics firm Xenoma has introduced E-Skin: a shirt that lets wearers control apps and games by moving their torsos. Launched in January 2018, the Bluetooth-connected shirt includes 14 sensors, which send data to devices, and is also intended for fitness-tracking and industrial applications. Additionally, the shirts are machine-washable, able to distinguish between different motions, and can track motion data. Software developers will be able to receive E-Skin shirts and developer kits for USD 5,000 in March 2018, and the shirts are set to be available to the general public at a later date in 2018.
Link: https://xenoma.com/eskin-dk
ElectroSpit Talkbox launched on Kickstarter in June 2018. The mobile talkbox operates through a headphone-like device worn on the neck that electrifies the wearer's voice when used with a keyboard, electric guitar, or the brand’s accompanying app. The device's predecessor – the talkbox – operated with a tube held in the mouth, and the musician would change the frequency of the sound by changing their mouth shape.
Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1132923588/electrospit-mobile-talkbox
World's oldest marathon runner, Fajua Singh (100). Impossible is nothing.
MTV Brazil has created a virtual character with IBM's Watson, with the aim of helping young people in Brazil to consider their political opinions. Unveiled in June 2018, Mr Congressman was created based on artificial intelligence - with IBM Watson analyzing four years' worth of interviews, articles, news and time in congress. The politician's appearance and voice are also based on congress averages. Via an online platform, people can interact with Mr Congressman and ask any questions they might have, with the virtual character providing answers.
Link: http://srdeputado.com.br/#/pt
All this change can throw you off balance. It can be hard to know how to make sense of it all, let alone plot your next move...
That’s expectation transfer in action.
And it should lead you to the question: who are you really competing against? Others in your industry?
NO! Your competition is the best in class, whoever that may be.
Think Apple for design, Patagonia for ethics, whoever your favourites are.
Is a person stepping into a BMW comparing the music system to that of a Mercedes? No, they’re just saying ‘why isn’t this as usable as my iPhone’.
Expectation transfer crosses INDUSTRIES, BORDERS and PRICE POINTS.