Every Monday after our weekly status meeting we have a trend update. G/Lers are encouraged to bring and share a trend with the group with the intention of starting some internal discussion and sparking an idea for a client. We share both macro and micro trends and people bring a variety of topics – design, technology, research, consumer behavior, digital, etc.
Just a refresher, a macro trend is large-scale shift in consumer interest and a micro trend is more influential than a fad, but usually impacts a smaller, more specific group of people. (For example, a macro trend is The Internet of Things (IoT) and a micro trend is wearing a fitness band.)
Because the start of the year brings on new resolutions and initiatives, I’ve decided to start sharing some of our discussions that happen on Mondays. Knowledge sharing never hurts and it may lend some inspiration.
CES Trends:
The Consumer Electronic Show wrapped up at the end of last week. Following the show, articles galore were published outlining the top trends to emerge from the the show. There was a lot of cool technology shared — Dish’s Sling TV, the 4K TV, self-driving cars, smartwatches that incorporate function and style, health wearables, virtual reality, etc. When looking at the lists of the top trends there’s one word that stands out: Connected. The age where everything is connected is here – cars, TVs, watches, fitness bands, phones, lights, refrigerators, a/c…the universe of Internet of Things is growing. What devices do you have? Have you jumped on the IoT bandwagon yet?
Apple Design Myths:
One of our interactive designers shared an interesting article with the group that gives a bit of insight into the design world of Apple through ex-employees. Apple is known for design and is believed to have some of the best designers in the world on staff. However, one of the company’s ex-designers unveiled that it’s not about having the best design team or the best process, they are successful because of the culture. Everybody there is thinking about UX and design, not just the designers. So, the process of design is fully supported from the CEO to the engineers to the marketing team.
OK Go Video
Now, this video was released toward the end of last year, but we’re currently working on a few video projects so one of our creatives thought he’d share OK Go’s “I Won’t Let You Down” video. OK Go is known for intricate videos and this one does not disappoint. The group rides around on electronic unicycles opening and closing umbrellas with about 1,000 extras. The result is visually jaw dropping and makes anyone on the production side think of the coordination involved in getting every shot in this video just right.
Forbes – 2015 Marketing Trends
You’ve probably read all of the trend predictions for 2015 that you can handle, but we thought this article provided a good snapshot of what’s to come in 2015 in marketing. Brand authenticity and real-time communication is still at the forefront. In addition, finding new ways to connect consumers to brands through emotion, storytelling and experiences will be key. Consumers are smart and expect a lot out of a brand and this year will prove that it’s time for all brands (not only the big ones) to respond.
Stay tuned for our next update and feel free to share any news/trends that you think will have an impact.