Trends Identified
The economy at a crossroads
Since the 2008 financial crisis, the global economy has endured a long period of slow growth. Although there are many signs of recovery, and there has been significant growth in countries such as the USA and Germany, there are many reasons why this growth is vulnerable. Its vulnerability is related to features such as the poor growth of productivity in the West, an ageing population, uncertain prospects in China and the price of oil, which can easily affect the global economy. Even more importantly, the unsustainable use of natural resources and carbon dioxide emissions now enforce much stricter parameters for growth than in the past. Discussions on economics have often raised the question of why growth is an aspiration. Increasing attention has been paid to the fact that the economy should above all be a means to achieve other ends, such as the experience of well-being.
2017
Megatrends 2017
Finland, The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
Physical fights back
Digital has had the limelight long enough — there are two brand experience headliners now. The time has come to blend the digital with the physical.
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
Computers have eyes
As well as comprehending our words, computers now understand images without any help from us. This brings huge opportunities for next generation digital services.
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
Slaves to the algorithm
How do you design a marketing strategy to win over the algorithms — immune to all conventional branding efforts — that sit between brands and their customers?
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
A machine's search for meaning
AI might change our jobs, but need not eliminate them. We can — and should — design our collaboration with the machines that will help us develop.
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
In transparency we trust
Blockchain has the potential to create transparency that will clear the fog of internet ambiguity, win back lost trust, and repair relationships with the public.
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
The ethics economy
Organizations must proactively demonstrate what they stand for, whether they want to or not. People will choose the brands that align with their own beliefs.
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
Design outside the lines
Designers need to evolve — how they work, learn, and differentiate themselves — if they are to continue having an impact across organizations.
2018
Fjord trends 2018
Fjord
Silence is gold
"We’re seeing a dramatic escalation in the rate at which people disconnect, unsubscribe and opt out to stem the barrage of content and messages that clutter daily life. As consumers, we’ve come to realize that it’s no longer simply a lifestyle choice, but a serious mental health issue. As we put up more barriers between ourselves and digital technologies, organizations must learn how to offer value to users who crave quiet in a noisy world."
2019
Fjord trends 2019
Fjord
The last straw?
Our climate is changing and so is the way we’re thinking about it. Our concerns about global warming, pollution and sustainability have experienced a cultural shift. Where once it was “too big to do anything about,” now it’s personal. In 2019, it won’t be enough for companies to simply acknowledge environmental concerns; consumers will expect commitment to be proven through action. Organizations will need to redesign their systems and business models to fit the “circular economy,” where consumers are active participants, and sustainability is built into their products and services.
2019
Fjord trends 2019
Fjord