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Trendscape 2024
Most Influential Trendspotter
Michael Tchong
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Time Compression
The Acceleration of Life
Casual Living
A Recently Discovered Gem
Tech Cocktail Week
Ignore the date TechCo lists for this event, it was actually December 13, 2012. These talks were part of the late Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s efforts to reinvent the urban core of Las Vegas with his Downtown Project.
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Trend and Innovation Insights
Time Compression
The Time Compression Ubertrend — the acceleration of life — is being propelled by technologies that help people achieve tasks more quickly. This Ubertrend has created a society with an insatiable appetite for instant gratification, reflected in a prevalent saying, “I want it yesterday.” In the eye of the storm lie arcane compression technologies called codecs, which let the world move at internet speed. Future algorithms promise to hasten life even more. To keep up with this fast-paced reality, we’re constantly multitasking, supported by a growing consumption of coffee, energy drinks, and Xanax. Our state of mind has become a state of time.
Casual Living
The Casual Living Ubertrend — the evaporation of decorum — has led to a dramatically less formal society, eroding traditional norms of propriety in the process. This shift, triggered by the anonymous culture prevalent on the internet and in large cities, has ushered in a new behavioral code that has given rise to disruptive public behaviors, including, but not limited to, bullying, trolling, and air and road rage. A parallel effect of the Casual Living Ubertrend is the emergence of a new global uniform, visible in the ubiquity of jeans, t-shirts and sneakers. This shift in attire reflects a broader societal movement towards the relaxation of traditional norms and the embracing of a more informal lifestyle.
WAF
The Woman’s Acceptance Factor (WAF) Ubertrend propels society towards a female-centric paradigm. This shift is being fueled by an increasing number of educated women, female entrepreneurs, and politicians whose social media influence is reshaping societal norms. The term “WAF” originated in a 1990s chat forum where men sought advice on securing approval from their partners for purchasing new gear. The anonymous interactions subtly underscore the substantial power that women, particularly those managing household finances, wield in decision-making. Despite a long gestation period and considerable resistance, the WAF Ubertrend continues its march, potentially setting the stage for a future matriarchal society.