WEEK SEVEN

Angie Moyler
Nov 1, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Nov 28, 2022

GED740 Positioning and Trends.

Not sure what I think about trends and future proofing - especially trend forecasting?

Doesn't it depend on what is considered a trend and for who and what sort of trends are the focus and why?

How much value does a trend have? If following a trend translates to financial gain then how much does that relate to your ethos? Yes, of course income translates to a thriving business and to a healthy position in the market - but are you happy to state that money is your driver on your 'about' page? Or is there a more authentic rational behind your 'why?'

If you go after trends in order to be seen as relevant are you being true to yourself or just true to a passing whim dictated by algorithms? Where does authenticity sit here?

According to how you use the internet the trends that interest you are then dependant on your personal ethos and drive, what news feed you choose to respond to, where you buy your clothes, groceries, books etc - and then how you respond to what you are fed. The words news feed says it all really. The more you feed something the bigger and therefore apparently widespread it becomes and turns in to a trend - but in whose eyes? Are we being controlled or are the algorithms controlling us? So who or what determines a 'trend'?

In this podcast The Diary of a CEO, Stephen Bartletts interview with Simon Sinek comes up with some real gems on what drives initiative;

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Future proofing is another interesting phrase. Does it mean enabling you and your team to handle whatever the future holds? But how do you know that as no-one can predict the future?

I think future proofing as a phrase is distracting. Isn't it about simply continuing to evaluate ethos and to develop self awareness qualities which enable an ability to adapt. To grow resilience, an open minded curiosity, an inclusive, progressive mindset which intentionally engages with the inclusion of new ideas. Chase the purpose and the 'why?' not necessarily the current, perceived trend or the decision of algorithms, or stress unecessarily about what might possibly happen - or not.

A way to throw the algorithm is to broaden critical questioning and research. To be curious and to ask questions. To me all this would naturally lead to 'future proofing' design.

Going back to week five the purpose of Creative Conscience is leading on the drive to develop creative solutions to our environmental and social crisis. We created this mess therefore we can create our way out of it - if the will is there.