When understanding the nature of trendwatching, it is necessary to define the types and levels of trends. American sociologist Richard Watson, based on his research, developed a map of them for the period from 2017 to 2050, which indicates the concepts:
Trends are something predictable and something that can appear (or has already begun to appear). Thus, industry or product trends can be identified.
Megatrends are phenomena or technologies that have already emerged and are beginning to have a large-scale impact on the world.
Forecasts are assumptions about possible events.
Counter-trends – creating a business model that is opposite to existing trends, which makes it unique and distinguishes it from competitors.
When answering the question of chinese thailand data package what trendwatching is in simple terms, special attention is paid to macro- and micro-trends that affect all segments of the population:
Megatrends are long-term, large-scale aspirations that impact technology, the economy, and society (e.g. artificial intelligence).
Macrotrends are also long-term in nature, but are more limited in their impact.
Microtrends are constant phenomena that we do not always perceive.
Trends
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A trend scale has been adopted, which is currently of an indicative nature:
Future scenarios are intended to cover more than 10 years and are mainly related to futurism.
Macro trends are in our area of attention and their validity period is at least 5 years.
Microtrends are already near us and their mass adoption is expected in a year or two.
With such a clear classification it becomes possible to establish planning horizons with the following stages:
Near: operational changes occurring at the current moment and concerning technologies, products, attitudes towards all layers of life.
The average allows you to look into the future and determine its image. This level involves developing and adjusting the strategy taking into account macro- and microtrends. Trends in this case become the basis for developing new, more advanced technologies.
The far stage has a planning level of up to 25 years and uses foresight tools.