What are some of the interesting trends for 2014?
Besides some big
sports events (Winter Olympics and World Football Championship), it is likely
that we will see further disruptions at political, environmental and economical
level.
Here is a small
overview of areas, which will need your attention.
Always ON – Occasionally OFF
As, we are
digitally connected at every time and every place; it becomes increasingly
important to plan some time to ‘de-digitalize’. This ‘de-digitalization’ is
necessary to detach, reflect, relax and to create the space for new ideas to
emerge.
Home Automation
The first
practical example of the Internet of Things, is in your house. The lighting,
locks, heating/air-conditioning, music and TV are all connected via an app,
which knows your daily routines. This ‘contextual technology’ will become your
residential janitor, who takes care of many facilities inside of your house.
Digital Currencies
In this
Connection Age, it seems quite outdated to pay with pieces of paper and with
coins. The acceptance of Bitcoin is paving the way for new digital currencies.
Corporations and cities are likely to introduce these currencies.
Drones
They are well
known in the field of security, but they will move into other areas of
application. I have seen photographers using them to get real 360 degrees
images. They are being considered for farmers to know the status of their crop
in remote areas. Other applications will emerge, fast.
People-centric
It looks like
that finally companies understand that the people are really the heart of their
enterprise. They now have to move from an industrial approach towards a real
human approach. This is also very much needed in other areas, like healthcare.
Social as well as economical mindfulness are no longer buzzwords for the
alternative scene, they are becoming mainstream.
Communities are the backbone of society
As 1M people
flock to cities per week, it is crucial to build affordable housing, adapt the
infrastructure and make urban agriculture a must. Resilience (for climate as
well as economical disruptions) need to be build into the core of communities. Neighbors
need to get to know each other strengths and help each other on many levels.
Quantified Self
As wearables are
becoming mainstream (watches, glasses, bracelets), we need to monitor our own
health and habits. In this way, we will be really responsible for our own
lives.
Trust
As most
connections are online, we need to find ways to build (lasting) trust. Our
reputation can even become a currency. Those who are trusted the most, will
have the highest value.
Generalist
2014 is the breakthrough
for generalists (people who know a lot about a lot). It is being understood
that most interconnected and global crises (climate change, economic, youth, financial)
need a generalist to ‘connect the dots’. Of course specialists/experts are
still needed, but the generalists are leading the way into new perspectives for
solving these crises.
Enthusiasm drives Excellence!
