Welcome to this 103rd issue of our newsletter “Weak Signals and other Trends”.
Each week, I sift through hundreds of sources of inspiration to track where we’re heading. If you are a new subscriber to this newsletter, take the time to send me a note and introduce yourself, I love to understand who is reading. This week, I received this feedback, which made my day:
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I am preparing this newsletter this week from Weggis, Switzerland. This is what I noticed this week, thank you for sharing with those who look into the future.
Estelle.
Competitive Intelligence
Threads collects sensitive information about users, including health and financial information, precise location, and contact information.
Strategic blindspots
Looking at the familiar with “alien eyes” allows you to unlock new business model opportunities while avoiding risks stemming from strategic blindspots. This section also is about the risks we miss.
Netflix turns to South Korean writers. Slow check-outs. The So-Called "2024 Problem" in Logistics Weighs Heavy on Japan. Luxury art publisher Assouline on why its books ‘are really haute couture’ and how they will ‘never’ go digital. We've Underestimated The Risk of Simultaneous Crop Failures Worldwide. A new clothing rental program from Japan Airlines. Maps Distort How We See the World.
Our future
Who’s Cooking Our Futures? Reframing Development Policy and Programming Through Imagination. Lithuania launches Europe’s first driverless delivery robots on public roads. The big blimp boom. Scientists Are Gene-Editing Flies to Fight Crop Damage. Tangible utopias. Midyear 2023 outlook: Ten considerations for the US economy. Predictions for 2030.
We keep you updated on those trends and more on Twitter (which I still find infinitely better than Threads).
Weak signals
Weak signals are indicators of a change, a trend or an emerging risk that might become significant for the future. They allow us to run hypothesis, expand our thinking, and challenge assumptions. How will you interpret those in your industry or field of expertise?
Doordash has introduced hourly wages for their drivers. America’s first water sommelier. Brown M&Ms as weak signals. EU hails discovery of massive phosphate rock deposit in Norway. Tyson Foods is dropping its “no antibiotics ever” labels from its chicken products, changing to “no antibiotics important to human medicine”. Music festival blocks phone cameras with stickers. The buffet is back.
Down the rabbit hole
This section highlights a subject that led me to many useful threads, or a single site, that opened many doors: “A rabbit hole is not a distraction. A rabbit hole is your brain trying to tell you to pay attention to something you’re curious about. Ignore algorithmic rabbit holes” ( by are.na)
This week, I read a database of 200 case studies from 64 companies that share practical ML use cases and learnings from designing ML systems.
Hodgepodge discovery
Articles for curious minds and the polymaths
Research has shown that randomizing the information causes your brain to stay alert. Why human societies still use arms, feet, and other body parts to measure things. The fascinating anthropology of entrepreneurship around the world. Explore the brain connectome of a fruit fly. Sequoia Capital has released this interactive take on the state of tech workers in Europe. Our willingness to explore new or unfamiliar music declines with age. Rapture of the deep.
On our radar
I am always looking at ways to kick-start my public speaking presentations on weak signals, especially as my speaking agency has been very active in booking my time lately. I have been diving into the Barbie phenomena, wondering about why the pink wave is unrolling and what it means: After “Barbie,” Mattel Is Raiding Its Entire Toybox. Pink is the new everything. The untold history of "Barbie Fashion Designer," one of the first commercially successful video games marketed to young girls. Barbie Owner Mattel Plans 45 More Toy Movies As IP And Nostalgia Trend Continues.
Numbers
45%- The IMF found that corporate profits account for 45% of Europe’s inflation since the start of 2022.
862- The world's richest people have become $852B wealthier in 2023 so far.
Feeling good
A collection of pictures of hand-written signs around NYC. The typical home. Drone photos. Tying your shoes.
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