Welcome to this 111st 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.
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I have prepared this newsletter this week from Montreal, Canada. This is what I noticed this week, thank you for sharing with those who look into the future.
Estelle.
Competitive Intelligence
Forecasting agencies are now using machine learning to analyze large data sets from various sources like runway shows and social media, helping them identify emerging trends more accurately and swiftly. AI Driven Competitive Intelligence Accelerates Research Productivity. Owler launches new ChatGPT plugin for faster company discovery, research and competitive intelligence.
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.
The Economy of Desire. United Airlines is testing a new boarding process: Economy-class passengers with window seats will now board first. Victoria’s Secret is launching an intimates apparel line for people with disabilities. Features include magnetic closures and sensory-friendly fabrics. DIY retailer's app gives customized energy-saving tips based on uploaded photos of rooms.
Our future
We keep you updated on those trends and more on Twitter (which I still find infinitely better than Threads).
The wild business of desert island tourism. Wanted: High Performers for
the Last Job You’ll Ever Have. Large language model apps can simulate the responses of a priest, rabbi, or swami on your screen, signaling a shift to digital spirituality. AI companions are about to be absolutely everywhere. The Future Thinker’s Dilemma. Hospitality 2023: luxury, design, and trends. This new data poisoning tool lets artists fight back against generative AI.
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?
Google Trends has revealed that the search for ‘I am tired’ reached an all-time peak in August 2023. The rising trend of farm stays. Why thousands of young Chinese people use a pink dinosaur as their alias. TikTok Shop is debuting a luxury handbag authentication tool. Tesla will start warning drivers if they appear drowsy using the vehicle’s cabin camera to analyze facial characteristics and driving behavior.
On our radar
I have been updating a course I provide for the Institute of Corporate Directors in Canada on Boards’ Oversight of Technology: State of AI Report 2023 .
Hodgepodge discovery
Articles for curious minds and the polymaths
Well-Being Across Social Media Platforms. How we engage with infrastructure. Interestingly, "exposure to unreliable content is higher among the better informed". What we now know about 'decoding' consumer decision-making. Exploring the industrial metaverse. Fabricating data.
Numbers
279- Taco Bell has once again taken the title of fastest, clocking in at an average time of 279 seconds across a number of secret shoppers.
90%-A Deloitte survey reveals that 90% of consumers associate fresh food with happiness.
50%- Over 50% of US workers have caregiving responsibilities outside of work
Feeling good
Kinetic verbs. Comfort zone. Views from mechanical turks.
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