Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge insights on international affairs, virtual reality, trend spotting, scenario planning, or futurism, Professor David Passig is a good man to consult.
While wandering around Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace a week ago, I came across a group of Lolitas (both goth and sweet) setting up for a picnic in the gardens. I was so pleased! In the past, I have only seen Lolitas in more contrived situations outside of Japan (where one may expect to see them anywhere), such as around a Lolita clothing store, or at an anime convention or Japanese culture festival.
Today Richard Watson posted a link to a recent ABC interview he had with Margaret Throsby.
In the interview, Watson recommends a number of books, discusses important trends (e.g. social media, time famines, etc.), explains how he got started as a futurist, and discusses various aspects of the trend spotting process. I recommend you listen to the interview, but should you have no time, I’ve listed some of his interesting trend-spotting-related observations below:
Adaptive Path is a consulting firm that utilizes its insights on consumers’ contemporary needs to design customer experiences. The company works on user interfaces, product strategy, and integrated customer experiences, and provides not only experience design, but also experience research, strategy, implementation, and training, making it a true all-in-one research. Adaptive Path has served a broad range of cutting edge companies, including Skype, Hitachi, Flickr, MySpace.com, Sony, and Nike.
There are only so many books in the world capable of revolutionizing the way one views people and trends. Generations is one of these rare treasures. This 538-page tome co-authored by William Strauss and Neil Howe, lays the foundation of a fascinating theory about generational, social, and political patterns and trends in the United States.
Sean Miller is the Director of Education at Earth Day Network. With a BA in Psychology and Philosophy, Master’s Degrees in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and Education, and experience with not only environmental activism, but also teaching and curriculum development, Sean has a lot of interesting things to say about modern life.
Michael is a transformational speaker who tracks trends to inspire businesses around the world. He developed his ability to ride emerging waves early at ad agency icons DDB and Chiat/Day, and then used those talents to help pioneer such emerging trends as desktop publishing, personal communication, Internet research and online marketing. Now he has combined branded entertainment and social media in an ubercool start-up that aims to reinvent America.
Jody Turner is a globetrotting independent Trend Strategist. Via her company Culture of Future, Turner offers trend reports, trend studies, consulting work, keynote speeches, and workshops. Her clients have included Virgin Atlantic, Adidas, Gap, and Starbucks. Turner has also made various media appearances- most recently on The Dr. Phil Show. On the side, Turner maintains a Fast Company blog, as well as a Twitter feed. Jody is currently trying her hand at teaching trends this fall through for Off The Grid- an MBA program in India.
Richard Watson is a trend spotting consultant, author and blogger. In addition to publishing “What’s Next,” a detailed trend report on his website, NowandNext.com, Watson is an expert blogger for Fast Company, author of Future Files, and author of Brainmail, a free monthly newsletter about new ideas, innovations and trends, as well as his own blog, What’s Next: Top Trends. Watson also has regular speaking engagements and provides specialized consulting services.
There have been some interesting discussions about Aperger syndrome lately centering around the disorder’s position in society. Due to increased awareness of the disorder and the empowerment of those who have it, more people are considering Asperger’s as an advantage rather than a curse. Increased Awareness Aspies have been gradually making their way into mainstream [...]
