abbydoin

[abbydoin]

Conclusion

Before this class, I didn’t give much thought to futuristic prediction or its importance. However, I now understand how thinking ahead can elevate day-to-day performance. This course taught me the value of anticipating trends and staying ahead of the curve.

The guest speakers were especially eye-opening and inspiring. They brought innovative ideas, valuable connections, and practical advice that prepared me for entering the workforce. Hearing their stories and lessons encouraged me to think differently and consider aspects I hadn’t before. One speaker from a startup stood out in particular; her advice about not settling for a job just because of its name, but instead digging deeper to find meaningful opportunities, resonated deeply with me.

Additionally, I’ve gained a much stronger foundation in technology than I had at the start of the semester. Learning about concepts like Nerfs, haptics, and VR has left me feeling far more equipped to navigate the tech world. This course not only expanded my knowledge but also fueled my curiosity.

Overall, Trendspotting in Digital Media was an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. I’m grateful for the insights, skills, and inspiration I’ve gained throughout the semester. Thank you for such an engaging and impactful class!

[abbydoin]

For decades, cars have been marketed around the "driving experience" and freedom of the open road. However, as self-driving technology advances, brands must pivot to new messaging that aligns with a passenger-focused, time-efficient future.

Safety remains paramount in messaging. Automakers like Volvo and Toyota emphasize their commitment to crash-free vehicles, addressing the primary concern of potential buyers. Trust in safety will be a cornerstone for winning over skeptical consumers.

The promise of productivity and leisure is another powerful angle. Autonomous vehicles offer passengers the luxury of time, turning cars into rolling lounges, offices, or even entertainment hubs. For marketers, emphasizing these time-saving benefits will resonate with busy professionals and families alike, reframing cars as enablers of a more flexible lifestyle.

Something interesting that I think we could see is the windshield turning into meetings. We see people traveling all the time to get to in person meetings and different things. However, it would be even better to turn the travel time into preparation for the meeting.

In class we talked about Nerfs, and how they are used to enhance performances. I believe autonomous vehicles can be the study buddy we didn't know was perfect for us.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

The rise of self-driving cars will revolutionize the advertising landscape, transforming vehicles into powerful platforms for hyper-targeted marketing and consumer engagement. Freed from the distractions of driving, passengers will have more time to interact with personalized, location-based ads delivered directly through in-car screens or their smartphones. This seamless integration will make purchasing easier, with cars driving passengers to stores or pick-up locations immediately after a purchase.

Advertisers will leverage these vehicles’ connectivity and data-capturing abilities to tailor ads based on travel history, search behavior, and entertainment preferences. This level of personalization could suggest restaurants, activities, or retail stops en route, providing immediate value to consumers. Additionally, cross-channel advertising opportunities will link outdoor billboards, in-car screens, and digital content to create a cohesive brand experience.

While this hyper-targeted approach promises a high level of engagement, it also raises concerns about privacy and overstimulation. Vehicles tracking passenger data and bombarding them with ads could lead to ad fatigue and consumer resistance. Therefore, marketers have to be aware of a balance that works well for the consumers, because a simple car ride is also enjoyed by people as well.

This thinking of violation of privacy reminded me of how in class everyone was concerned about AI taking too much information. I believe we will see a similar situation with autonomous vehicles and targeted advertising, At first people will be scared but after a while we will succumb to the benefits.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

Autonomous vehicles and advancing technology are set to redefine in-car experiences, turning cars into entertainment hubs. Once limited to passengers or stationary drivers, gaming will become a dynamic activity accessible to all occupants during transit as autonomous vehicles evolve to hands-free capabilities. This shift promises to transform commutes and travel downtime into engaging meaningful experiences.

Gaming's rising cultural significance also supports this trend. Surveys show that gaming is a dominant pastime for younger generations, with 87% of Gen Z and over 80% of Millennials and Gen X gaming weekly. This growing audience aligns with innovations like holoride, which combines vehicle data with virtual reality to create immersive passenger experiences.

The potential for augmented reality (AR) in vehicles is promising. Graphical overlays could take over the entire windshield, delivering interactive content like quizzes or dynamic visuals tied to real-world locations.

As autonomous driving and powerful software integrate into vehicles, the once-ordinary act of driving will transform. Cars will be more than transportation; they’ll be entertainment centers, making travel enjoyable and redefining mobility itself.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

In a couple years, I see cars looking significantly different With drivers freed from operating their vehicles, in-car entertainment will likely evolve to include gaming, virtual reality (VR), and other immersive experiences. Companies like Sony and Honda are already exploring advanced entertainment concepts with cars like Afeela, which features seamless gaming and content streaming powered by cutting-edge sensors.

VR could enable unique in-car experiences, from interactive casino games to immersive adventures, while gaming integrates real-time movement and sensory feedback for realism. These innovations open avenues for media companies to capitalize on this untapped "commute time." What would be interesting to see is if you could play with nearby travelers.

However, this transformation hinges on advanced AI and data annotation technologies. Accurate navigation requires tasks like semantic segmentation and keypoint annotation to ensure safety. Simultaneously, immersive games will demand precise movement recognition and detailed object tracking. These technical needs highlight the symbiotic relationship between AI, gaming, and media.

Self-driving cars will disrupt traditional media consumption, presenting challenges and opportunities for industries to innovate. The car of the future won't just take you places—it will entertain you like never before.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

I am moving into autonomous vehicles to possibly set myself up for the final paper The more autonomous vehicles are introduced they will continue to revolutionize the media and entertainment industries. By transforming vehicles into autonomous spaces, these cars will create new opportunities for immersive content consumption. No longer preoccupied with driving, passengers will likely turn to video streaming, gaming, and interactive media for entertainment. Tesla's integration of Netflix and video games hints at how in-car experiences may evolve, while partnerships like Audi's collaboration with Disney underscore the potential for innovative media formats tailored to autonomous vehicles.

Voice command technology, already a staple of modern cars, will become even more essential in this transition, giving hands-free navigation and media interaction. Coupled with 5G, the possibilities for in-car streaming, multiplayer gaming, and even virtual reality are immense. The concept of a “25th Hour”—time freed up by self-driving technology—offers a question mark on how that time will be filled.

This shift is more than a technological novelty; it represents a fundamental change in how we think about transportation and connectivity. This makes me worried about traditional radio since people will have a bigger ability to customize what they want to consume.

Self-driving cars will not only disrupt transportation but also redefine media consumption, demanding a reimagining of content creation for this unique, time-rich environment. The race is on for brands to seize this opportunity and transform the commute into an entertainment frontier.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

In 2024, social media’s role in fashion marketing was crucial, especially with TikTok's rise. Traditional influencer strategies are reimagining to embrace quirky, vulnerable, and relatable content creators. These creators resonate more deeply with audiences, fostering authenticity and emotional connections. Video content will dominate, requiring brands to relinquish some creative control to capitalize on these influencers’ storytelling abilities.

Thus, we will only see fashion content creators infiltrate the media more in the future. Something interesting the article mentioned is that "Consumer confidence will remain fragile, although for different reasons in key markets of the US, Europe, and China. Overall, the fashion industry is predicted to achieve year-on-year retail sales growth of between 2 percent and 4 percent in 2024." Bringing up the idea of consumer confidence is interesting right now consumers face challenges on whether to trust certain brands or not. Looking to the future of fashion on social media, there will be ways to feel the material, see the article of clothing on your body, and even see what size is what you are looking for.

This reminds me of the entertainment presentation that we had in class. The presentation talked about additions to the show such as, AI face recognizers, nerfs, and even VR experiences. This relates because it is exactly what the fashion industry is doing: creating easier ways to enjoy the experiences we already have.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

Social media has revolutionized the fashion landscape, transforming how trends are born, shared, and consumed. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become virtual runways, where brands, influencers, and everyday fashion enthusiasts showcase their style and spark global trends. This digital evolution has democratized fashion, allowing anyone with a smartphone to participate in the conversation. Brands now leverage social media to connect directly with consumers, bypassing traditional marketing channels. Thus, I want to make a transition into talking about social media and the habits it is creating in society now and in the future, shopping being the first habit that I see changing through this media.

This article states, "A trend isn't considered a trend unless it's shared, liked, and retweeted in the virtual social sphere." It goes on to talk about how fashion influencers play a pivotal role in promoting ideas and designs. Due to this, we can assume that social media will figure out an easier way to buy the outfits we see our favorite Instagram influencers wearing. This actually reminded me of the airline presentation we had in class. They proposed an AI assistant that sits on a tablet next to you making it easy to ask questions. I could see social media implementing a virtual assistant making it easier to see where things are from to shop faster, easier, and better.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

Zara recently opened a game-changing flagship “white box” store in Skokie, IL, marking a significant shift in its US retail strategy. This new, tech-forward space at Westfield Old Orchard offers a “minimalist and modern design” spanning “28,000 square feet” with floor-to-ceiling windows and sustainable lighting. As part of a broader expansion, Zara plans to complete 30 US store projects by 2025, which include renovations, relocations, and new openings.

Unlike the “darker, more compact” feel of many US Zara stores, this “white box” concept reflects Zara’s commitment to immersive and seamless shopping experiences through advanced technology. Shoppers can use the Zara app to reserve one of 38 fitting rooms, “using a self-service screen enabled by RFID” for smooth entry and checkout. For online orders, the store’s robotic pick-up system allows shoppers to retrieve parcels in seconds with just a QR code. At checkout, self-service kiosks, powered by RFID, enable quick, no-scan purchasing.

Zara’s tech-driven expansion illustrates the rising trend of immersive, personalized fashion in the US, blending physical and digital channels. In a presentation on fashion’s immersive future, Zara’s “white box” stores demonstrated how fashion retail is transforming traditional shopping into a seamless, interactive journey.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

This Shopify article discusses the future of malls in depth and reveals a compelling narrative that contradicts my previous statement that shopping in the future will be dead. Instead, it emphasizes that malls are in need for transformation rather than extinction. As the article states, "Malls are not dead-- they are about to have a glow up". Thus, this highlights the potential for reinvention in retail spaces. Much like our guest speaker talked about how she is transforming the news into an easier way for people to consume.

The future of shopping malls is characterized by a shift toward "lifestyle centers" that combine shopping with entertainment and even better dining experiences. Right now, eating in the mall is not huge; however, with upgrades to the malls and consumers' needs, we can see it going back up in the future. The article notes that customers now “expect an engaging, seamless, and channel-agnostic experience,” indicating that shopping is looking to adapt to modern demands.

Technological advancements as we have been talking about once again are going to be crucial here. From virtual shopping experiences to augmented reality, malls are integrating digital innovations to enhance consumer engagement.

To conclude about this article, it points out that malls in the future will still have a place in the ecosystem of retail. Rather, than saying shopping is dead, it is more that shopping as we have known is dead. A rebirth of something easier, faster, and better for the environment is on the way.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

The fashion industry faces numerous challenges in 2024, as highlighted in this article from 3DLOOK. These challenges, combined with advancing technology, could lead to a significant shift in the industry where consumers become their own designers.

The article states, "Half of all professionals in the apparel industry feel as though fashion's desirability has fallen since 2019, according to Business of Fashion, due to its poor sustainability credentials and reluctance to change". Due to this, we can see that the fashion industry is at a crossroads, facing economic uncertainty, sustainability issues, and talent deficit. Thus, the fashion industry and traditional fashion as we know it are under pressure.

So, while that is happening simultaneously, technological advancements are revolutionizing the industry. AI, AR, and blockchain are transforming how clothes are designed, produced, and sold. In the future, more 3D body scanning and virtual try-on technologies are improving fit and reducing returns. As consumers demand more personalization and sustainability, they may increasingly turn to technologies that allow them to design their own clothes.

Imagine a future where you power what you want and can see it on you without even getting up or moving. This shift could address many current industry challenges such as:

Sustainability- it would reduce overproduction and waste, fitting issues- peronsalized clothing would fit every body type and would demolish many problems with body shaming etc., finally, consutmer trust- there would be much more transparency in the deisgn and production process.

This reminds me of the "social media is dead" conversation in class, because I believe fashion as we know it is dead, shopping is dead.

https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/

[abbydoin]

This article explains that the fashion industry is increasingly utilizing personalization and customization to enhance the shopping experience and cater to diverse consumer preferences. Showcasing that in the future, the fashion industry is going. to be more designed by you than actual designers. This will lead to more self-expression like we know Gen Z loves, as well as more satisfaction with the fashion industry. However, I do believe that malls will have to incorporate some of this technology in-store in order to stay relevant.

This made me think about it in class when we talked about AR and VR glasses. People can see things that aren't actually there. This can be applied to fashion because customers will be able to see their clothes the way they want before they are actually made.

This article first goes into the idea of enhanced customer experience. Personalization in the shopping experience requires data in order to have recommendations, targeted marketing, and customized content. So, customers would have to be more comfortable sharing more of their personal information, a place I don't think we are at yet.

Other technologies, such as "on-demand manufacturing," will also increase the fashion industry. This technology enables quick production of customized products, which reduces waste and inventory costs.

The article goes on to mention the benefits we could possibly see from going to a more customizable fashion experience. It states within the reading, "Customization can contribute to sustainability by reducing overproduction and waste". Therefore, not only does it look like shifting to a more customizable fashion industry will be more beneficial for the consumers, but it also appears like it will be better for the world as well.

http://newhouse.syr.edu/

[abbydoin]

The future of retail is undergoing a significant change driven by climate change, environmental awareness, new regulations, and evolving consumer preferences. Sustainability is becoming a top priority for retailers and shoppers alike. Therefore, the industry is adapting to meet these new demands while enhancing the customer experience.

The article states, "Sustainability is now top of mind for every retailer, and shoppers are expecting a more seamless and convenient multichannel experience, both of which are driving large changes to the environment".

Thus, retail stores of the future will be built with sustainability at their core, featuring energy-sufficient systems and eco-friendly materials. The article talks about store layouts shifting toward minimalism, emphasizing quality over quantity. Then, it goes on to talk about how technology will play a pivotal role, with digital shelving, AR, and smart shopping carts enhancing the shopping journey.

Overall, this article supports the prediction that shopping will be much better for the environment in the future. Once again the article says, "Nearly every retailer is reevaluating their packaging practices to reduce waste, and find solutions to utilize less single-use, virgin-sourced material". Therefore, we will be in a much better position through technology and sustainable materials.

To relate this back to class, when Professor Beth Egan came to talk about data privacy, it made me wonder how this is going to play into the growth of digital shopping. For this experience to be beneficial for the customer, they are going to have to trust giving their information to companies more than we do right now.

http://newhouse.syr.edu/

[abbydoin]

This article discusses the future of shopping in 2030 and throughout it highlights five key trends. Instant shopping, personalization, digital fashion, nimble supply chains, and sustainability. The article overall envisions a future where physical and digital shopping experiences blur, with technologies like smart glasses and interactive displays enhancing the shopping process.

Before diving into the article, I instantly made a connection to our guest speaker in the last class, who talked about the gaming industry and VR and AR being intertwined with it. We can see parallels in how immersive technologies (such as VR and AR) are reshaping both retail and gaming experiences. The article specifically mentions that by 2030, consumers will be able to purchase real items through their in-game avatars, demonstrating how AR and VR are bridging the gap between virtual and physical worlds. This directly aligns with the speaker's insights on how gaming is incorporating more real-world elements through the same technologies.

The first trend, instant shopping, refers to purchases that will be seamlessly integrated into daily activities, from watching Netflix to playing video games. Right now we have to look up and search for what we want soon, it will be seamlessly blended in without needing to have that search.

Personalization is going to be more relevant through both in-store and online experiences. AI and advanced analytics are going to be able to better tailor to the individual.

Digital Fashion is going to become even more prominent through virtual clothing becoming more mainstream, transforming influencer marketing, and creating new revenue streams.

Fourth, nimble supply chains will be AI-powered, and systems will manage production and logistics. This will enable rapid responses and demand changes. As well as I wonder what this will do for the wait time after ordering online.

Finally, sustainability will improve due to the personalization that is going to reduce overproduction and waste.

To conclude, I believe the future of shopping is changing in exciting ways that drastically could help the environment and industry as a whole.

http://newhouse.syr.edu/

[abbydoin]

https://www.appnova.com/future-fashion-trend-predictions-what-will-clothes-look-like-in-100-years/

Looking at the future of fashion, we will see a huge change. More specifically, the introduction of VR and different technologies will actually harm the market of fashion, I predict. These technologies that are being introduced to us while they are incredible, they allow for more reason to not go through with making a purchase. Especially smaller ones such as clothing.

Within this article it first talks about sustainability and how the future of fashion will prioritize eco-friendly materials like bio-fabricated leather and plant-based textiles. This would be a critical change moving forward.

However, then it moves into talking about tech integration, saying there will be smart fabrics with temperature control, VR/AR capabilities, and built-in health monitoring which would transform the clothing industry drastically. First of all, if clothing can change color and many other features there will be less of a need for people to buy new things. Secondly, having people being able to try clothes on virtually, seeing if they like the way everything looks and fits will also decrease the market. People will no longer keep those returns they were too lazy to go back to the store and switch out. While yes it is convenient for the customer it is not convenient for the industry.

In the last class, we talked a lot about whether companies are tracking you online, and this can definitely tie into this topic. With the new technology going into the fashion market, companies will be able to literally show you in the clothing. Therefore, people will be targeted more but also less to buy things. Some things people would have bought thinking it may look a certain way on them might no longer be purchased.

http://newhouse.syr.edu/

[abbydoin]

This article talks about fashion trends and how they have accelerated dramatically, with micro trends lasting only weeks or months. This rapid cycle through clothes is being driven by social media. In particular, TikTok is a main contributor, seeing so many different outfits and styles within such a short amount of time makes people want more.

While I think this part of fashion will continue, I see people being able to try the clothes on that they want, and this hot trend we are in right now of mass buying will slow down. These microtrends that people are participating in encourage overconsumption and contribute to environmental damage. Thus, people will see both these things, and the fashion industry, I predict, will have a hard hit where people significantly decrease their buying rates.

Two big brands that we see increasing this problem of microtrends is Shein and H&M, both these brands quickly imitate trendy styles that further accelerates the cycle we are currently living in.

Franny Collingham, a fashion sustainability expert, advises: "We should be discouraging such behavior and looking for durable, versatile, and trans-seasonal clothing which can be with us for years.". While this is easier said than done, there might be a point we reach as a world where we don't have a choice.

The rapid rise of fashion microtrends, driven by social media and fast fashion, poses significant challenges for sustainability in the industry. As overconsumption leads to increased waste, the fashion sector must shift focus from fleeting styles to timeless pieces. Emphasizing quality and durability over disposability will not only cultivate personal style but also promote a more sustainable future. 

http://newhouse.syr.edu/

[abbydoin]

As a current advertising student, I found this article extremely important for the future of sports advertising. This AdWeek article touches on the three important aspects we will see becoming more prominent in the industry: connecting with fans digitally, leveraging the right kind of influencers, and finally aligning with companies that satisfy specific needs.

Firstly, connecting with fans digitally is one of the most important aspects of this whole article, as it puts emphasis on where the world is headed. Digital sports viewership is experiencing exponential growth, with projections as the article states that "American live sports viewers will reach 90 million by 2025." This shift highlights that brands need to adapt their current strategies to engage more with fans in digital spaces. The article gives the example of MILLIONS.co who is leading the change by providing interactive platforms that allow fans to engage directly with athletes through watch parties.

Secondly, advertisers within this space need to leverage the right kind of influencers. Gen Z is seeking more authentic connections and valuable content rather than the past, which has been more watching the content of famous people just for the fact that they are famous. Brands should now be looking toward more genuine people making a difference in the world because that is where the viewership interest is shifting.

Lastly, the article stresses the importance of aligning with companies and influencer that meet specific consumer needs. An important quote from this section of the article is “The industry is too focused on technology and less focused on needs to be satisfied. I think this is a key element. We, as people in the industry, need to fully analyze and be aware of what are the needs we want to satisfy.”. I found this interesting and tied back to what we talk about in class all the time. With all the new technology coming out, everyone/every business's focus is to evolve with the quick change. However, I still think it is important to reflect on what the majority of your consumers want. At the beginning of the year we talked about how humans are horrible at change, and in fact fear it, if that is true then shouldn't companies be less inclined to shift to the latest and best technology right away?

http://newhouse.syr.edu/