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DASHBOARD RESEARCH KEYNOTES EVENTS
FuturistU > Tactics > Future of Tech > Module 1 / 4

Intro to the Three Phases of Futurism

Instructor: Sean Watson
Future of Tech
Download the Future of Tech Trend Report
In today's world, modern technology is evolving at a pace that is often hard to properly keep up with and track. From its impacts on the consumer and retail experience to health care and even labor, technology is so deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives. It helps create more seamless shopping experiences while also providing us with information at lightning speed.

This course examines the bright and potentially dark future of technology, diving into what this means for both consumers and brands. Will robots take over your job? Will voice activation replace touch once and for all? How is technology reinventing brick and mortar? Discover the 3 Phases of Futurism with Trend Hunter's Sean Watson.
Related Trend Report: Future of Tech
Get Better and Faster

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Employee-Free Retailer
Brick and mortar stores are turning to AI to mitigate labor costs
Trend - Retailers and grocers are testing fully automated locations to lower costs. By saving on the many complications associated with labor, these retailers are able to offer reduced prices for the benefit of the consumer. These often begin as solo test locations before expanding based on demand.
Workshop Question - How could your brand alter its operations to reduce costs of its products or services for consumers?
7.9
Score
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Megatrends
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Lotus’s Pick & Go employee-free store in Thailand represents a significant step forward in retail innovation. The store, which operates without any staff on the premises, leverages... MORE
Employee-Free Smart Stores
Employee-Free Smart Stores
The 'Teo' Employee-Free Store in Germany is a Success Story
The Teo unmanned smart store concept in Germany, developed by the German supermarket chain tegut showcases a unique direction of retail. Initially launched in Fulda in November 2020, this store has... MORE
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
ZeroQs Raised Over €457 Thousand to Invest in Smart Shopping Carts
Warsaw-based retail startup ZeroQs has successfully raised €457,000 in funding from Freya Capital to further develop and expand its smart shopping cart technology. The company’s innovative... MORE
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Aisle 24, a cashierless grocery retailer, continues its expansion across Canada with the launch of a new, larger store concept. Founded in 2016, Aisle 24 operates 24/7, fully automated stores that... MORE
Retail Lounge
Retailers are launching experiential events to enhance connections to consumers
Trend - Retailers in various industries, such as department stores, luxury brands, and more, are launching in-store lounges and experiential events. These events are designed to enhance the comfort of shoppers while deepening the connection between the shoppers and the brand.
Workshop Question - How can we create experiential in-store events that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen their connection to our brand?
8.6
Score
Popularity
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Megatrends
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Knix is elevating the intimate apparel shopping experience with its new 1,800-square-foot pop-up at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The Canadian brand’s fifteenth North American... MORE
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
One Golden Thread Opens Its Innovative Space
One Golden Thread, the regenerative apparel brand based in LA, has announced the grand opening of its Flagship Experiential Retail Concept on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. The innovative space... MORE
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Gelato Pique Has Inaugurated Its Standalone Store in South Korea
Gelato Pique’s latest retail activation is strategically located in the vibrant Hannam-dong area of Seoul. This significant launch introduces a unique lifestyle space encompassing a garden... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Château D'ivoire Renovated Its Downtown Montreal Location & It's Stunning
Château D’Ivoire, a longstanding luxury jeweler in Montreal, has reopened its downtown location following a significant renovation. The revamped store offers over 20,000 square feet of space... MORE
Visual Aid
Brands are designing packaging to be accessible for consumers with visual impairments
Trend - Brands are creating packaging designs with smart solutions for consumers with visual impairments. These solutions include scannable codes or symbols that interact with smart applications to provide either easier-to-read or audio-based information, more effectively supporting shoppers.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage technological solutions to make our products more accessible for a wider range of consumers?
8
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Megatrends
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Müller Debuts Accessible Packaging Designs
Müller has announced a significant update to its product offerings as the brand debuts its new accessible packaging designs. The venture seeks to make shopping more accessible for visually impaired... MORE
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Coca-Cola Debuts NaviLens QR Codes for Visually Impaired Consumers
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)’s Great Britain Christmas can multipacks will now include NaviLens codes on its cardboard packaging designed to aid partially sighted or visually impaired... MORE
Scannable Infant Products
Scannable Infant Products
SMA Nutrition Introduced NaviLens Codes into its Product Packaging
SMA Nutrition, a division of Nestlé, has incorporated NaviLens technology into its infant nutrition product packaging. This development is intended to improve the shopping experience for parents... MORE
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft Have Partnered for Inclusive Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft have partnered on a new packaging initiative to help those with low vision or who are blind to read labeling on a range of products. The partnership coincides with World Sight... MORE
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
Unilever and Be My Eyes Partnered to Support Shoppers
Unilever and Be My Eyes have announced a new partnership that will support blind and low-vision shoppers using the latest technology for an easier shopping experience. The partnership builds on... MORE
AI Kiosk
Smart kiosks that provide recommendations and point-of-sale support are being deployed
Trend - Retailers are deploying in-store kiosks powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI kiosks interpret and make recommendations for consumers interacting with them, thus streamlining the retail process. The advent of AI kiosks also reduces the required staff and, thus, costs for retailers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand improve its consumers' experiences by employing artificial intelligence, or other, smart features?
8
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Patterns
Megatrends
AR Retail Kiosks
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
Virtual try-on experiences for apparel and accessory products have revolutionized the way consumers shop online, and BIG Digital and DeepAR are bringing immersive experiences to retail settings with... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks Support Quick Service and More
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks are the latest solution from the hospitality technology brand that’s engineered with an intuitive customer experience in mind to support quick ordering, hybrid... MORE
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Cantaloupe Go Brings Buy-and-Go Expereinces to Customers
Cantaloupe Go is a new product line of self-service commerce solutions and it was recently unveiled by Cantaloupe at The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Show 2023. At the event,... MORE
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies (ART) have teamed up to provide consumers with a quick meal at their leisure that’s easy for them to access at their leisure. The partnership will see... MORE
Barcode-Free Checkout
Artificial intelligence is used to identify barcode-less items at checkout
Trend - Artificial intelligence has been adapted to enable barcode-less product scanning, facilitated by algorithms that analyze images and videos of objects to identify unique features. This technology accurately accounts for retail items in real time, providing shoppers with seamless checkout experiences.
Workshop Question - How can your brand use automation to appeal to consumer's demand for convenience?
8.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
Instacart Unveils a New AI-Powered Shopping Cart Partnership with Aldi
Instacart and Aldi South Group are set to broaden their global partnership. As part of this expansion, Instacart will deploy its Connected Stores technologies across Aldi’s US locations. This... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
Diebold Nixdorf, a multinational retail technology company that offers a variety of products and services that are associated with self-checkout and self-service transactions and point-of-sale, is... MORE
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Toshiba's Vision Kiosk Identifies Items Without Barcodes
At EuroCIS 2024, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions will give retailers the chance to experience transformational business solutions like the Toshiba Vision Kiosk. This cutting-edge retail solution... MORE
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
Barcode-Less Product Scanners
SeeChange Taps Diebold Nixdorf to Create AI Checkout Tools
SeeChange Technologies, a company known for its retail-focused computer vision AI technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Diebold Nixdorf, a global leader in retail consumer and staff... MORE
AI Skincare
Artificial Intelligence is being used to improve the efficiency of skincare treatments
Trend - Beauty brands are using artificial intelligence to create more effective skincare solutions. These solutions include apps and smart devices as well as serums and lotions. The use of AI enables the apps and devices to determine the optimal skincare regiment for each user.
Workshop Question - How could your brand leverage artificial intelligence in its products or services to better address the needs of younger consumers?
7.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Driven Skincare Platforms
AI-Driven Skincare Platforms
RoC Skincare and Revieve Partnered for RoC AI Skin Insight
RoC Skincare and Revieve have announced a partnership for the RoC AI Skin Insight platform that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to help consumers pinpoint the right products for their... MORE
AI-Powered Skincare Serums
AI-Powered Skincare Serums
Proven Skincare's All-In-One Personalized Serum Targets Key Concerns
Proven Skincare is expanding its portfolio of skincare solutions created with AI technology by introducing the All-In-One Personalized Serum. This skincare product gleans from Proven’s Skin... MORE
AI-Powered Skincare Devices
AI-Powered Skincare Devices
The Tri-Light +SABI AI Uses Data to Enhance Users' Skincare Routines
The Tri-Light +SABI AI by Skin Inc. pairs a device with an app to help consumers improve their skincare routine. This device is described as the world’s first eight-in-one virtual wellness and... MORE
Advanced AI Skincare Solutions
Advanced AI Skincare Solutions
The Perfect Corp. Updated its AI Skin Scanner
The Perfect Corp. has announced upgrades to its AI Skin Scanner as a way to help clinics, medspas and other skincare businesses in the industry harness the power of advanced artificial intelligence (... MORE
Affordable AI Skincare Devices
Affordable AI Skincare Devices
SmartAppGuided Supports Personalized Care for Less Than $100
GESKE German Beauty Tech is a new global brand that unites German engineering with skincare expertise and artificial intelligence, and all of its expertise culminates in its first holistic... MORE
AI Stylist
Artificial intelligence is used to provide fashion recommendations to shoppers
Trend - Shopping brands are utilizing artificial intelligence to provide personalized recommendations, answer queries, offer product information, and enhance the shopping experience for customers. These assistants can be integrated into e-commerce websites, mobile apps, or messaging platforms.
Workshop Question - How can your brand enhance the pre and post-purchase process for its customers?
7.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
Shoptrue Curates Personalized Fashion Picks with Artificial Intelligence
Shoptrue is a new online shopping app that harnesses artificial intelligence technology to orchestrate a more personalized experience for consumers. The marketplace carries the promise of making... MORE
AI-Powered Shopping Plugins
AI-Powered Shopping Plugins
Klarna is Building an Integrated Plugin for ChatGPT
Behind the scenes, artificial intelligence has been revolutionizing the way people search for and shop for products, and now Klarna is introducing a plugin for ChatGPT that will bring a... MORE
AI-Powered Shopping Assistants
AI-Powered Shopping Assistants
Mercari Debuts a Conversational ChatGPT-Powered Shopping Assistant
As ChatGPT continues to change the way we live, a new conversational shopping assistant is coming to market that will empower consumers to easily shop for second-hand items.  Merchat AI is a... MORE
Stylist AI Chatbots
Stylist AI Chatbots
Ssense Unveils a New ChatGPT-Enabled Chatbot for Personal Styling
Ssense, a renowned fashion platform, has recently unveiled an innovative generative AI chatbot designed to cater to shoppers’ styling and shopping needs. Leveraging the power of ChatGPT’... MORE
AI-Powered Fashion Assistants
AI-Powered Fashion Assistants
Zalando is Launching a Virtual Assistant Powered by ChatGPT
OpenAI gives customers the power to ask questions using their own words and get meaningful responses in return and now Zalando is employing ChatGPT to help customers get suggestions in a more natural,... MORE
AI Touchpoint
Foodservice brands use assistive AI tech to improve customer touchpoints
Trend - Balancing the benefits of both AI assistance and face-to-face customer service interactions, F&B brands are improving efficiency with AI chatbots and assistants across smaller touchpoints in the customer journey--including virtual and phoned delivery inquiries and drive-thru ordering.
Workshop Question - In what area/s could your brand's customer journey be improved by AI assistants?
6.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Driven Burger Restaurants
AI-Driven Burger Restaurants
CaliExpress Offers Burgers and Fries Prepared by AI Technology
Pasadena is set to host the world’s first fully autonomous artificial intelligence restaurant, CaliExpress, which is planned to open in the coming weeks. Located at 561 E. Green Street near... MORE
AI-Powered Drive-Thrus
AI-Powered Drive-Thrus
Checkers Collaborates with Hi Auto to Streamline the Drive-Thru Experience
The drive-thru experience at QSR Checkers just got updated through a collaboration with Hi Auto. The partners deployed Spanish drive-through artificial intelligence (AI) voice technology at select... MORE
Voice-Based AI QSR Services
Voice-Based AI QSR Services
Valyant AI and Paerpay Tansform Drive-thru Experience with AI
In a strategic move to elevate the drive-thru experience, Valyant AI and Paerpay have announced a partnership aimed at integrating AI-driven services in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector.... MORE
AI-Enabled Delivery Chatbots
AI-Enabled Delivery Chatbots
Uber Eats Launches an AI Chatbot to Help Improve User Experiences
Uber Eats is expected to launch a new artificial intelligence chatbot on its food delivery platform. The new chatbot is designed to bolster user engagement by offering tailored recommendations,... MORE
AI-Powered Tech Deliveries
AI-Powered Tech Deliveries
Best Buy Unveils the New AI-Powered Delivery Service
Best Buy is redefining the delivery and installation experience by introducing a dynamic, real-time tracking system that puts customers in control like never before. Leveraging advanced AI technology,... MORE
Gastrointestinal Tracking
Health apps are designed to track symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases
Trend - Apps and virtual care that are specifically designed for people with gastrointestinal diseases are on the rise--addressing illnesses like IBS and GERD. These apps both educate and help users track symptoms--allowing them to identify and avoid triggers, and create plans to optimize wellbeing.
Workshop Question - How could your brand offer a more personalized approach to its customers' wellbeing?
5.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Heartburn Tracker Apps
Heartburn Tracker Apps
The Wonderbelly App Tracks Acid Reflux to Support Better Digestive Health
As of spring 2023, Wonderbelly’s sweetly flavored flagship antacid product became available for purchase through Target’s in-store and online channels, and as part of its mission to make... MORE
AI-Powered Gut Health Apps
AI-Powered Gut Health Apps
The Ayble App Helps People Recognize Their Trigger Foods
With a combination of machine learning and and extensive GI database, Ayble is an app that helps people take control of their gut health. This app is especially valuable for people who experience IBS,... MORE
Digestive Health Apps
Digestive Health Apps
Belly Buddy Can Help Users Find Foods Linked to Digestive Issues
Belly Buddy is a health management app that empowers users to take control of their digestive health like never before. By seamlessly integrating food logging with real-time tracking of digestive... MORE
Virtual Gastrointestinal Care Clinics
Virtual Gastrointestinal Care Clinics
Salvo Health is an Online Clinic for Those with GI Problems
Salvo Health, a health tech startup specializing in gut health problems, officially launched with $10.5 million in seed funding, which was led by Threshold Ventures. The funding will go towards... MORE
Medical-Focused Nutrition Apps
Medical-Focused Nutrition Apps
Heali Will Provide Boston Heart Patients With Custom Dietary Plans
Personalized nutrition platform Heali has partnered with health diagnostics company Boston Heart Diagnostics to deliver its patients enhanced nutritional recommendations and added support for their... MORE
Circadian Fridge
Brands are launching smart fridges that mimic the cycle of sunlight
Trend - Brands in the home appliance space are launching smart fridges with UV light-controlled crispers that mimic the sun cycle. These fridges extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables and ensure the foods retain as many vitamins as possible. This technology saves consumers money and time.
Workshop Question - What innovative methods can your brand explore to offer smart products that promote health and wellness among dedicated consumers?
5.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
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Patterns
Megatrends
Food Preservation Fridges
Food Preservation Fridges
Beko's HarvestFresh Technology Mimics the 24-Hour Sun Cycle
Ahead of a day in April that supports environmental protection, Beko Home Appliances USA launched a new line of refrigerators dedicated to extending the life of fresh produce. The HarvestFresh... MORE
Energy-Saving Smart Fridges
Energy-Saving Smart Fridges
Dawlance's 'Vitamin Fresh' Technology Preserves Food Quality
Vitamin Fresh Technology is a feature of Dawlance refrigerators that preserves the freshness and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables for up to 20 days. It uses a combination of UV light,... MORE
play_circle_filledSun-Mimicking Smart Fridges
Sun-Mimicking Smart Fridges
Defy's NatureLight Technology Extends the Shelf Life of Stored Food
‘NatureLight’ technology is an innovative feature that uses three colors of light (blue, green and red) to mimic the natural 24-hour sun cycle inside the fridge’s crisper drawer. This... MORE
Nutrient-Preserving Fridge Functions
Nutrient-Preserving Fridge Functions
Singer Bangladesh Unveils Fresh-O-Logy and NutriLock Fridges
Singer Bangladesh is introducing two new and innovative refrigerator technologies called Fresh-O-Logy and NutriLock. Serving as a prime example of the capabilities of modern technology, these... MORE