Wunderman Thompson Intelligence forecasts 100 trends that will shape the new decade.

As we head into a fresh decade, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence unveils “The Future 100” report that highlights consumer behavior with 100 trend predictions from the Innovation Group.

“The Future 100” helps readers prepare for emerging consumer behavior with 100 trend predictions from the Innovation Group. Split into 10 categories, each trend delivers a snapshot of movements so far, while clearly explaining why brands and marketers should pay attention.

From complex cocktails and digital spas to subscription insurance and scientific expeditions, “The Future 100” predicts 2020 will usher in an era that’s realistic yet imaginative at the same time, leveraged by tech innovation and a redefined experience for shoppers on the high street beyond.

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Emma Chiu, Global Director of Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, says of the report, “A real cultural change has taken place, with purpose and transparency leading customer loyalty, while imagination is trumping data for consumer appeal. ‘Future 100’ is a way of keeping up with the big shifts and smaller fast-moving trends, offering marketers an opportunity to get ahead.”

The report’s 10 trend segments are- Culture, Tech & Innovation, Travel & Hospitality, Brands & Marketing, Food & Drink, Beauty, Retail, Luxury, Health, and Finance.

2020 highlights

• Optimistic futures—Unsettling political, economic and environmental times has left consumers feeling anxious. From Pantone’s fierce Flame Scarlet red shade for spring/summer 2020 to Lego’s challenge to “rebuild the world,” forward-thinking companies are brightening the gloom with a realistic and optimistic outlook.

• The privacy era—Once seen as an aid to consumers, data collection is now viewed as underhanded and unethical, with consumers at breaking point amid frequent data breaches. 2019 initiatives were the first step on a path to redemption for some brands and the idea that consumers can control their own data is becoming a clear possibility. 

• Climate positive brands—As climate concerns remain headline news, brands are focusing on ensuring they have real sustainable business plans and carbon-neutral policies and are transparent about their responsibilities. This will not only build trust but also earn customer loyalty as consumers get wise to environmental impacts.

• Untabooing in the East—A shift in openness around traditional taboos and gender straitjackets in Asia is initiating a fresh approach to the market. Attitudes to mental health, sexual health and gender are changing, supported by technology and rapid economic development.

• New beauty playgrounds—Experiential shopping matches with a line of best fit for today’s beauty consumers, who still prefer to try out and buy cosmetics in-store. Spotting the trend, beauty brands are developing a veritable playground of experiences and reimagining the beauty counter as a destination where consumers can spend time playing and, of course, purchasing.

• The subscription goes East—Subscriptions are no longer just for news, gyms or music. The ecosystem for a subscribed life is at its zenith in Japan, where you can now subscribe to everything from bar drinks to hair and beauty treatments, workwear and even Lexus cars.

• Elevated airports—From Singapore’s Jewel Changi, which hosts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, to Beijing’s Daxing International Airport designed in a starfish shape by the late Zaha Hadid, airports are going beyond facilitating travel to becoming unique cultural destinations in their own right.

You can download the full report here.