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August 22nd, 2023

Josh

Our recent 2030 predictions report, Retail Futures, mused what the future might be like, but through AI, we can show you!

As a part of this month’s campaign, that focusses on all things AI, we wanted to leverage the power of generative AI to visualise what our predictions could look like if they were reality.

As a team we used various language models such as ChatGPT and Google Bard to assist us in crafting our prompts, in conjunction with Generative image AI’s to bring our predictions to life. We’ve also utilised AI language models to help craft this blog post, allowing the A.I software to collaborate with us on our original 2030 predictions report.

Bringing the predictions to life

1) Submerged Safaris.

Our understanding of the oceans pales in comparison to our knowledge of the vast universe that surrounds us. Despite oceans covering 77% of our planet, the average person has struggled to grasp our profound connection to this watery realm. Issues like overfishing and the presence of plastic pollution further complicate matters, while the mysteries within the ocean depths continue to captivate our imagination, unveiling new species with every deep-sea exploration. It’s becoming evident that oceanic tourism is on the horizon.

Given the escalating rise in sea levels and the soaring temperatures at the surface, there is a growing interest among travellers to delve into the profound depths of the ocean and forge a connection with its diverse marine life, mirroring the way they’ve engaged with plant life on land. With the help of Bing Image Generator, we have visualised what an underwater ‘retail safari’ might look like.

2) Activism Space.

These are physical or digital venues where activists and socially conscious individuals convene to voice intentions, recruit new supporters, and learn tactics for peaceful disruption and change. With global protesters facing legal consequences and limited speech freedom, these spaces offer secure platforms to organize and educate on lawful methods for positive change. Encompassing hacktivism, digital protests, and education from experienced activists, these spaces exist both physically and in the metaverse. They serve as democratic forums for learning and dialogue, empowering contributors to drive impactful and lawful transformations.

 

3) Neurosensory Cosmetics.

Driven by a pursuit of heightened efficiency, the cosmetics and personal care industry is increasingly delving into neuroscience. Recent studies reveal that applying products directly to the skin influences its health and protective functions through the nervous system. This understanding of the brain-skin connection has led to the incorporation of active ingredients in skincare products that communicate with the brain. This not only impacts the skin’s surface but also exerts an interconnected influence on the nervous system.

In early 2019, Givaudan introduced Sensityl, a novel cosmetic active ingredient derived from microalgae biotechnology. This ingredient positively affects both mood and skin condition by addressing the microbiome and skin’s inflammatory pathways. This intriguing research not only advances skincare but also hints at a potential synergy between cosmetics and conventional medical treatments.

4) Neighbour-Hubs.

Based on insights from the Edelman Trust Barometer, it’s evident that individuals place more trust in “people in their community” (62%) compared to CEOs (49%). This trend could drive local communities to favour acquiring goods and services from familiar local sources, aligning with the push for decentralization, accountability, and transparent supply chains.

Introducing the concept of a “Neighbour-Hub,” a space designed for the local community to engage in skill exchanges, trade homemade products, and collaborate on community initiatives. This initiative aims to empower communities, enabling them to regain control from inactive councils that often resemble large-scale local NGOs.

5) Plant House.

Following the resurgence of houseplants in the 2020s, homeowners will seek more profound connections with nature. Conservatories and sunrooms will evolve into growing spaces, while apartments will transform living areas into nature-immersed zones, allowing people to reconnect with the natural world indoors and escape urban air quality issues. Living furniture, surfaces, and flooring will be cultivated from plants. Lighting will be illuminated by bio-luminescent flora, and interior aesthetics will draw from visually appealing, functional plants that also provide food sources. Oxygenating plants will organically cleanse the air, capturing household carbon emissions in the process.

6) Slow-Haul Travel.

A revival of slower travel methods is on the horizon, ushering in the return of airships as an eco-conscious alternative to airplanes. This choice aligns with the values of modern travellers who seek to explore the world without contributing to the escalating carbon footprint issue. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it’s also economically feasible, especially as carbon taxes increasingly impact air travel affordability.

Slower travel options provide the advantage of enhanced onboard space. Gone are the cramped seats reminiscent of sardine cans, making way for comfortable living spaces and productive work areas equipped with free satellite Wi-Fi. The modern airship could present a sleek, SpaceX-inspired design, or evoke a nostalgic nod to the grandeur of early intercontinental voyages.

 

 

7) Solo Sanctuaries.

As experiences increasingly shift to prioritize community-building and the sharing tendencies of social media natives, many individuals might find themselves feeling lost in the crowd. This trend will lead to a notable demand for more private or solitary experiences.

In response, brands will craft moments tailored to put the individual at the forefront, crafting spaces for those who prefer a more independent experience. They might even extend this concept to create stores exclusively for solo shopping in the metaverse or physical stores accessible through premium subscriptions to avoid crowds of shoppers—think of it as a physical version of “subscribe to see no ads.”

Throughout August, we’re exploring how we as designers can integrate AI into our workflows and what this means for our clients. Join us for more intriguing AI content!

We understand the importance of responding to the future of retail and keeping up-to-date with the latest physical and digital trends to create best-in-class brand experiences and customer journeys.

Let’s talk.