4 Tech Trends for 2014 by Aliza Sherman

@alizasherman  

Never make predictions, especially about the future.

--Casey Stengel

“For better or for worse, 2014 escalates

the ubiquity of connectivity.”

@alizasherman  

Prediction 1: Hybrid or 360 degree

experiences Lines between online/mobile and offline blur even more.

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

The hybrid or 360 degree experience demonstrates that what we see and do online is inextricably connected to what we see and do offline. We engage in offline activities and instantly share them online. We go online whenever we have “down time” offline* to stave off boredom by “connecting.”

*and  too  o1en  at  moments  when    we  should  be  paying  a8en9on…  

Prediction 1

•  Wearable  technologies  –  FitBit,  Up  by  Jawbone  –  Fuel  by  Nike  

•  Geo-­‐Fencing  –  Bytelight  –  PlaceCast  and  PlaceAd  

•  QR  codes  and  improved  scannables  •  Social  mobile  gamifica9on  of  offline  experiences  –  EventMobi  –  Bizzabo  

Examples of hybrid experiences Prediction 1

Pictured:  Up  by  Jawbone  @alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

Disrupting: Our ways of being “present” and how we “connect” with others.

Prediction 2: Social fatigue

Overconnecting becomes even more overwhelming.

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

The flip side of hybrid experiences: People will seek solutions to hyper-connected burnout. Businesses, products and services catering to simplifying, even disconnecting, will fill a growing need. Think retreats, workshops, software that quiets notifications or tracks time online and gently reminds people to pay attention to life.

Prediction 2

•  Camp  Grounded  •  Digital  Detox  (“Disconnect  to  Reconnect”)  •  Wisdom  2.0  (“Disconnect  to  Connect”)  •  #unplug  Movement  •  Tech  “Diets”  •  Reboot  –  Na9onal  Day  of  Unplugging    – March  7-­‐8,  2014  – “I  unplug  to  _______”  

 

Examples Prediction 2

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

Disrupting: Our compulsive mobile device and social networking habits.

“2014 will be the year of

unplugging.”

@alizasherman  

Prediction 3: Domination of the

user gen model More companies solicit, cull & exploit content from their customers.

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

User Generated Content (UGC) continues to be solicited and aggregated by companies as a stand-in for paying writers. Why will people continue to contribute this content for free? Human nature. We yearn to be heard. We seek a platform or soapbox. We correlate being published with being connected.

Prediction 3

•  Ar9cles  and  essays  – Medium  – Dot.complicated  – Huffington  Post  – Open  Forum  (American  Express)  

•  Ci9zen  journalism  –  iReport  

•  The  fine  print  in  the  terms  of  service    for  social  networks,  video  and  image  sharing  sites,  wikis,  podcas9ng,  etc.  

Examples Prediction 3

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

Disrupting: The price (and value) of content.

Prediction 4: Crowdfunding

goes mainstream Each of us has

the power to invest.

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

Crowdfunding sites are finally resulting in tangible products. Contributing and investing via social crowdfunding sites will become more common, particularly as the Jobs Act rulings on crowdfunding are determined. Anybody can make small investments with ease. Anybody with an idea or cause has the power to solicit money from friends, family, fans and strangers.

Prediction 4

Examples Prediction 5

Pictured:  Cordie  from  Quirky,  Everpurse  in  Persimmon  

•  Kickstarter,  Indigogo  – Studio  Neat  Glif  – Everpurse  

•  Quirky  products  sold  at  Target  •  Cause-­‐related  fundraising  plajorms  – Catapult  – StartSomeGood  

   

@alizasherman  

@alizasherman  

Disrupting: The need for financial middlemen and money gatekeepers.

“2014 means more power to the consumer as creator.”

@alizasherman  

“The best way to predict the future

is to create it.” --Peter Drucker

Aliza Sherman Speaker, Author,

Web Pioneer @alizasherman

AlizaSherman.com