10 digital & social trends: marketing inspiration for 2015

1: Virtual Reality

Oculus Rift releasing consumer headsetsGoogle Cardboard opening up opportunitiesMarriott leading the way in new 4D headset technologyUniversities developing their own headset virtual tours

1: Virtual Realityin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

2: Social Data

Speed Data acceleratesTesco’s Xmas ‘Scan-ta’ app shows how social data has evolvedAmazon go for speed, simplicity & the uninterruptable experienceUniversities chase Social CRM goals Who will emulate the Ozu Facebook project?

2: Social Datain full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

3: Creative Video

Content is still King but it can’t rule without creativityHonda R-Type campaign opens up a new road in video excellenceLevis turn their stories into shopping opportunitiesUniversity of Huddersfield inspire with personalised video explorer appUniversities pushing the creative button

3: Creative Videoin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

4: Experiential

Live events, stunts & outdoor media continue as catalysts for viral digital excellencePepsi Max & Red Bull put the fizz into great creativity on and off campusCampus based tweet-powered vending machine hits the sweet spot for MarsUniversities prepare to get creative in their own back-yard

4: Experientialin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

5: Audio

‘Serial’ drama proves podcasting is big news againShazam, Spotify & Soundcloud turning the volume upMercedes audio-powered activity drives new opportunitiesUniversities get a daily fix of Soundcloud as they seek better accessibility

5: Audioin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

6: 24/7 Help

KLM show how personal service has taken off on socialB&Q, Natwest and others get personal tooThread & the Trunk Club take the digitalised personal-shopping fashion to new levels 24/7 student tours & instant personalised web pages prove some universities are right on trend

6: 24/7 Helpin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

7: Pay as you go

Facebook algorithms ending free-play. Time to pay.The world goes ‘native’ with promoted posts, Buzzfeeds and stand-alone contentTinder proves a fantastic platform for innovative campaignsMonetisation of Social could further fuel Ello and other ad-free alternativesUniversities get segmenting again as they prepare content to get in on the action

7: Pay as you goin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

8: Vlog On

Alfie Deyes, Zoella & Tanya Burr: Social Megastars with influenceMaleficent make-up tutorial brings in the millions for DisneyMinecraft & Loom Bands take peer-to-peer influence to new levelsUniversities seek out their own viners, instagrammers and vloggers to spread the word

8: Vlog Onin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

9: Screens

The world continues to go responsive, adapting for the ‘5 Screen Generation’Full screen images, cinema-style motion and parallax scrolling continue to dominateSome universities are keeping pace but many still have a lot to do! We’ll see frantic activity in 2015

9: Screensin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

10: Splinternet

Marketers use the ‘splinternet’ idea to reflect the huge diversity of channel and opportunity now availableSpiderman leaps from You Tube to Draw Something as advertisers segment their way through the webUniversities already splintering out communications into multi-channels but strategy and planning is key

10: Splinternetin full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

in full at www.thefutureindex.com/extra

and now bringing the trends to life with examples from the wider world and Higher Education, along with

‘How-To’ guides - the perfect springboard for 2015.

www.thefutureindex.com/academy