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August 2016

THE TRENDS REPORT

A MONTHLY SNAPSHOT OF TRENDS IN MARKETING, STORYTELLING AND DIGITAL

CULTURE LOCALLY AND ABROAD.

CREATIVITY AND A NEW

REALITY

We have to accept and appreciate that artificial intelligence is in the not so distant future.

A.I is coming, the question you should ask yourself as a brand is “Are we geared up and equipped to embrace A.I within our processes?”

Adopt or die.

Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Lawyer

In London and New York, there is a Chatbot which is protecting drivers from unwarranted parking ticket fines.

The program first processes whether an appeal is possible through a range of questions requiring answers from consumers (i.e. were the road signs clearly visible?). After which it will guide users on the appeal process.

To date, it has overturned 160,000 parking ticket cases successfully, in favour of the consumers.

READ MORE

Source:theguardian.com

Ultimate stand off: Country vs. Technological advancement

A.I has been met with mixed reactions especially in Africa, where levels of inequality are at their highest.

In order for artificial intelligence to be incorporated successfully, the country’s economy needs to create more jobs at a higher rate than the rate at which A.I is being introduced and incorporated within organisations.

Source: mgafrica.com

READ MORE

INNOVATION AND DISRUPTION

Disruption is occurring in different sectors and facets of business and life and better yet, in consumer spaces in order to enhance consumer experiences.

Technology is able to create safe environments while we enjoy our experience of the world, and even using tech itself to protect us from intrusive and unwelcome technology.

Be safe.

Ski The Slopes With Your Own Wearable Airbag Vest

These innovative vests aim to enhance consumer experience, as well as reduce the possibility of fatal accidents occurring during ski trips.

“The inflated vest protects the hips, back and vital organs, and the sensors inside can record every detail of your trip down the mountain,”- Valentin Honore’ (In&motion Company Founder)

READ MORE

Source:cnet.com

Smartphone User Sidewalk Lights

Distracted tech users are vulnerable to injury, whether accidental or self-inflicted.

Pedestrian lights are currently being piloted in Germany and Australia, and are situated on the pavement. If there is oncoming traffic, the lights flicker alerting smartphone users to stop.

If successful, rollout will commence in other parts of Europe and eventually across the world.

READ MORE

Source: trendhunter.com

Upgrade your health, from the inside out

Who said drinking your sunscreen is bad for your health?

UVO has developed an innovative product which contains all the vitamins, minerals and super powers involved in protecting human beings from sunburn.

Its still currently undergoing tests and research in determining its effectiveness.

READ MORE

Source: theguardian.com

Cash Recycling at Mall of Africa

SBV has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a new cash recycling system, which invisibly recycles cash throughout the mall (and is moved virtually undetected).

This dramatically reduces the amount of money shops carry on hand, in turn making malls that much safer for shoppers.

READ MORE

Source: sbv.co.za

“We have been inundated with calls from property developers interested in the system because they see the value of SMCR and its potential to eliminate crime from the retail floor.”

- Shaun Nicholls (SBV’s Executive of Business Transformation)

MEDIA JUJITSU

Be brave and take calculated risks because your audience has high expectations and short attention spans.

The next examples explore how a car company and a financial firm wrestle to create new experiences for its consumers.

Fortune favours the brave.

Future Recruitment Methodology?

The JP Morgan Graduate recruitment program made a bold move by encouraging graduates to submit their applications via….SNAPCHAT.

Graduates were required to submit “a series of 10-second ads” which highlight how their newly acquired skills can be applied working for the brand.

READ MORE

Source: trendhunter.com

CONNECTING THE

UNCONNECTED

Connecting consumers to a brand’s ecosystem is particularly challenging, as it involves convincing consumers that they should opt to use your platforms in favour of a plethora of competitor platforms at their disposal.

Brands that can successfully integrate touch points to minimise red tape will be ahead of the curve.

Convenience is key

Samsung and Nestle Join Forces

Samsung and Nestle are collaborating to develop a digital nutrition and health platform for consumers.

This platform will integrate with wearable tech, mobile phones and ‘smart homes’, all to provide accurate, personalised recommendations on nutrition, lifestyle and fitness for the individual.

This will give the consumer greater ownership of their health and enhance their decision making. Convenient isn’t it?

READ MORE Source: nestle.com

“It will advance our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy, to support people who want to live a healthier lifestyle.”

- Stefan Catsicas, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer.

“Today, we live in an era where the data from sensors and devices in our daily lives, such as mobile phones, wearables, and ‘smart’ homes, can help us to understand our nutrition and activity and to guide us towards a healthier lifestyle.”

- Young Sohn, President and Chief Strategy Officer, Device Solutions, Samsung Electronics.

Enhanced security and convenience

The Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) in conjunction with Visa and Mastercard have joined forces to incorporate biometric authentication on bank cards across South Africa.

With the biometric system, users will simply use their finger print to authorize payments.

READ MORE

Source: htxt.co.za

“The benefits of biometrics are security and convenience… People find keeping passwords secure and up to date difficult,”

- Taurai Tarugarira, senior director at Visa for sub-Saharan Africa.

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