Due to an abundance of profound technological advancements that have changed the way we ideate, conceptualize and design, it’s safe to say we’ve embraced a recent shift that has impacted, or rather redefined, the way we think about product design. Instead of creating with the goal of selling products and collecting revenue, there’s a newfound demand for creating products that translate as solutions. Today’s consumers want to see cutting-edge thinking that serves one of two purposes: to either simplify their life, or improve it. Convenience has become a huge factor that drives purchasing decisions, and as technology expands the capabilities of everyday, essential products, consumers want, and are willing to invest in, the best of the best.
From advances in the medical field to the integration of AI, smart homes, liquid batteries, drones and the ever evolving advancements in the world of tech, it’s interesting to take a look at forecasted trends that are gaining traction and making their way to the forefront. Consider these breakthrough technologies and how they’ll redefine different aspects of everyday life.
There’s an automated pilot in the driver’s seat. And no, they’re not texting.
It’s been a withstanding question: how do computers compare to humans when it comes to driving? Self-driving trucks are about to give us a glimpse at the answer. Theorists are using research to suggest that automated transportation could: minimize fuel costs, cut back on wind drag, and pose as a more time-efficient solution for those long, cross-country road trips. Using a tech system that functions by leveraging spatial awareness capabilities, this evolving advancement implies a need for less workers, meaning it can cut unnecessary labor costs.
Facials and Financials: Your face may have new buying power
The potential of facial recognition technology is colliding with a new industry: banking. Sure, our smiles and instinctive facial expression may unlock our phones, ease travel, or translate as a more convenient way to pass security measures, but now it’s venturing in to new territory to simplify the process of paying for overpriced coffees, movie tickets, and a new pair of kicks. While the technology is designed to use a number of different facial features to process transactions, critics argue this compromises user anonymity, and may even jeopardize consumer privacy. Stay tuned.
Time to update your cell phone. Panorama is the new selfie.
360° is nothing new in the world of photo/video, but it may become the new standard for news stations and publications who translate experiences and stories to audiences that can’t be present in person. By using energy-efficient chips that generate more heat and more horsepower, 360-degree live-streaming is increasingly more accessible, and is inherently elevating the way we think about selfies.
Robot training 101: Mavis Beacon isn’t the only one who believes in repetition as a learning tactic
Remember when you used to eye roll over assigned reading, homework, and class projects? Well, it looks like your grade school teachers aren’t the only ones who see the value of reinforcing lessons. As it turns out, the practice makes perfect mentality also applies to robots, and artificial intelligence is hitting the books. Doing so leverages an extensive neural network that trains robots to identify repetition and patterns across sets of data. As the computer builds a comprehensive understanding of what is right and what is wrong, it develops a mind that’s continuously expanding, and thus getting smarter along the way. As AI begins to disrupt more industries, the need for reinforcement learning is imperative for conducting thorough tests that give experts an accurate understanding of the computer’s capabilities.
What types of trends do you think we’ll see in the next 5 years?