In this first week, you’ll be introduced to the basics of trend research: spotting trends. You’ll learn how to trust your own observations and how to look around you to pick up important signals. You’ll choose a specific sector, industry, or field in which to investigate trends and begin collecting trend signals. These signals are gathered on a visual ‘evidence wall,’ an inspiring collection of your findings. This marks the start of your journey toward understanding trends and their impact on the future.

We dive deeper into interpreting trend signals. You’ll learn to work with the trend pyramid, an essential theory for understanding trends. You will cluster the trend signals you’ve collected into groups and link them to macro trends. Additionally, you’ll identify the underlying values and needs associated with each cluster. This process helps you organize the abundance of information and sharpen the focus on the most important trends.

In the third week, you’ll take a step further by identifying the most relevant megatrends and linking them to the trend clusters you created. You’ll support your choices using the three trend layers (micro, macro, mega) and apply the DESTEP method to map external factors (Demographic, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Political). This week focuses on distilling the essence of the trends and understanding their broader impact.

During this week, we dive into the fascinating world of forecasting methods. You’ll get to know various techniques for creating future scenarios. From extrapolation timelines and future planning to scenario planning, we provide you with the tools to create well-founded visions of the future. These methods form the basis for thinking in long-term solutions. This week is essential for anyone who wants to learn how to think strategically about what the future may hold.

We will work on developing a future scenario. Based on the forecasting methods you’ve learned, you will create a scenario in both words and visuals. You will take into account changing values and needs in society and translate these into a future vision. This is an exciting opportunity to shape your unique perspective on the future!

Now that you have developed a future scenario, it’s time to visually translate this vision into tangible trends. In week 6, you’ll learn how to derive innovative style and mood elements from your future scenario. Think of colors, scents, shapes, materials, patterns, typography, and visual language. You will create a visual trend translation that is not only innovative but also aligned with future developments.

This week focuses on developing your forecast into a compelling visual presentation. You’ll learn how to communicate your vision powerfully using storytelling and presentation techniques. Whether you’re working with graphic elements, video, or other media, we’ll help you present your forecast in a creative and persuasive way.

This week focuses on developing your forecast into a compelling visual presentation. You’ll learn how to effectively communicate your vision using storytelling and presentation techniques. Whether you work with graphic elements, video, or other media, we’ll support you in presenting your forecast in a creative and convincing way.