In the 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 to research trends, and begin collecting trend signals. These signals will be gathered on a visual ‘evidence wall,’ an inspiring collection of your findings. This marks the beginning of your journey into understanding trends and their impact on the future.

We will dive deeper into interpreting trend signals. You’ll learn to work with the trend pyramid, an essential theory for understanding trends. You’ll cluster the trend signals you’ve gathered into groups and link them to macro trends. Additionally, you will identify the underlying values and needs associated with each cluster. This process will help you organize the overwhelming amount of information and clarify the key trends.

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

During this week, we dive into the fascinating world of forecasting methods. You’ll explore various techniques for creating future scenarios. From extrapolation timelines and future planning to scenario planning, we’ll provide you with the tools to create a well-founded vision of the future. These methods form the foundation for thinking about long-term solutions. This week is essential for anyone who wants to think strategically about what the future might bring.

We’ll get to work developing a future scenario. Using the forecasting methods you’ve learned, you’ll create a scenario in both words and visuals. You’ll consider shifting values and needs in society and translate them into a vision of the future. This is an exciting opportunity to shape your unique perspective on what’s to come!

Now that you’ve 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. You’ll create a visual trend translation that is not only innovative but also aligns with future developments.

This week focuses on translating trends and future scenarios into concrete actions. How can you convert the insights from your trends and future vision into a strategic direction?

We’ll introduce the method of backcasting to help you develop a roadmap for your trend or future scenario. This approach allows you to work backward from a future vision to the present, so you can define clear steps to bring your vision to life. The goal is to take a hands-on approach and apply your trends in a practical way.

The grand finale! In the final week, you’ll present your fully developed future scenario to your fellow students. This is your chance to showcase how you’ve applied the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to create a thoughtful and visually appealing vision of the future. Exciting, and a great opportunity to receive valuable feedback!