Description Long

A trend describes the development and change of specific phenomena over a period of time. By recognising trends, transformation processes from the past to the future can be understood. Megatrends are long-term, profound changes that affect various social and economic sectors. Examples of such trends include digitalisation, sustainability, individualisation, and New Work. As trends also influence the world of work, relationships, and consumption, they can serve as inspiration for new ideas. In the Megatrend method, the social and technological impact of these trends is analysed, and new opportunities for innovation are derived from them.

Illustration

Preparation

• Research megatrends and select relevant trends for the topic.
• Analyse or research the social and technological impact of the respective trends.
• Represent the trends on cards, posters, or on a computer.
• Online: Ensure that participants can access the megatrend map and that there is a way to collect electronic feedback on each station.

Execution

1. Give a brief introduction to the topic of megatrends.
2. Participants study the prepared influencing factors (megatrends).
3. Participants are asked to write ideas for the current focus area on idea cards or Post-its, inspired by the trends.
4. The idea cards are pinned or stuck to a wall, possibly with explanations from the participants.

Hints from experience

• Depending on the focus of the overall question, it may be useful to give participants more time for the idea cards or Post-its.
• If necessary, this method can be repeated after a group discussion.

Tools list

• Projector
• Sticky notes
• Poster or cards with megatrends
• Paper and pencil

References

https://www.zukunftsinstitut.de/dossier/megatrends/