FUTURE TRENDS: Changing Mindsets : Values in Synthetic Biology

Startling Brands Future Trends Forecasting Synthetic Biology Playing God Bacteria Illustration by Mario Dzurila

Controversial and surrounded by misinformation, genetically modified organisms (or GMOs) have been a hot topic for decades. A new study however, shows that even though many people are opposed to them, GMO corn increases crop yields significantly and even provides health benefits due to fewer mycotoxins (up to 36,5% less, depending on the species). Mycotoxins are chemicals … Read more

FUTURE TRENDS: Brands should commit to activism or steer clear of it

Startling Brands Trend Forecasting Branding Future Trends Corporate Activism

Every age has its own kind of activism and ours is characterized by emancipation powered via internet culture. Hashtags such as #metoo, #resist and #blacklivesmatter (among others) are reshaping the way we view our online world. Thus, we have seen the rise of activism as a respected and even desirable pursuit. This appreciation of activism has risen to such heights … Read more

FUTURE TRENDS: Consumer Product Reviews Driving Future Innovation

Future Trends, Startling Brands, Internet Ads Effective, Illustration by Mario Dzurila

Consumer product reviews will drive future innovation Consumer product reviews are a crucial source of product intelligence, which help us arrive at our definitive purchasing decision when we are shopping online. With appropriate data-mining techniques, these reviews will eventually turn into an idea-stream driving future product innovation. In a study by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, … Read more

FUTURE TRENDS: Big Data Analysis Helping Urban Development

FUTURE TRENDS by Startling Brands, Gentrification Social Media, Illustration by Mario Dzurila

Social media can reveal rising gentrification and reduce its negative impacts Gentrification in big cities is a trend which is increasing the value of properties and therefore causing a displacement of lower-income families and small business. Its negative impacts could be addressed and reduced in the cities of tomorrow if we can predict gentrification in … Read more

FUTURE TRENDS: Consumer Pressure vs Brand Image, Corporate Advocacy

FUTURE TRENDS by Startling Brands, Google Payday Lending Ban Corporate Advocacy, Illustration by Mario Dzurila

Google demonstrates Corporate Advocacy by banning payday loan sharks We are entering times when powerful private internet companies are supplementing the government’s role in the regulation of industries whose financial business-models are built on exploitation of those in need. Google publicly called payday lenders deceptive and harmful and further banned them from being able to advertise … Read more

FUTURE TRENDS: Sports brands improve performance by causing a placebo effect

Startling Brands Future Trends Brand Placebo Trend Forecasting Illustration by Mario Dzurila

Sports brands improve performance by causing a placebo effect Sports brands are not just about design, material, and sophisticated engineering. They also improve consumers performance  by creating a placebo effect, according to the research by Department of Marketing in the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. In their study, participants who were given well-known and … Read more