These trends have been around for a while and they're coming full force for the new year.
1. Data is the new oil – but intelligence is the new gas
Without data, the internet would not run as smoothly or advance as quickly as it does now. When experts first realized the deep importance and high value of data, they proclaimed “Data is the new oil.” While that is entirely true, today the focus is on data – intelligence. Data is a raw resource, intelligence is the refined usable material.
Like unrefined oil, data can be pretty useless if you don’t know how to use it. Those with the tools that can better manage, collect, analyze, and organize data are more likely to see success. Imagine that as the “refining” part of the data refining process.
Once data is refined, it turns into intelligence. The data can be clearly understood and implemented.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is one of those trends that is not going away anytime soon. It’s a very effective tool for handling massive amounts of data so it’s understandable for human use. Data and artificial intelligence share a symbiotic relationship. AI becomes “smarter” as it learns from data. So the more data an AI can get its hands on, the better. As a result, AI can better manage and analyze data.
3. Automation
Next up, automation. The next step in the process, automation is possible thanks to artificial intelligence. And AI can let loose and run on its own when programmed to an automated set of tasks it can follow. We’ve already seen the huge impact of artificial intelligence and data working together. Throw in automation to that mix and that’s a triple-trending threat.
4. Personalization
Data, content, images, videos, ads, posts… with so much content out there, do you find your head spinning? We’re getting dizzy just thinking about it. But wait, the fog of junk content slowly parts and out in the clearing is… personalized content! Personalized content saves your content from being lost on your audience. When a consumer encounters their preferences tailored just for them, you can bet they are more likely to engage with personalized content.
5. Mobilization
Whether it takes the form of smartphones, iPads, or augmented display screens, the world becomes more mobile every year. Devices become more advanced. WiFi and data connection ranges widen. And consumer’s demand for convenience makes mobilization a strong trend.
6. Virtualization
Virtualization, augmented reality and virtual reality, is a trend fairly new to the mainstream market. The mobile-phone game Pokemon Go put augmented reality on the map for many. Virtual reality is seeing a rise in popularity as seen from increasing sales of VR headsets.
