Ten Consumer Trends for 2015
Understanding what is coming next in terms of consumer trends is helpful in being able to adjust the business to adapt to be able to meet these needs. Given the speed of change in the digital age, organisations have to adapt ever more quickly to be able to compete. Being aware of the key trends certainly aids this process. With this in mind, Ericsson (2014) prepared a report on the “10 Hot Consumer Trends 2015” for organisations to look out for. Is your business ready? Each trend is now outlined below so you can find out.
1.The Streamed Future
Ericsson argues that users are getting more used to and starting to prefer on-demand services that are easy to use that provide “cross-platform access to video content”. This has led to the trend that Ericsson explains which is that wherever people watch TV, they want their content to be streamed. Streaming has already overtaken broadcast TV according to Ericsson, particularly in the 16-45 age group, and the organisation explains that this group watch streamed video several times a week. It is the belief of Ericsson that in 2015 people will watch more streamed content than broadcast TV.
2. Helpful Homes
People are going to start to become more interested in “having their homes help them.” A study that they carried out showed that consumers that own smartphones would like to be made aware if there are problems at home like a clogged drain or leaky pipe. Smart technology can help to achieve these, and this is likely to advance in 2015.
3. Mind Sharing
Ericsson believes that in 2015 new forms of communication will continue to emerge. Consumers are reported to have interest in wearable technologies that convey information to others. Interestingly, Ericsson discovered that 40% of people would like to use wearable technology to communicate through their thoughts, and many believe they will be able to do this by 2020.
4. Smart Citizens
The smart citizens will emerge out of the concept of smart cities. For example, 76% of smartphone owners were found by Ericsson to want traffic volume maps for streets, pavements and public areas to know in advance how crowded an area is. Having access to information like this can help people to make better decisions for the benefit of all.
5. The Sharing Economy
The sharing economy is likely to grow in 2015, argues Ericsson. Their research discovered that greater than half of all smartphone owners are already comfortable with the idea of renting other people’s equipment like rooms and leisure gear. Some would also take this as far as eating in someone else’s home.
Image source: Ericsson6. The Digital Purse
Another trend is that people want to use their phones to be able to pay for goods and services, and almost half of those surveyed by Ericsson felt this way. Many wanted smartphones to save receipts and disable payment function remotely in the scenario that their phone gets misplaced. In total, Ericsson found that 80% of people believe that the smartphone will replace the wallet by 2020
7. My Information
Research has already shown that people do not mind giving their information when they get something in return, but that few like doing so if they do not get anything back and without consent. People want to have more control over their personal details, and to be able, for example, to pay without transfer of personal information. People also want communication to be encrypted, such as email and chat
8. Longer Life
Everyone knows that people want technology that will help them to live longer. This includes wearable technology that can undertake tasks like monitoring stress levels, as well as plates and cups that give information about calorie intake and unhealthy ingredients. Technology that monitors sleep is considered to be another area of benefit here, and so are self-driving cars.
9. Domestic Robots
People want domestic robots to do their mundane tasks according to Ericsson. Ericsson’s study found that 57% of consumers want a robot to do their laundry, and 40% wanted robotic help to learn new technology, how to cook more healthily and more. Ericsson identified that 64% of consumers believe such robots will be common in households by 2020.
Image source: Ericsson10. Children Connect Everything
it is anticipated by Ericsson that children will connect everything and will continue to and expand their relation of everything to the internet. It is thought by Ericsson that they will “drive the demand for a more tangible internet”.
Image source: Ericsson
Paula Newton is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Paula’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Paula has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Paula has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
