trendwatching - feb-2014 - upgradia

8/9/2019 Trendwatching - Feb-2014 - UPGRADIA

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UPGRADIAThe digital culture of constant upgrade and iteration comes to theworld of physical objects

trendwatching.comFEBRUARY 2014 TREND BRIEFING

www.trendwatching.com/trends/upgradia
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UPGRADIA DEFINITION:

Driven by consumers thirst for quicker, moreseamless access to the new (in ways that

are cheaper, more sustainable and more

participatory) and facilitated by emerging

technologies, the constant stream of upgradesand iterations typical of the digital ecosystem

is coming to the world of physical objects.

UPGRADIAwww.trendwatching.com/trends/upgradia 3
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INFINITE NEWISMAn upgrade mindset meets new

technologies

1

In the digital space, endless consumer desire for

the new is served by a never-ending stream of

updates. Now, this digitally-inspired expectation of

perpetual update and improvement is shifting into

the physical world.



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Every ObjectConnected

Relentless ProductEvolution

The emerging Internet of Things is both

fuelingthe expectation shift outlined

above, and facilitatingthe arrival of

digital-style constant iteration in the

realm of physical objects.

New, more democratic manufacturing

technologies and distribution platforms

such as 3D printing and crowdfunding

are also facilitating the constant

upgrade and evolution of products.

1. INFINITE NEWISM



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In 2009, there were 2.5 billion connected

devices, most of these were personal devices

such as cell phones and PCs. In 2020, there

will be up to 30 billion connected devices,

most of which will be products.

- Gartner, October 2013



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More For Less Money More For Less Guilt

2. MORE FOR LESS

The thrill of getting a whole new product for

a fraction of the cost is helping to drive the

UPGRADIA trend. And unlike access-based

consumption models, UPGRADIA promises

the joy of endless new products andthe

autonomy of outright ownership.

Many consumers feel guilt over the impacts

of their consumption on the planet, society

and self. UPGRADIA innovations deliver the

new while incurring fewer of the negative

impacts associated with the discard/buy new

consumption model.



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HACKER CHICThe status and excitement of DIY

upgrades

3

Of course, only a minority of consumers want to

open, improve, reshape and/or hack products. But

the online space and 3D printing will make it easy

for these makers to push their upgrades to peers

who just want easy, seamless solutions.



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EXAMPLES: Every Object UpgradedThe impulse towards UPGRADIA can be applied

to anyobject, to make it more efcient, add entirely

new functionality, improve design, and more.



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Copenhagen WheelWheel turns any pedal bike into hybridebike

Every Object Upgraded



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The Floyd LegAdd-on turns any flat surface into table




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Pour MasonAdd-on turns Mason jar into coffee maker




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Renault Kangoo Camper: TravelPackModular kitchen unit converts vehicle intocamper van




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EXAMPLES: Every Object ConnectedWhile any object can get the UPGRADIA treatment,

right now turning dumb objects think TVs, cars

and more smart is thekey UPGRADIA innovation.



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Samsung: Evolution KitAdd-on hardware upgrades smart TV

Every Object Connected



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Google ChromecastDongle turns ordinary TV into a smart TV




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Sony: BRAVIA Smart StickDongle integrates TV with Google Chromeweb browser




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AutomaticDongle and app provide driving metrics




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FuseApp connects drivers to data from their car




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LOCK8Smart bike lock enables location tracking




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digitalSTROMSmartphone-enabled blocks turn anyappliance smart




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auris skyeDevice adds AirPlay or wifi connection toolder music docks




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EXAMPLES: Connected Objects UpgradedAlready connected objects can get the UPGRADIA

treatment, too. Think bolt-ons that add an entirely new

dimension to the device.



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Structure SensorClip-on sensor turns iOS device into 3Dscanner

Connected Objects Upgraded



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LumuPlug-in turns smartphone into digital lightmeter




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MichronDevice enables time-lapse photography




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Shaka Weather StationDevice converts smartphone into weatherstation




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EXAMPLES: Open UPGRADIAAnother powerful form of UPGRADIA: open products

that allow consumers to devise and implement their

own upgrades/improvements/iterations.



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PhonebloksOpen source, modular smartphone

Open UPGRADIA



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BleepBleepsOpen source digital devices for parents

Open UPGRADIA


O G


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Neo900Open source, upgradeable phone

Open UPGRADIA


O UPGRADIA


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KanoOpen source coding kit for children

Open UPGRADIA



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NEXT

What changes in a world where consumers expect

almost anyobject to be upgradeable?

The meaning of new shifts. Not an endless stream

of new physical objects; insteadnew functionality/

capabilities.

No more planned obsolescence. Instead, smart

brands will plan, build and sell for constant iteration.

The trueemergence of every product as a (constantly

evolving) service.

A world of new informationfor consumers to track,

share and then act on.



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trendwatching - feb-2014 - upgradia

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