Episodit
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This analysis explores the parallels between Stephen Fry's description of surface-level conversational techniques, such as repeating the last word to maintain engagement, and how generative AI tools like NotebookLM can sometimes fall into similar patterns of shallow mimicry. While Fry's technique highlights the illusion of connection without depth, AI tools risk reinforcing passive interactions if they only reflect back user inputs. To overcome this, we must rethink how we craft prompts, treating them as opportunities for deeper exploration and collaboration. By designing prompts that encourage thoughtful engagement, we can use generative AI as a tool for augmented intelligence, fostering dynamic and meaningful dialogue that challenges assumptions and drives innovation.
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This semester, another outstanding cohort of students has participated in the Analyzing Trends course at Parsons School of Design - The New School. Students have been delving deeper into the use of Generative AI tools within a structured framework for trend analysis and speculative foresight. Their work is grounded in a methodical approach to desk research and pattern recognition, forming the foundation of their analyses. By incorporating Generative AI, students have been able to accelerate their exploration and expand into more diverse directions of inquiry. Here is a summary of their project work for the semester.
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South Korea and the United States are navigating significant societal pressures, including mental health challenges and shifting political dynamics, with pop culture serving as both a mirror and a catalyst for change.
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Post-Hype Design Futures explores innovative strategies for cultural, retail, and experiential design in a post-hype landscape, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term engagement. It analyzes the duality of spectacle-driven events, critiquing their reliance on exclusivity and consumerism, while proposing shifts toward authenticity, decentralized trends, and ethical practices. (GenAI podcast generated with NotebookLM)
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Post-Global Fashion Design Futures explores the fashion industry’s evolution under post-pandemic pressures such as fragile supply chains, nearshoring, and rising political populism, driving a shift toward decentralized, sustainable models. Together, these scenarios offer diverse solutions while highlighting the need to balance strategies in an uncertain global environment. (podcast produced with NotebookLM) Download the pdf report at scenariodna.com/trendreports
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In our latest episode, produced with the help of NotebookLM robots, we explore potential futures for the food and beverage industry under a second Trump administration by analyzing historical and emerging consumer and market patterns. It examines how the industry might adapt to potential government actions, such as deregulation and economic policy shifts, by focusing on key themes like trust, transparency, and local responsiveness.
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In our latest podcast episode, produced with the help of NotebookLM robots, we examine the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and culture mapping in cultural research, specifically focusing on the potential for bias in these tools. The discussion highlights the benefits of AI, such as enhanced pattern recognition and pre-emptive culture mapping, but also warns of potential biases embedded in the data and algorithms.
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In our latest podcast episode, produced with the help of NotebookLM robots, we explore how narratives shape both climate policy and brand innovation. Using scenarioDNA’s Culture Mapping, we discuss how narratives clarify complex issues and forecast potential futures. Key topics include the influence of subcultures on climate discourse, the impact of gender-coded archetypes, and the importance of brands maintaining a cohesive narrative for trust and loyalty. We also highlight the concept of re-enchantment—bringing wonder and optimism back to climate solutions to counter purely rational approaches. Culture Mapping deciphers these cultural dynamics, offering deeper insights than traditional methods. This empowers strategists to stay adaptive and culturally relevant, ensuring narratives connect with diverse audiences.
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The episdode draws parallels between the development of The Real Book, a comprehensive collection of jazz standards, and the emergence of Generative AI (GenAI). Tim Stock argues that both resources provide structure and reliable frameworks that facilitate creative interpretation and collaborative learning. The Real Book provides accurate musical structures that allow musicians to improvise, much like how GenAI provides structured data insights that allow users to analyze information and generate new ideas. Both tools emphasize the importance of accurate and transparent data, fostering trust and ethical use within their respective communities. (NotebookLM produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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The discussion explores the potential of generative AI to transform education by offering a more interactive and collaborative learning experience. The author, Tim Stock, argues that the current educational framework fails to adequately prepare students to effectively utilize AI tools, leaving them unable to fully leverage their potential. He proposes a shift in how we conceptualize learning, emphasizing concepts like Cognitive Load Sharing, Bidirectional Feedback, and Augmented Collective Intelligence, which aim to foster a more holistic and engaging learning process. Drawing inspiration from the film Pacific Rim, he suggests that integrating AI into education requires a careful approach to "drift compatibility," ensuring that students and AI systems work in harmony to enhance human intelligence. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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This preview study guide on Narrative Systems in our workshop series, utilizes the Culture Mapping to analyze possible innovation strategies. By understanding the language and social facts that influence trends and the archetypal narrative patterns that emerge, the series aims to identify emergent codes that can help predict how trends will evolve. It explores how different archetypes (like the Rebel, Sage, Magician, Explorer, Creator, Jester, Hero, Lover, Innocent, Caregiver, Ruler, and Everyman) shape these narrative systems and offers practical tools for designing innovation strategies based on this understanding. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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This discussion explores the changing nature of third places, or social environments outside of home and work, and how the increasing privatization of public spaces is pushing teenagers towards commercial venues like Starbucks and Sephora. It argues that this trend, which has been fueled by the pandemic and a shift towards digital interactions, could have negative consequences for the development of social skills and genuine community engagement, potentially leading to a generation more focused on consumerism and brand loyalty than authentic human connection. The discussion also criticizes the lack of foresight in designing social spaces to meet the evolving needs of teenagers, highlighting the importance of creating accessible, spontaneous, and inclusive environments where young people can freely socialize and build relationships. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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This study guide explains how to analyze trends by understanding context and patterns. It outlines tools such as PESTLE analysis and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions to decode context and patterns. It also introduces the Johari Window, a method for identifying known and unknown information about systems and relationships. The document then focuses on culture mapping, a method that uses archetypes and linguistic signifiers to understand cultural shifts and predict future trends. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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scenarioDNA examines the evolving landscape of talent and its impact on culture. It highlights the shift from traditional celebrity worship to a demand for more relatable and authentic figures, driven by increased self-awareness, discernment, and a desire for truth and resilience in a digitally saturated world. The document explores the influence of technology, fan expectations, and the rise of virtual influencers, revealing a dynamic interplay between real and virtual identities. It argues that talent must be managed holistically, considering both social impact and economic performance. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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The episode explores potential future work environments and their implications for human-machine interaction. It categorizes these future workspaces into several categories, such as hybrid collaborative workspaces, decentralized work networks, and community-driven workspaces. Each category discusses the potential roles of humans and machines, including the cognitive load involved, ethical considerations, and design frameworks. The episode also includes descriptions of specific subcultures within each category, such as Maker Culture, Quantified Self, and Digital Nomads, further exploring the various approaches and challenges of future work. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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This episode discusses the future of sports fandom and the impact of digital technologies, globalization, and changing demographics on the sports industry. The episode examines different trends like the rise of virtual fan engagement, the demand for social and political activism in sports, and the increasing influence of content creators. The discussion offers ways for sports organizations to adapt to these changes, highlighting the importance of flexible pricing models, innovative sponsorship strategies, and building a diverse, inclusive fan base. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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scenarioDNA examines four potential future scenarios for the 2024 US presidential election, exploring the likely impact of each outcome on cultural shifts, government policies, and brand strategies. Each scenario – Gradual Evolution, Survival Mode, Transformation, and Balanced Adaptation – presents a distinct vision of the future based on societal trends and the potential political leadership of either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. The document then examines the implications of each scenario for various industries, including sustainability, digital privacy, health and wellness, and technology regulation. ScenarioDNA concludes by highlighting its expertise in cultural foresight and brand strategy, offering its services to help businesses navigate these potential futures. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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Examining the evolution of punk culture and its expression of dissent through online subcultures. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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Data visualization reveals key themes in Buckminster Fuller's 1975 lectures, highlighting timeless insights. (Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
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scenarioDNA presents potential future scenarios for the year 2025 based on current cultural and social trends. The analysis focuses on five main trend themes: deepfake normalization, solo society, smart/dumb hybrid cities, intragenerational animus, and gendered workspaces. These trends are analyzed through the lens of subcultures that influence each theme.(Generative AI produced podcast episode based on research and analysis by scenarioDNA)
