At Hyper Island, understanding trends plays a crucial role in how we shape our strategic decisions as well as design our educational courses and programs.
To dive deeper into the topic of trends and their impact we have spoken to Tim Lucas, Head of Hyper Island North America. He is a futurist, anthropologist, and creator of the Trends Collection app. In this article he will share his perspective on trends, their significance, and how they shape the work at Hyper Island.
format_quoteMy work revolves around helping leaders and organizations anticipate trends and navigate complexities through anthropological intelligence.
The 2025 Trends Report: A Compass for Change
format_quoteThe Trends Collection began as a way to streamline the process of sourcing and curating the many trends reports released at the start of each year.
Since Tim relies heavily on these reports in his work at Hyper Island, he wanted to make them easier to locate and access. The Trends Collection includes trends reports that not only highlight technological or market changes but also explore cultural and societal shifts.
“It’s about connecting the dots and identifying the broader implications of these trends," he explains.
By including these diverse perspectives, the Trends Collection becomes a more comprehensive resource, offering valuable insights into how trends intersect and shape various aspects of our world. It’s a strategic tool designed to help organisations anticipate change, navigate challenges, and uncover opportunities.
How trends reports shape the courses and client projects at Hyper Island
Every year, Hyper Island updates its course materials and client projects based on insights from trends reports.
“For instance, the rise of ethical consumerism reshaped how we approach customer-centric design in our Business Transformation projects, prompting discussions around sustainability and purpose-driven innovation," Tim explains.
Hyper Island also offers the Trends Hack Playbook, a valuable resource for organisations looking to incorporate trend analysis into their strategic planning. It provides practical steps for transforming trends into actionable insights, empowering teams to create effective responses.
format_quoteIt’s a way to bring our experiential learning approach to life, empowering clients to apply foresight in meaningful ways.
“Some of the feedback we've received from clients is that they appreciate how accessible and actionable the resources are. Many have also told us that these tools helped them align their teams and make more informed strategic decisions," Tim shares.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Tim is particularly intrigued by trends around posthumanism, digital afterlife and human enhancement, as well as their ethical and societal implications–areas that will significantly shape how young people interact with both technology and each other.
format_quoteLuckily I have two kids at home who update me every day.
In a time when change feels constant, Tim advises organisations looking to integrate trends and foresight into their strategic operations to start by fostering a futures literacy mindset within their teams.
“It’s not just about identifying trends, but understanding their interconnectedness and translating them into actionable strategies," he shares.
By adding these practices to your strategy, you’re not just reacting to change–you’re anticipating it and using it to drive innovation. At Hyper Island, we focus on helping organisations navigate this complexity with confidence and creativity.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Tim’s journey with trends reflects a deep commitment to understanding and shaping the future. "Trends invite us to imagine what could be and challenge us to create what should be," he concludes.
Trends are everywhere–they shape the way we work, shop, communicate, and even dream about the future. Regardless of what we think of a certain trend it is clear that they don’t just influence what we do; they shape how we think and what we value.
When we take the time to truly understand these trends, we unlock the power to transform them into actionable insights. By integrating them into our strategies, we can inspire change, drive bold innovation, and create a future where our teams, businesses, and communities thrive. The potential to shape what’s next is in our hands–and with the right mindset, the possibilities are limitless.
Explore the 2025 Trends Report and more at Hyper Island, and start shaping your tomorrow, today.
WANT TO GET NOTIFIED ABOUT OUR EVENTS?
Join our mailing list for tips, events, and opportunities.