Most people that get into the field of design don't expect to live a static existence. Our jobs change as often as the technology that we design for; which is to say it changes frequently.
So what does the future of user experience design look like? In this year alone, expect to see new careers and changes in desired skills, the tools we use, and the way we work with others.
As another SXSW Interactive quickly approaches, Mission Data’s team has curated a collection of the panels, talks, and experiences that are piquing our interest this year. With themes focused on artificial intelligence, mixed reality, Internet of Things, blockchain, food, cannabis, and workforce—just to name a few—this year’s tech mecca looks to be another educational and invigorating conference.
While it’s hard to believe it’s already February, there’s still time to note this year’s highly anticipated design trends. Our smartphones, wearables, and computers have greater processing power than ever before, and 2019 is the year we’ll see designers leverage that power in some really interesting ways.
Members of Mission Data’s team recently attended the NRF Big Show 2019 in New York City to scout the newest tech in retail. While we caught up with clients and partners such as Kroger, we were also curious to see which trends brick-and-mortar leaders are gravitating toward given retail’s bumpy-but-encouraging 2018. We found that this year’s retail trade show revolved around the customer experience, and the key to making that experience as frictionless as possible: data.
We’ve all heard the phrase “data is the new oil” to describe the exponential growth of big data platforms and analytics as key mechanisms of digital transformation. For many organizations, the importance of becoming data-literate — capable of communicating data and analytics in ways that spur innovation, enhance customer experience, increase revenue, and fulfill the more traditional role of risk mitigation — has become a fundamental business asset.
Last month, the grocery and CPG industries came together in Las Vegas for Groceryshop, a spinoff of the Shoptalk retail conference. Content focused on the intersection of food retail and tech, with buzzworthy sessions diving into robotics, personalization, and in-store experience. One clear takeaway from the event was that when it comes to adopting new technologies, the $650 billion grocery industry is rapidly playing catch-up.
Five years ago, Mission Data built a brand new SaaS platform for Asphalt Institute, a U.S.-based international trade organization promoting quality management for construction materials laboratories.
(L-R:) Stuart Gavurin, Michael Zettler, Stephen Smittle, and Josh Patchus. Photo credit: W. Scott Mitchell Photography
The headlines filter into our inboxes daily: “Blockchain Will Save Retail.” “Why You Desperately Need to Hire a Data Scientist.” “Brick-and-mortar is Dead!”
To cut through the noise and hear which digital solutions operators are actually investing in and planning to investigate, Mission Data recently hosted an Innovation Forum at FSTEC 2018 titled “Store of the Future: Beyond the Hype.”
The hotel and travel industry is poised for a wave of innovation. Emboldened by a strong global economy, consumers are booking more excursions as they seek experiences over goods and services. To remain competitive, established industry players are seizing the opportunity in the upswing to invest in technology that keeps them nimble in the face of a changing market.
Hospitality professionals will soon gather for the annual Foodservice Technology Conference (FSTEC), where Mission Data is leading a breakout session on the newest tech coming to the industry. The conference takes place in Orlando, FL, from October 1-3, 2018.
Ready to talk about your digital strategy, product, or idea? Get in touch.
