Reviewer on Trends, Fads, and Trend Spotting PDF

Reviewer on Trends, Fads, and Trend Spotting I. What is a Trend? A trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing. It influences people's behaviors, preferences, and decisions over time. Trends can be seen in fashion, business, technology, entertainment, and social movemen...

Reviewer on Trends, Fads, and Trend Spotting I. What is a Trend? A trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing. It influences people's behaviors, preferences, and decisions over time. Trends can be seen in fashion, business, technology, entertainment, and social movements. Characteristics of a Trend 1. Endurance Over Time – A trend lasts for many years or even decades because it continues to be relevant. o Example: The use of smartphones remains popular due to technological advancements. 2. Cultural Roots – A trend is based on traditions, customs, or heritage. o Example: The long Christmas season in the Philippines is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. 3. Acceptability – A trend is widely accepted and used by many people. o Example: Online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada have become essential to Filipino consumers. 4. Versatility – A trend can be applied in different industries and settings. o Example: Artificial intelligence (AI) is used in business, healthcare, and education. 5. Transitory Increase or Decrease – A trend may fade and later return in a new form. o Example: The comeback of 90s fashion styles like baggy jeans and crop tops. II. Types of Trends 1. Output-based Trend – A trend that refers to a product, service, or innovation that becomes widely popular. o Example: The increasing use of mobile wallets like GCash and Maya. 2. Process-based Trend – A trend that involves changes in how things are done. o Example: The shift from traditional classroom learning to online and hybrid education. 3. Condition-based Trend – A trend that emerges due to societal or environmental conditions. o Example: The rise of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. III. What is a Fad? A fad is a short-lived, highly popular activity, product, or practice. Unlike trends, fads quickly gain popularity but fade away just as fast after reaching their peak. Characteristics of a Fad 1. Perceived Novelty – People find fads exciting because they seem new or unusual. o Example: The "Dalgona Coffee" trend became viral during the pandemic but faded after a few months. 2. Heterogeneity – People participate in fads in different ways. o Example: Some people joined the "Ice Bucket Challenge" for fun, while others did it for charity. 3. Limited Scope – A fad is only popular among a specific group of people. o Example: Some TikTok dance trends are only famous among teenagers. 4. Short Life Span – A fad gains extreme popularity quickly but disappears just as fast. o Example: Fidget spinners became very popular for a short time but are now rarely used. IV. Trend Spotting: Identifying Trends Trend spotting is the process of identifying and analyzing new trends before they become widely accepted. It helps businesses, researchers, and individuals make informed decisions about future developments. Methods of Trend Spotting 1. Qualitative Trend Spotting – Focuses on interviews, observations, and case studies to understand how people experience trends. o Example: Interviewing Filipinos on why they prefer Korean beauty products. 2. Quantitative Trend Spotting – Uses numerical data, surveys, and statistics to measure trends. o Example: Conducting a survey to determine how many Filipinos prefer online shopping over traditional stores. V. Steps in Trend Spotting To effectively analyze and understand trends, researchers follow five key steps: 1. Formulating Questions – Asking key questions to understand why a trend is emerging. o Example: "Why are more Filipinos switching to plant-based diets?" 2. Determining the Time Frame – Identifying the time span of the trend to understand its longevity. o Example: Comparing smartphone usage trends from 2010 to 2024. 3. Gathering Data – Collecting surveys, interviews, and observations to study trends. o Example: A food delivery service conducts a survey on customer preferences for healthier meal options. 4. Tracing Patterns – Analyzing past and present trends to identify similarities and predict future movements.  o Example: The return of 90s fashion shows how past trends can resurface. 5. Analyzing Sources and Consequences – Examining the causes and effects of a trend. o Example: Studying how social media influences the purchasing decisions of teenagers. VI. Real-Life Examples of Trends and Fads in the Philippines Trends: The shift to digital payments using GCash and PayMaya. The growing demand for sustainable products and eco-friendly alternatives. The rise of remote work and freelancing. The increasing influence of Korean culture (K-pop, K-dramas, Korean fashion). The expansion of e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Fads: The Planking Challenge – A viral social media trend that quickly faded. The Dalgona Coffee trend – Popularized during the pandemic but quickly lost attention. The Tala Dance Challenge – A short-lived dance craze. The Mannequin Challenge – A viral internet trend that disappeared after a few months. Fidget Spinners – A toy that became a sensation but was soon forgotten. VII. Why is Trend Spotting Important? For Businesses – Helps companies predict consumer behavior and develop new products. For Individuals – Keeps people informed about new technologies and lifestyle changes. For Society – Helps researchers understand cultural and social shifts. Key Takeaways: A trend lasts for a long time, while a fad is short-lived. Trends can be output-based, process-based, or condition-based. Fads are short-lived, have limited scope, and disappear quickly. Trend spotting involves analyzing and predicting new trends before they become mainstream. There are five steps in trend spotting: formulating questions, determining the time frame, gathering data, tracing patterns, and analyzing sources and consequences.