The Revitalist

So, now that it's December (yikes!), thoughts are turning to 2008. Trendwatching kicks off the usual end of year looks ahead with their report 8 important consumer trends for 2008 (via CoolTown Studios). These are eight buzz-word named trends that have sprouted in the consumer marketplace this year and are expected to grow into other arenas.

Status Sphere - mix and match lifestyles and their consumer goods
Premiumization - even water has gone premium - nothing can escape
Snack Culture - bitesize tidbits of everything - try it, you'll like it
Online Oxygen - you need your online access like you need oxygen
Eco-Iconic - show off your eco-credentials
Brand Butlers - taking it to the people, e.g. Charmin-branded public restrooms
MIY – Make It Yourself - customization, design it yourself - web is key here
Crowdmining - the power of many small participants, e.g. MyFootballClub.com

It's easy to see how some of these are applicable to development and urban design. With Status Spheres, the idea is that people no longer want to pigeonholed into one group stereotype but want to mix things up a little. Sure they like to eat organic and go hiking, but they are also local sports fans and manage their stock portfolio closely (or something like that). We have seen several website offer the ability for people to play online putting furniture into the floor plans of the units – MIY. The Eco-Iconic is an easy one to apply – look at Monarch on the Merrimack. And these are the obvious ones...