As marketers, it’s important that we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging trends. In an ever-changing media landscape, those who are able to identify and capitalize on new technologies stand the best chance of keeping up with consumer demand – and even gaining a competitive edge in their markets. That’s why staying informed about upcoming phygital trends is essential for any savvy marketer.
By understanding what changes to expect over the next few years, you can start designing effective strategies today that will pay dividends in 2023 and beyond. In this post, we’ll take a look at 10 up-and-coming phygital trends so far this year that all marketers should keep in mind to reap the benefits phygital tech has to offer.
The Growing Popularity of Voice-based AI and Chatbots
As technology continues to evolve, so do our methods of communication with it. One such innovation that has gained considerable popularity in recent times is Voice-based AI and Chatbots. These conversational tools use artificial intelligence to understand and respond to the user’s requests, which makes them increasingly valuable in many aspects of day-to-day life.
Voice-based AI is being used in everything from smartphones to smart speakers, while chatbots are becoming more prevalent in customer service, digital marketing, and e-commerce. Their growing usage emphasizes the convenience and user-friendly nature of these technologies. With the potential to provide immediate solutions, save time, and bring about increased efficiency, it is no surprise that these conversational AI tools have become such a crucial part of our daily routines.
Augmented Reality in Education and Training
Augmented Reality (AR) is a rapidly growing technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and train. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which replaces the real world with a simulated environment, AR enhances our physical surroundings by overlaying digital information and objects onto them in real-time.
AR can bring abstract concepts to life, such as displaying the human anatomy in 3D or allowing students to explore historical sites from the comfort of their classroom. The benefits extend beyond education; AR is already being used in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and military training. As AR technology continues to advance, it will undoubtedly change the way we approach learning and professional development.
Blockchain-Enhanced Supply Chain Management
Blockchain technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, and its potential applications in supply chain management are vast. By using a decentralized system that records transactions in a tamper-proof way, blockchain enhances the transparency and security of the supply chain. This makes it easier for businesses to track the movement of goods and prevent fraud or errors in the process.
With blockchain, businesses can trace the origin of a product, monitor its journey from supplier to consumer, and ensure that it meets quality standards. Moreover, this technology eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and delays in the supply chain. It’s no wonder that many industries are exploring the use of blockchain for supply chain management, with promising results.
Cloud Computing Becomes the Norm
With the increasing demand for remote work and digital transformation, cloud computing has become more than just a trend – it’s become the norm. More and more businesses are transitioning to cloud-based systems and applications to streamline their operations and enhance their overall efficiency. The benefits of cloud computing are numerous, including easier accessibility, increased scalability, reduced costs, and improved security.
With the cloud, businesses can access information and applications from anywhere in the world, at any time, without relying on physical hardware. In short, cloud computing has revolutionized the way we work and will continue to shape the future of business.
Wearable Technology Becomes Ubiquitous
Wearable technology is no longer just a novelty. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to augmented reality glasses and smart clothing, wearable technology has become ubiquitous. According to Statista, the global market for wearable technology is projected to reach over $54 billion by 2023. And it’s not just for fitness tracking anymore.
Wearable technology is being integrated into industries such as healthcare, entertainment, and even fashion. Smartwatches can now monitor our heart rate, schedule meetings, and make phone calls all in one device. Augmented reality glasses can assist workers in complex tasks and even provide real-time language translation. The possibilities for wearable technology are endless, and as it continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly reshape the way we live our daily lives.
Mobile Payments Become Mainstream
Mobile payments have taken the world by storm, with more and more people ditching their wallets and opting to pay for goods and services with their smartphones. From online shopping to contactless payments like Apple Pay, mobile payment systems have made transactions quicker, easier, and more secure. With the convenience of a few clicks, people can complete transactions anytime, anywhere, making it the ideal solution for the modern-day consumer.
The shift towards mobile payments is not only convenient for individuals but also beneficial for businesses as it saves them valuable time and reduces the risk of fraud. With mobile payments becoming increasingly mainstream, it is likely that we will continue to see advancements in technology, making it easier and more accessible for everyone.
Enter Stadiums with Your Phone (or Merchandise)
In 2023, we can expect to see the ability for fans to enter the stadium using their smartphone or even their jersey. This means that fans will no longer need physical tickets or passes to attend games, instead, scanning their phone or merchandise will grant them admission.
German Bundesliga team, 1. FC Köln, introduced phygital matchday scarves to their fanbase in 2022 for their “Innovation Game.” Fans used the scarves as their ticket to the game and received special content and promotions in real-time once they entered the stadium.
This new innovation will not only streamline the entry process, but it will also provide a more sophisticated and secure method of entry while enhancing the fan experience. As fans become more tech-savvy and seek out more personalized experiences, this trend is sure to gain popularity and become the norm in sports stadiums across the globe.
Embrace the Future of Phygital Technology
Staying up-to-date with emerging trends is essential to keep up with consumer demand and gain a competitive edge. The seven phygital trends discussed in this article – voice-based AI and chatbots, augmented reality in education and training, blockchain-enhanced supply chain management, cloud computing, wearable technology, mobile payments, and using phones or merchandise to enter stadiums – are just a few examples of what we can expect to see in 2023.
By preparing for these trends and designing effective strategies today, businesses can position themselves for success in the years to come. So, let’s embrace the future of phygital technology and take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Contact us today to learn more.
