Trend forecast 2009/2010. Well, not really.

I have been asked to write down a trend forecast for 2009-2010. For some reason, people think that goes with the addictlab-territory. And, yes, well, maybe, I have the opportunity to discover a lot of great creative work from different cultures. And if you start from the premise that artists and creative thinkers are conceiving before the masses take over, then yes, I'm a bit on the first row.

But.
I have a problem with the fact that this is but passive. I honour the job of a journalist, don't get me wrong. The analytic qualities, putting it all in a bigger perspective is a true gift. I would put journalists above art directors at advertising agencies in the hierarchic scheme of creative thinking. The work of a journalist is of utmost importance to pass on the message, crunch it, explain it to a bigger audience.

My personal ambition is not there. My addictlab 'job' (now that's a contradiction in terms) makes me a consultant, a journalist (I have a press card), a publisher, an agent and what not. Interesting how people need a framework to rely on to get things defined.

I believe in a more active role in the creation of things. I'm naive enough - still - to believe that with the collaborative force and methodology we really can make sustainable changes. I'll write about next weeks event on the plane to Europe, Sunday night, but I believe the Live Addictlab session at the World Creativity Forum is of great value, even compared to the 28 books or more Addictlab has published since the beginning.


Creation? That would make me an artist, then? A young labmember from South Africa asked me to explain to me what makes a good artist.
The young talent that I meet and discover and that I believe could be big in the future, are all mature in their thinking. Complexity in their thoughts, combining their growing know how with their equally growing know not.
With all answers you find, you discover new questions. I'm not talking about craftsmanship. Students need to learn, since you can only step outside the lines if you know where those lines are.
I believe in what comes next in that process. In an artist's tenacity to follow a well defined vision. I'm amazed by coherence in their work, the dynamics of the creative process, rather then the artwork itself. I have huge respect for artists-specialists, even though Addictlab makes me a 'generalist' pur sang.

Enough said. The trend forecast report is waiting. Knowing the prices some trend forecasters can ask for lectures and workshops, it's something to get into. Businesses pay good money for so called trend gurus it seems.
And, I admit, it's not that my eleven year old start up (...) has been an economical success so far. It didn't even get me to TED. Speaking of which, I do need to prepare a lecture for next week too. On emerging technologies and the force of creative thinking and my answer to crowd sourcing.
Ok, the trend forecast 2009/2010 needs to wait. And if you're patient enough, you'll live it, in stead of read about it, anyway.

Work on the Winkel.

Brainstorm with us during the Creativity World Forum
Addictlab will be presenting its newest book (#29, on emerging technologies) and exhibition together with IMEC at the Creativity World Forum, November 19 and 20, Antwerp.

But we will also install a 'Live AddictLab' there.

Live Addictlab: brainstorming sessions
Addictlab researchers attract creative minds from all over the world, publish them, try to accelerate their talent, but also bring them together whenever possible to create an out of the box approach and generated new ideas.
For the Creativity World Forum in Antwerp, we will do this ... live.

What projects?
We have our own research projects going on, but we are also encouraging CWF visitors to hand over a possible problem that they have in their business.

Work on The Winkel.
After an internal brainstorming session, we need to decide, write out the proposal, visualise our thoughts and hand over a file at the end of the Forum.

What can you do?
Participate in this instant brainstorming, filtering, visualising project. Expect chaos, but inspiring chaos...
Can you join Jan Van Mol on site? Or - why not - can you work with us online during the two days - and nights we will have?

What's in it for you?
A chance to expand your horizon, and a moment to collaborate with other creative thinkers. We will try to generate as much as PR as possible about the project and the collaborating Labmembers. You will receive free entrance to the Creativity World Forum. And you can bring your work in order to be selected for publication in the next Ad!dict book.

Money
is an issue, of course. We are doing this to show our process, and ... to get clients for this kind of projects. Normally, when there are clients & income involved, you are of course getting paid. In this case, however, it is a low cost project. Yet when there is a possible next step for one of the projects we worked on, we will get back to you!

Eager to start?
We already received some projects to think about! So we can start today...


Apply now
Send your application to
Jan Van Mol
jan@addictlab.com
Preferably link your name to your work on the addictlab database.
Not registered yet? Register here.

Research issue?
Do you want to use this opportunity to have us think on an issue linked to your company?
Go to the Innovation_desk.