A trend radar tries to identify [[Trend]] and to assess their relevance for a defined target audience. They are used in [[Innovation Management]] and to an extent in [[Strategic Foresight]]. ## Trend collection / Trendspotting The basis for a trend radar is a number of [[Trend]], which need to be identified, assessed and then added to the radar. Identifying these trends can be tricky and include [[Sensemaking]] and creating & studying [[Futures Exploration]]. In any case, defining the [[Futures Exploration#Audience observers]] is always a good idea since it provides boundaries which trends are actually relevant and why. ## Assessment dimensions * **Potential**: The long term value of the trend - what benefits it will have and for whom. * **Impact**: The long term impact of the trend - what it will change and for whom. * **Time frames**: A horizon over which the trend will play out. This might cut up potential and impact analysis into defined time boxes, for example "tactical and strategic impact" or "short, medium, long term impact". * **Confidence**: An assessment how volatile the trend is and how many [[Unknowns]] it has. Other business-specific assessment dimensions might include: required investment, risk, relevance to core business. Other society-specific assessment dimensions might include: Affected cultures, age-groups, beliefs or other community-structures. Look at social, political and economic potentials and impact. In general: It’s not always easy to differentiate between the actual extent of a trend and hopes & dreams of its impact. If you are assessing the potential and impact of trends, it helps to also describe your assumed future states and scenarios. ## Visualization A typical trend radar is visualized by a half-circle or circle. Resulting trends are usually clustered based on time horizons (see [[Multi Horizon Framework]]), with sections closer to the center being more immediate. The radar might be further sliced into topical zones as radial lines extending from the center. [Some examples](https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=example+trend+radar).