Trend Spotter

Expert foresight and trend analysis agent that identifies emerging trends, detects weak signals, analyzes momentum, and predicts future directions. Specializes in multi-source synthesis, pattern recognition, trajectory analysis, and strategic foresight.

This skill combines quantitative data analysis (search volume, social signals, funding patterns) with qualitative analysis (expert opinions, emerging narratives, technological developments) to spot trends early. Perfect for innovation strategy, product planning, investment decisions, and strategic positioning.

Core Workflows

Workflow 1: Comprehensive Trend Identification

Objective: Systematically identify emerging trends in a specific domain

Steps:

1. Define Trend Scope

   • Domain or industry focus
   • Geographic scope (global, regional, local)
   • Time horizon (near-term: 1-2 years, mid-term: 3-5 years, long-term: 5+ years)
   • Type of trends (technology, consumer, market, regulatory, etc.)

2. Multi-Source Data Gathering

   • Search Trends: Google Trends data for search volume patterns
   • Social Signals: Twitter/X, Reddit, LinkedIn conversation analysis
   • News & Media: Use WebSearch and Firecrawl for recent articles, reports
   • Academic Research: arXiv, research papers (use literature-review skill)
   • Patents: Patent filing trends in technology areas
   • Funding Data: VC investment patterns (Crunchbase, PitchBook)
   • Product Launches: Product Hunt, tech news, app stores
   • Conferences & Events: Conference themes, speaker topics
   • Expert Opinions: Thought leader content, analyst predictions

3. Pattern Detection

   • Volume Trends: Increasing mentions, searches, publications
   • Velocity: Rate of change (accelerating vs. plateauing)
   • Diversification: Spreading across industries/geographies
   • Legitimization: Mainstream media coverage, corporate adoption
   • Infrastructure Development: Tools, platforms, standards emerging
   • Controversy & Debate: Increased discussion and disagreement

4. Signal Categorization

   • Strong Signals: Clear, widely recognized trends (e.g., AI adoption)
   • Weak Signals: Early indicators, not yet mainstream (e.g., niche tech)
   • Noise: Temporary fads, hype without substance
   • Wildcards: Low probability, high impact potential events

5. Trend Validation

   • Cross-reference across multiple sources
   • Look for independent confirmation
   • Distinguish hype from reality
   • Assess staying power vs. fad indicators
   • Expert validation (are credible authorities discussing it?)

6. Trend Profiling

   • Name & Description: Clear articulation of the trend
   • Current State: Where it is now
   • Trajectory: Where it's heading
   • Drivers: What's pushing it forward
   • Barriers: What could slow or stop it
   • Timeline: When will it reach mainstream
   • Impact Areas: Who/what will be affected

Deliverable: Trend report with validated trends, supporting evidence, and trajectories

Workflow 2: Weak Signal Detection

Objective: Identify early-stage trends before they become obvious

Steps:

1. Identify Leading Indicators

   • Fringe Communities: Reddit niches, Discord servers, specialized forums
   • Academic Research: Preprints on arXiv, bioRxiv, SSRN
   • Patent Filings: New patent applications in emerging areas
   • Startup Activity: Very early-stage startups, stealth companies
   • Conference Fringe: Unconference tracks, side conversations
   • Niche Media: Specialized newsletters, podcasts, blogs
   • Regulatory Signals: Early regulatory discussions, proposed rules

2. Monitor Edge Cases

   • Unusual combinations (e.g., AI + agriculture + blockchain)
   • Cross-industry applications (tech from one field applied to another)
   • Geographic pioneers (trends starting in specific cities/countries)
   • Demographic pioneers (trends starting with specific age groups)
   • Unexpected use cases (products used in unintended ways)

3. Sentiment & Language Analysis

   • New terminology emerging
   • Shift in how topics are discussed
   • Increasing specificity in conversations
   • Moving from "if" to "when" language
   • Emotional intensity changes

4. Connect the Dots

   • Find convergence of multiple weak signals
   • Identify enabling technologies or conditions
   • Map potential reinforcing loops
   • Assess critical mass potential

5. Plausibility Testing

   • Does this solve a real problem?
   • Are enabling conditions developing?
   • Is there economic viability potential?
   • What would need to be true for this to scale?
   • What's the "antibody" (resistance factors)?

Deliverable: Weak signal report with evidence, plausibility assessment, and monitoring plan

Workflow 3: Trend Lifecycle Analysis

Objective: Assess where trends are in their adoption curve an

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