2024 Predictions

Happy New Year!  Last year was a whirlwind of technological innovation, with Generative AI taking center stage. But as the dust settles and we enter 2024, it's time to look ahead and predict what's next. Here are top trends I believe will define the coming year:

1. AI Maturity and Rationalization: The wild west of experimentation seen in 2023 will give way to a more measured approach. We'll see organizations separating the #GenAI wheat from the chaff, focusing on what truly boosts productivity and differentiation. Expect regulations and legal precedents to emerge, shaping how AI can and can't be used. This means it's crucial for organizations to develop a strategic, governed approach to #AI that fosters innovation while ensuring productive adoption.
2. Personalization Goes Mainstream: #Personalization has been the talk of the #CustomerExperience industry for over a decade now but in reality, it has been something that everyone talks about, and few truly do.  Technology advances in Digital Experience and eCommerce platforms like Adobe , Optimizely, Sitecore , Wordpress and others have made personalization technically possible for years but the effort to plan and develop the content required to support it has made personalization something was rarely prioritized outside of enterprise B2C #ecommerce experiences. #GenerativeAI has now begun to materially lower the effort required to plan and develop the content required to personalize. This year with the assistance of #GenerativeAI, we're bound to see an upsurge in personalized customer experiences across B2C and B2B sectors, marking a significant shift from the fringes to the mainstream.
3. Voice Experiences will Re-accelerate: A decade has passed since Amazon Alexa brought voice experiences into our homes. While progress in this area seemed to plateau, recent AI breakthroughs suggest a resurgence is imminent. Look out for companies like Voicify, which are set to revolutionize the quick-service restaurant industry with interactive voice assistants that could streamline operations and enhance customer interactions.
4. The US Presidential Election will be the X factor: Every four years, the political climate sends ripples through the digital landscape, and 2024 is no exception. With #GenAI now in the mix, we are on the cusp of redefining our engagement with social media platforms, both established and emerging. While the future of platforms like Twitter (referred to here as 'X') is uncertain, we can anticipate the arrival of new contenders that may reshape our digital interaction patterns.
5. Composability of Marketing Technology continues to Rise: As CX expectations continue to rise, the adaptability of marketing technology becomes crucial. Brands will need to innovate quickly and the growing trend of composable marketing technologies like Builder.io, Optimizely, Zapier and Shopify will continue to gain steam. Such composability, encompassing experience management, personalization, and e-commerce, will be vital for brands to stay competitive.
6. Capital Investment Makes a Comeback: Remember those recession fears of 2023? They're fading in the rearview mirror. With interest rates set to drop, companies are ready to unleash their "dry powder" and invest in technology. Expect a wave of greenlit projects in the second half of 2024, fueling growth and innovation across the industry.
7. The Rise of the Fractional CTO: As businesses align with the fast-paced evolution of AI and CX, the demand for specialized leadership will intensify and companies will need to be innovative in their approach for sourcing this talent and turn to Fractional Chief Technology Officers to leverage immediate access to the expertise they otherwise would be challenged to recruit and or retain.

So, there you have it: my predictions for 2024. It's going to be a year of AI maturity, personalization explosion, voice resurgence, and much, much more. If your company is facing these challenges in 2024 and need help, let's chat. I'm here to help you harness the power of technology and achieve your business goals.