TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY: LOOKING AHEAD FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION

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1 TRENDS IN TECHNOLOGY: LOOKING AHEAD FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION Christine Vogt, Ph.D. Michigan State University Department of Community Sustainability Presented at National Outdoor Recreation Conf. TC, MI May 2013

2 Looking ahead is challenging. Digital delivery and content is changing with every tick of time. It is a large landscape of providers and consumers that spans the globe. This is the challenge and the excitement.

3 What are the popular digital technology features.. Texting Phone communications ing Internet searching Social network posting and checking Camera Music and videos Weather Banking Shopping GPS navigation Social networking Games Location based advertising and information (pop-ups)

4 Which communications medium for which segment Young Adults Printed and Onsite Media Digital Media

5 Tourism industry changes and trends A la carte pricing Industry consolidation Growth sectors like low cost busing and cruise ships Security Globalism Maybe the end of loyalty programs Crumbling infrastructure Fuel costs and examining carbon footprint Technology giveth apps and travel solutions USA Today April 23, 2013 by Bill McGee Technology taketh away more information, more hurdles, may be harder to find complete and accurate information

6 Some numbers to understand size and impact (source Time, Aug 27, 2012) There are innovators and laggards. 18% of Americans say they need the latest technology. For U.S. market 76% found mobile technologies to be helpful 52% reported mobile technologies improve life in general 48% reported mobile devices have given citizens a greater voice in one s country 55% believe technology is making Americans more creative 65% of parents believe their mobile devices make them better parents Parents see 13 yrs old as the average age for child to have own mobile phone 67% believe good for children to be learning about technology at early age 33% believe technology is a distraction from studies and other responsibilities

7 Some numbers to that suggest negative perceptions or uses of technology Dependency Expectations of Technology Use Information Overload Security of Information Privacy Multi-tasking Expectation of Calling for Help 29% fear society places too much emphasis on technology (68% sleep with their mobile device next to their bed) 29% reported their mobile device is the first and last thing they look at every day 32% drive and use mobile device 61% watch tv and use mobile device 13% found mobile technologies to be a burden to them 40% were distracted by technology when their kids wanted them to play 60% found mobile devices didn t help them achieve a better balance between work and family 87% said a mobile device makes them feel safe and secure knowing they can get help if needed

8 Uses and benefits include: Closer contact with friends and family Better informed about current events Smarter shoppers sometimes paying less and getting products that fit needs, wants and interests better

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10 Dilemma Does outdoor recreation and technology fit? As a profession do we want to facilitate. Digital information sourcing At home for discovery and planning? Enroute for more planning and wayfinding? At parks? During recreation activity participation?

11 Changing culture and lifestyles Connected, but not together Leisure time Unplugged? Relaxing? Doing nothing? No or few outside influences? Available Personal control

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13 DIRECT INDIRECT or DIGITAL Actual visit to place Getting on a bike and riding Experiencing the thrill first hand Picture posted on Flickr, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube Leaving a check-in Liking Blogging

14 MANAGERS AND THE INDUSTRY Information is ubiquitous Controlled from provider Populated by users and lots of amateur journalists (UGC) Integrated Communications mediums Provider and consumer interface responsiveness Interesting what is? To whom?

15 MANAGERS AND THE INDUSTRY Take home trends. Less is more Well organized information Quality information that correlates with quality experience Searching, buying, and actuating digital systems Connecting and convening Immediate, reliable, responsive, empatheic Pictures (still and moving) and text Metrics and dashboardlike information and decision systems