Ryan Majeau Design

Gartner reports three phrases for tech trends in 2012: Mobile, Big Data and Social. Are you surprised? I’m not. Get mobile, get social. These trends aren’t coming though—they’re already here. Where have you been?

Mobile has exploded in the marketplace. The iPad built its own niche, but that niche has evolved exponentially. No one wants to be tied down anymore. Cloud computing mixed with tablets and smartphones means no one has to be plugged in anymore.

Windows 8 will come in two versions – one legacy for PCs and one built on “Metro” that goes all mobile with its plug-in free OS. No Flash! Microsoft wants to take back the market share Apple has been so comfortably nesting in for over a year and a half.

Then there’s social. Web 2.0 brought out the social side of the web, but we’re in the age of Web 3.0. An internet user experience tailored just for you, based on what you like to do. Your behaviour online defines you, whether you know it, like it, or not.

Web 3.0 walks a fine line on privacy. One minute we want to be found, the next we cry out privacy violation! What did you expect? What do you expect? Gartner expects 40% of all smartphone users will drop their guard, saying yes to being tracked by 2015.

Gone are the days of traditional marketing. If you want to make an impact you have to adapt. We all love our smartphones, and social media will make everyone a superstar. 2012 is going to be a great year. Are you ready?