In 2021, LinkedIn reported that 58% of hiring managers highlighted the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies as the most important skill for candidates to possess. ‘Knowing’ and ‘growing’ are similar but do not mean the same thing. The proof is right there in continuous learning. Brave Achievers advocate for learning at every opportunity you get to keep up with trends and innovations in the tech industry. We believe continuous learning is the best way to keep up with today’s fast-paced technology.
Just imagine you are having a wonderful day at work, and you hear that there is another ground-breaking innovation in the tech industry? You are just getting used to the current tool and technology is already telling you, “Oh, we’ve got another one for you.” You are happy because that innovation can open new ways to boost your project and make it better. But on the other hand, you are still trying to keep up with how things are moving rapidly. This is why you should never stop learning.
The core trait of our nature wants progression in everything we do. Humans are always in pursuit of innovation and information that will better their lives, especially in this digital era. And by searching for new things, you have to stay up to date in the tech industry, a process that Brave Achievers has made easy for you.
Technology revolutionizes your way of thinking about how you solve problems. There are always problems to solve, and technology is creating new ways to solve them. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report in 2020 predicts that by 2025, over half of all employees will require significant reskilling and upskilling. As a designer, this is the best time to invest more in learning to solve problems.
Technology will continue to advance and tech experts who embrace these trends and invest their time in learning about new tech innovations will be better positioned to succeed in the future. Look at Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and Google; one of the reasons why you want to want to work for these big tech companies is because they continue to adapt and evolve to keep up with the latest trends and developments.
So, if you are not keeping up with the latest trends and innovations, you are behind the curve. Staying up to date might be time-consuming, but it is important for continuous education and tech development. Let us discuss why keeping up with technology is important as a designer.
Why it matters to keep up with technology
As a designer, it's important to stay up to date with the latest technology trends and innovations. Technology has become an integral part of the design process, and keeping up with new tools and techniques can help you create better and more innovative designs. Here are 5 reasons why keeping up with technology is important for designers.
1. Stay competitive in the industry
In the product design industry, competition is fierce, and staying ahead of the curve is essential. Keeping up with technology can help you stay competitive by allowing you to create designs that are faster, more efficient, and more visually appealing. With new tools and techniques emerging all the time, you can stay up to date with the latest trends to be better positioned to win new clients and take on challenging projects.
You can now work remotely and collaborate with team members across the globe. Being able to adapt to new technologies and work effectively with distributed teams can open new opportunities and help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
2. Improve productivity and efficiency
Technology has transformed the design process, making it faster and more efficient than ever before. With tools like design software, virtual and augmented reality, and 3D printing, you can create and test designs in real-time, without the need for expensive physical prototypes. This can save time and money and allow you to iterate and refine your designs more quickly.
Technology has made it possible to automate repetitive tasks, such as resizing images or applying filters, allowing designers to focus on more creative and complex tasks. Simply incorporate new tools and techniques into your workflow; it can improve your productivity and efficiency. It will also help you take on more projects and meet tighter deadlines.
3. Create more innovative designs
Technology has opened new possibilities for designers, allowing them to create designs that were once impossible. For example, 3D printing has made it possible to create intricate physical models that were previously too complex to manufacture, while virtual and augmented reality has made it possible to create immersive, interactive experiences.
By staying up to date with new technology trends and innovations, you can push the boundaries of what's possible, creating designs that are more innovative, engaging, and memorable.
4. Better understand client needs
Always make sure you understand your client's needs and goals. By keeping up with the latest technology trends, you can better understand the challenges and opportunities that your clients are facing. For example, if your client is in the healthcare industry, staying up to date with new technologies like telemedicine or wearable health monitors can help you create designs that better meet their needs.
While you stay current with technology, you can also boost your communication with your clients. By using the same tools and terminology as your clients, you can build stronger relationships and create designs that better align with their goals.
5. Future-proof your career
As new technologies emerge and the design industry evolves, it's essential to be able to adapt and learn new skills. By keeping up with new trends and innovations, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure that you're always in demand.
Being able to work with new technologies can open new career paths and opportunities. According to Vantage Research Market, Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market was valued at USD 21.70 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 248.16 Billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 35.60% over the forecast period.
This means that as virtual and augmented reality become more prevalent, designers who are skilled in creating immersive experiences will be in high demand. There are many emerging technologies that can improve your career as a designer, read about them here.
Knowing why you should stay current with tech trends and innovations is essential, but you should know how to take those steps to stay up to date. The next section will tell you what you need to do.
Tips to Become Tech-Savvy in your Field
With new technologies and innovations being introduced every day, it's easy to fall behind if you don't actively seek out information and stay informed. However, with so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.
In this guide, we'll explore 12 tips that will help you stay on top of the latest tech trends and advancements.
1. Attend Conferences and Events
Attending conferences and events related to your industry is a great way to stay up to date with the latest tech trends and advancements. Conferences provide you with an opportunity to network with other professionals in your field, learn from experts, and discover new technologies that are shaping the future of your industry. Although you must consider the cost of attending and the overwhelming information about people’s experiences you can take in, it's a great way to get inspired and motivated.
2. Read Tech Blogs
Industry publications like Wired, Fast Company, and TechCrunch are excellent sources of information on the latest tech trends and advancements. These publications cover everything from new gadgets and technologies to industry news and analysis. By subscribing to these publications, you can stay informed about what's happening in your industry and stay ahead of the curve.
3. Follow Influencers
Tech influencers are typically experts in your field and are often the first to know about new technologies and trends. In one of our articles, we talked about Luke Sophinos, CEO of CourseKey, who made a thread on how Mailbox failed. (Article in link yet to be published) Follow people like this on social media or subscribe to their blogs. They can help you stay informed about the latest developments in the tech industry.
4. Attend Webinars
Webinars are online events that are hosted by experts in your field. They are a great way to learn about the latest tech trends and advancements from the comfort of your own home. You can learn about new technologies and trends and get advice from experts on how to stay ahead of the curve through webinars.
5. Participate in Online Communities
These communities provide a platform for professionals to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss the latest developments in their field. By participating in these communities, you can learn from others and stay informed about the latest trends.
6. Experiment with New Technologies
Experimenting with new technologies is a great way to stay ahead of the curve. By trying out new tools and software, you can learn about the latest advancements and discover new ways to improve your workflow. Plus, it's a great way to develop new skills and stay motivated.
7. Take Online Courses
Online courses provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts in your field and develop new skills that will help you stay competitive. You can also take these courses at your own pace and on your own schedule.
8. Join Professional Associations
These associations provide a platform for professionals to connect, learn, and share ideas. They can help you network with other professionals in your field and stay informed about the latest developments.
9. Join Social Media Groups
Join social media groups related to the design industry. These groups provide a platform for you to connect, learn, and share ideas. Stay informed about the latest developments in your field and participate in discussions with other professionals.
10. Subscribe to Newsletters
Newsletters provide a curated selection of news and information that is relevant to your field. Stay informed about what's happening in your industry without having to sift through a lot of noise.
11. Participate in Hackathons
Participating in hackathons is a great way to stay up to date with the latest tech trends and advancements. Hackathons are typically events where developers and designers come together to create new products or solutions. These events can help you learn about new technologies and trends while also developing your own skills.
12. Build a Personal Network
By connecting with other professionals, you can share ideas, learn from each other, and stay informed about the latest developments in your field. Building a personal network takes time and effort, but it's well worth it in the long run.
These tips might seem like a lot, but they are pathways to keep up with trends and innovations. What you watch and read, and who you gather with will always have an influence on you.
Conclusion
You can keep up with this ever-evolving digital era, but you have to understand how important it is to stay on top of the latest tech developments. These tech innovations will make your work faster and better. Learn about them!
When you don’t, staying behind the curve has repercussions. Learning is a continuous process, and you need to keep expanding your knowledge base. And with tech advancing every day, you should never stop asking questions:
What is the future of tech?
Is AI taking over from humans?
How can you land a role in a big tech company?
Are we going to be seeing more women and the black population in tech to balance the scale?
Find these answers on the Brave Achievers’ blog. We update our blog regularly to ensure that you always have access to the most current information. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends, innovations, and breakthroughs in the tech industry.
But why stop there? Brave Achievers also offers you a free platform to learn about the latest in-demand tech skills. Remember, staying up to date with the latest tech trends is not just about keeping up with the Joneses; it's about staying ahead of the game and preparing yourself for the future. Be on the lookout for our BootCamp every year. Who knows, you might just invent the next big thing!