What were you doing in 2006? Maybe you were going through your emo phase. Maybe you were loving low rise jeans. Maybe you were mourning Pluto’s (temporary) demotion from planet to dwarf planet.
Maybe you were checking out these trends — and plenty of others — on Google Trends, which went live in the summer of 2006. Though the tool’s data goes back to 2004, it became available two years later. This summer, Google Trends turns 15, so we thought it would be the perfect time to look back on trends of yesteryear and compare what people were searching for back in 2006 to today.
For me gaming and tech obviously was something of interest and also trainers and those who follow me know of late I have been picking up old school trainers that where out back in the day and there is a love for all things retro right now.
If you are just starting in the tech world, everything can seem very overwhelming and complicated, but it can also be an extremely exciting adventure filled with numerous advantages and room for growth. As technology evolves, the tech industry continues to expand and include more niches than ever before. Similarly, new technological trends are constantly emerging and it can be challenging to stay up-to-date, especially if you are new to the tech world.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry if you are new to the tech industry, I have put together 4 helpful tips to help you get a grip on trends. Let’s get into it!
Tip #1: Discover Yourself
I know this may sound very cliché and more like something you’d expect to hear from a life coach, but if you want to find your foot in the tech world, the first thing you need to do is discover yourself. Now, when I say discover yourself, I don’t mean trying to find enlightenment or any of those spiritual terms (although, there’s no harm in doing that), I mean finding and understanding your interests, strengths, and values.
As I mentioned earlier, there are many different niches within the tech industry, and these niches will only keep increasing as technology continuously evolves. As such, you may find it challenging to pick and stick with a niche. This is why you need to start with identifying what ignites the spark for you. For some, it may be agro-tech, while others may get pumped over UI/UX design so you need to find yourself and find your niche to get started.
Discovering yourself will help you easily determine what to learn. It will help you figure out what drives you, and what will fuel your determination, especially when things get challenging.
Tip #2: Connect With Industry Experts
A common mistake I’ve seen many beginners in the tech world make is thinking they’ve figured out everything they need to know about tech. The truth is, even the pros don’t have it all figured out, and that’s because trends in the tech world constantly evolve.
The best way to understand how the tech world works is by connecting with industry experts who have a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of the tech world. You can learn the essential tips and tricks required to stay abreast of trends and new developments from a professional. Similarly, you can watch professionals in the industry online and review the works they’ve done.
Tip #3: Research
This is one of my favourite tips and that’s because it works like magic (maybe even better). The best way to get a grip on trends in the tech world is to research. There’s nothing you want to learn that you can’t find on the internet. If you want to research tech products like laptops, you’ll easily find excellent guides on Laptop Blogger where there are countless video content, tutorials, blogs, and guides created by pros and industry experts that can help you learn about new concepts and trends in the tech world. Even tech experts still research because, as I said, the tech world is not static.
The bottom line is that research is the sure-fire way to up your skill and knowledge in the tech world.
Tip #4: Do, Do, And Do
So, you’ve watched all the videos, read all the blogs and guides available on the internet. What’s next?
You need to practice what you’ve learned theoretically. The best way to understand the tech world is by getting practical. Of course, you shouldn’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right on the first try (or first few tries), the more you do it, the better you’ll become at it. If you hit a stumbling block, simply research some more and you’ll most likely find the solution you need. Finding your foot in the tech world isn’t magic, it’s a step-by-step process that requires a lot of trial and error. You should always be ready to put your knowledge to the test.
No doubt, acquiring an intimate understanding of how the tech world can be challenging and downright frustrating for any beginner. But if you follow these four simple tips I’ve discussed in this article, you’ll find the whole process less cumbersome. Remember that the tech world is not static and as it evolves, you also need to evolve with it to stay relevant.
Google Maps has analysed data before and during the pandemic to see how people have been getting around, where they are spending their time and what type of food they’re craving. If you have not already known you can now check shops online to see what the flow is like prior leaving your house which is also handy as you will see just below is a live example for my local Dunnes Stores and I use this anytime I need to venture out to get some things done.
Interest in cycling is up
Across the country, people are opting for solo ways to get around safely. Unsurprisingly, driving continues to be the most popular mode of transportation while cycling has emerged as an alternative – interest in cycling has increased 32% percent nationwide and 36% in Dublin compared to pre-pandemic days.
Social distancing in a winter wonderland
Popular times and live busyness information in Google Maps have always been essential festive season tools, helping you avoid unwanted crowds. These tools help you know in advance when places are going to be busy so you can save precious time and also social distance.
So if you find yourself in need of a caffeine fix to tackle your Christmas errands, make sure to avoid coffee shops on Saturday mornings at Midday when coffee shops across Ireland tend to be most packed. And if you’re planning to shop for your Christmas feast, avoid your local supermarket on Saturday afternoons between 1-2 p.m. when you’re likely to encounter long lines.
Chinese is the most searched cuisine in Ireland
With indoor dining shut for many months of the year and indoor dining capacity reduced, search interest in Take-aways has soared throughout the year. As for what people are eating, Chinese is the most-searched for cuisine followed by Indian, Kebabs and Italian.
Time to embrace the outdoors
Across the country, people are using Google Maps to search for parks, waterfalls, beaches and gardens within driving or walking distance. While searches for outdoor locations decreased by 456% in April, when the toughest restrictions were in place May was the most popular month for outdoor searches with an increase of 84% in searches. The Top Outdoor search queries for Dublin are:
Phoenix Park
Marlay Park
Bushy Park
Saint Anne’s Park
Ticknock Forest
The festive season is going to look a little different this year because of COVID-19. Family gatherings may be smaller or take place virtually to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Indoor activities could move outdoors. And the holiday abroad might become an Irish road trip to discover some local hidden gems. But even still, people are looking for ways to experience winter and finding new ways to be together.
No matter what plans people have this winter these Google Maps tips will help them to stay informed, stay connected, and save time.
Stay informed even while shopping and travelling
Check out how busy a place is: Popular times and live busyness information can tell you how crowded a place typically is on a given day or time–and even how busy it is right now. This is especially handy during the era of social distancing, Check out busyness on Maps before you head to a restaurant, store, business, or place to avoid holiday crowds and long waits.
(New!) Find the latest information about COVID-19: Are you visiting family in another country? Use the COVID layer on Maps to quickly see how cases are trending in the area. You can also access quick links to authoritative local resources so you know at a glance if there are specific guidelines or restrictions in the area you’re visiting.
Quickly understand safety precautions from a business: If you’re eating out or getting a head start on your Christmas shopping, you can easily learn more about what safety precautions a business is taking. Find out if they’re sanitizing between customers, if there’s safety dividers at checkout and if they require staff to have regular temperature checks.
Connect with family and friends this season
Share your ETA with friends and family: Don’t leave your friends and family wondering where you are! You can let your contacts know when they can expect you with just a few taps.
Meet up with ease with Live View: If you’re meeting up with friends for a socially distant gathering, it can be hard to pinpoint where they are. If your loved one has chosen to share their location with you, you can use augmented reality in Live View to see where and how far away they are–with overlaid arrows and directions that help you know where to go.
Save time so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities
Easily find a local restaurant offering take-away: If you’re taking a low-key approach to festivities this year and opting to order in instead of going out or cooking an elaborate meal, Google Maps can help. When searching on your phone for restaurants nearby, you can easily sort by places that offer takeaway or delivery and place your order directly from Google Maps.
