-
Presentation
Presentation
The Trend Research course has a theoretical and practical nature, with a strong focus on applied and experiential learning through the “learning by doing” approach. Assessment is continuous, based on active participation, attendance, and projects developed throughout the semester. The course aims to develop students’ skills in observation, critical analysis, and creativity applied to the understanding of contemporary sociocultural and behavioral trends.
-
Class from course
Class from course
-
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 5
-
Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Optional | Português
-
Code
Code
ULHT24-22977
-
Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
-
Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
-
Syllabus
Syllabus
Introduction to Trend Studies: concept of trend, fashion, and innovation; history and the relationship between consumption, culture, and behavior. Research and Observation Methods: digital tools, ethnographic observation, coolhunting, and identification of weak and strong signals. Cycles and Diffusion Theories: trickle-down, bubble-up, and trickle-across models; adoption curve and consumer profiles. Sociocultural and Visual Trends: megatrends, colors, patterns, sustainability, and technology. From Insight to Creative Proposal: development of the Inspirational Trend Dossier, moodboards, and visual storytelling. Collective Project – “Trends & Talks” E-Book: editorial planning, content curation, professional interviews, and final critical reflection.
-
Objectives
Objectives
The Trend Research course aims to develop students’ observation, critical analysis, creativity, and strategic foresight skills applied to understanding emerging trends in communication, fashion, and culture. By the end of the course, students should be able to: Identify and interpret sociocultural and behavioral signals influencing contemporary communication and consumption; Apply trend research methodologies critically and innovatively; Relate visual, technological, and cultural trends to brand storytelling and strategic communication; Demonstrate autonomy in creative thinking and the ability to translate insights into visual and conceptual outputs; Collaborate effectively in multimodal projects such as the Trends & Talks e-book.
-
Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
The course applies innovative, student-centered methods combining active learning, applied research, and teamwork. It integrates design thinking, project-based learning, and digital tools (moodboards, e-books, interviews). Classes include critical reflection and multimodal creation, fostering autonomy, creativity, and real-world engagement with media and market contexts.
-
References
References
Hines, T., & Bruce, M. (2007). Fashion Marketing: Contemporary Issues (2nd ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Raymond, M., & Hines, T. (2020). The Trend Forecaster’s Handbook (2nd ed.). London: Laurence King Publishing. Vejlgaard, H. (2008). Anatomy of a Trend. New York: McGraw-Hill. Lipovetsky, G. (2017). L’Esthétisation du Monde: Vivre à l’âge du capitalisme artiste. Paris: Gallimard. Godart, F. (2012). Sociology of Fashion. Cambridge: Polity Press.
-
Assessment
Assessment
Descrição dos instrumentos de avaliação (individuais e de grupo) ¿ testes, trabalhos práticos, relatórios, projetos... respetivas datas de entrega/apresentação... e ponderação na nota final.
Exemplo:
Descrição
Data limite
Ponderação
Dossier Inspiracional de Tendências
A definir no Moodle
40%
E-Book coletivo “Trends & Talks – O Futuro da Comunicação”
A definir no Moodle
40%
Debates e participação ativa em aula
Avaliação contínua
20%
Adicionalmente poderão ser incluídas informações gerais, como por exemplo, referência ao tipo de acompanhamento a prestar ao estudante na realização dos trabalhos; referências bibliográficas e websites úteis; indicações para a redação de trabalho escrito...
-
Mobility
Mobility
No
