3 Predictions (and Hopes) for 2025 from an Agency Founder.
1. AI’s Role Will Shift from Efficiency to Elevation
The narrative around AI will move beyond just making work faster and cheaper. Instead, individuals will use the technology to push their creativity and craft, unlocking executions that feel familiar but slightly different, when you look closer. While the democratization of creative processes has been a dominant theme, the real breakthroughs will come from those with inherent skill and a commitment to learning and refining the tools. This follows a familiar pattern throughout history, whether it was the advent of computers, design software, or content platforms. In the end, there are always levels.
2. E-Commerce Will Break Free from Rigid Templates
Over the past five years, e-commerce experiences have largely adhered to formulaic templates and visually-dominated UX practices. But as UX as a function becomes more inclusive of considerations outside of visual design, that is starting to change. Platforms like Perplexity are already using prompts and command-line interfaces to guide users toward products in more contextual ways. The next phase will see brands leaning into the originality of their products and services, showcasing their products in ways that are not only functional but memorable and (hopefully) immersive. My mind harbors back to the Flash era, from about 15 years ago (only usable and intuitive this time 😂). So more fun, hopefully! I also believe that *true* personalization will become an expectation vs. a feature.
3. Clients Will Expect Faster Delivery Timelines
The expectation for speed will rise across the board. Agencies that adapt quickly, leveraging technology and streamlined workflows, will thrive, while those waiting for formal client mandates may find themselves in trouble. This shift will not just affect commoditized or high-volume deliverables, but will also extend to concepting, product design and development, and content creation. Agencies on the front foot will turn this challenge into an opportunity. You will read trade stories about “small” agencies winning significant work because the idea or scale has changed.
2025 promises to be a year of evolution and reinvention, and the agencies that embrace these shifts will lead the way forward.
What are you most excited about?