Editorial Intern Wes Walcott is extremely fascinated with scientific discovery, which is why he chose to discuss amateur astronomy apps in his latest interview. My Sky is an app which allows novice astronomers to access high-tech equipment that wouldn't normally be made available otherwise. Staying in line with his penchant for the sciences, he also fills us in on his secret wish that he will live forever with the aid of genetic breakthroughs. Lastly, his advice for companies to hire more freaks may sound a bit odd, but once he explains, Wesley makes an excellent case.
How do you define cool?
Cool is all about authenticity. When you've got something that no one else has done before, that's really cool. It teaches you to look at things in a new way or in a different light.
What is your favorite trend and why?
My favorite trend right now isamateur astronomy apps and space exploration. There is an app coming out soon called My Sky that will actually give amateur astronomers the chance to use these high-powered professional telescopes and take pictures of these insane images from deep space. It is amazing because you get this sense that you are part of something much larger.
What is your secret to uncovering the best trends?
I frequent a lot of Japanese sites. Japan's just always coming up with fascinating and ridiculous products that have their way of working into pop culture. Whether it's tomato-flavored chocolate sticks or feminine robots serving things. Japan's just always on top of the wild and wacky ideas.
What is your favorite thing about working at Trend Hunter?
My favorite thing about working at Trend Hunter aside from working with people that are inspiring and motivating, is getting to sit down and write about stuff that I find interesting, stuff that i'd be talking about anyway is really rewarding.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
During my first week here at Trend Hunter, I wrote an article called Colorblocked Assassin Attire. It went number one on the site and stays there today.
What inspires or excites you?
Hearing about scientific breakthroughs really inspires and excites me. I've got this deep seated wish that I'm going to live forever one day. I read about things like genetics being used to re-grow limbs and prevents cells from aging. When I hear about stuff like that I get very excited.
What advice would you give to the business world?
My advice to the business world would be to hire freaks. When I say freaks I don't necessarily mean someone who has 30 cats or has a collection of two million rubber bands. I mean freaks in the sense of someone who is insanely passionate about what they do and they can't stop thinking about it. They won't stop working at it until they come up with a solution because it's in their nature to keep trying until they get it right.
Wes Walcott, Trend Hunter (INTERVIEW)
Walcott Uncovers Star-Gazing Amateur Astronomy Apps
Trend Themes
1. Amateur Astronomy Apps - The development of apps that allow novice astronomers to access high-tech equipment opens up opportunities for disruption in the education, entertainment, and tourism industries.
2. Genetic Breakthroughs - Advancements in genetics, such as the use of genetic manipulation to regrow limbs or prevent cell aging, have the potential to disrupt the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.
3. Passionate Employees - Hiring individuals that are passionate about their work and won't stop working at it until they come up with a solution has the potential to disrupt company culture and innovation in any industry.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Amateur astronomy apps can be utilized as an educational tool to teach astronomy to students of all ages.
2. Entertainment - Amateur astronomy apps offer a unique and interactive way for individuals to engage with the universe around them, opening up opportunities for new forms of entertainment.
3. Tourism - Amateur astronomy apps can be used in tourism to offer stargazing experiences in areas with little light pollution, providing an alternative form of tourism experience.