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Which?

works for you

Consumer Insight
January 2013

Consumers
in 2030
Forecasts and projections
for life in 2030
Introduction

Which? exists to make T


o stay true to our mission, we cant assume
that the consumer needs and areas of
detriment weve campaigned on in the past

individuals as powerful as
will continue to be relevant as we move further on
into the 21st century.

the organisations they have


Working with Forum for the Future, a not-for-profit
that works globally with business and government to
tackle sustainability issues, were using new research

to deal with in their daily lives.


methodologies and long-range scoping techniques
to help us think about future programmes of
research, and asking: What might consumers need

Whether in 1957 or 2030, this


from Which? in 2030? Whilst remaining focused on
our existing policy areas: food, energy, consumer
markets, personal finance and public services, were The Which?
taking action to ensure that were ahead of the game. Consumer Principles
core mission and our eight Why consumers in 2030? Access are consumers being left
out in the cold?

consumer principles, remain The Which? Consumers in 2030 project is designed


to spark debate about the changing needs of UK
consumers in the 21st century. Building on our unique
Choice are consumers faced
with no choice or Hobsons choice?

central to our work.


history as the UKs consumer champion, Which? is
seeking to identify the areas where consumers will Consumer influence and
face both detriment, and opportunities, in 2030. representation do consumers have
a voice?
Which? has a long history of using pioneering
research methodologies to identify areas of Information and education do
consumer need and detriment before they hit consumers know whats good and
the mainstream. In the 1960s, we used social trend whats not?
analysis to identify the consumer issues likely to
Quality are products
and services up to scratch?

Redress are consumers


compensated for shoddy service?

Safety is industry playing fast


and loose with public wellbeing?

Value for money are consumers


getting what they pay for?

The Which? Consumers


in 2030 project is designed
to spark debate about the
changing needs of UK
consumers in the 21st century

2 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030 3


Introduction

develop from the sexual revolution. We published a of debate around a future that has people, rather
Whats changed?
guide to contraceptives, and used groundbreaking
mystery shopper techniques to research an
investigation into marriage bureaux.
than organisations or government, at its heart.

In order to do this, we conducted a detailed


2013-30
As the 20th century progressed, Which? responded
historical analysis of UK consumer trends from the
mid-1950s to the present, and modelled these trends
As the research on the following pages shows,
to the increasing flexibility and personalisation of forwards to 2030. Working alongside Forum for the consumers in 2030 will be living in a world
consumption by producing specialised publications Future, we have used the raw economic model as
on money, gardening, travel and technology. the framework with which to develop a scenario where slow growth, resource scarcity and rising
We have also been at the forefront of using
new technologies to empower consumers.
detailing the home life of a family in 2030, flexing
the model to include the potential impact of
commodity prices will have become the norm
In 1996, we launched the Which? website, and behavioural shifts and uncertainties about the future.
by mid-2007, downloads of our free online guide
to challenging unfair bank charges had topped In addition to developing a model to anticipate the
400,000. In 2012, the Which? Big Switch campaign material circumstances of consumers in 2030, we
harnessed the power of collective purchasing; have also used an analysis of current emerging
a high-profile campaign that, by November 2012, trends and projections to explore how this might
had involved 300,000 consumers in the process affect society, our lives and the demand for products
of switching to a cheaper energy tariff. and services. We have imagined five products and
services that could develop in the future in response
Long-range projections of economic, social to these shifts. They provide a framework through
and environmental trends are regularly used by which to think about the issues and areas of
businesses and political institutions, but consumers consumer detriment that might be experienced by
themselves are frequently left out of the consumers in 2030, and are designed to act as a
conversation. The ideas and scenarios in this provocation for policymakers, regulators, politicians
publication are designed to bring about a new type and consumers themselves.

2030 household
Weve used four main research strands to help us to think about life in 2030

Home life Economic Which? consumer Social trend


mega trends projections principles forecasting
Water scarcity Low-growth economy Choice  ow growth scenario
L
Living with no waste where household Consumer influence where DIY spirit prevails
Home manufacturing incomes are pressured Information and among communities
Collaborative by rising costs and low education  ow trust in institutions
L
consumption wage growth Quality and governments
Preventative healthcare No European country Redress  esources are valued
R
in top five biggest more highly than today
Immersive technology Safety
economies because they are scarce
Value for money
and expensive

4 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030


Whats changed? 2013-30 Whats changed? 2013-30

As the research laid out in the following pages shows, consumers in Emerging economies overtake the developed world: by 2025, emerging and developing
economies are predicted to make up a greater share of global economic activity than advanced
The rising cost of living will be unequally
distributed across the age groups: young
people and adults under 50 will increasingly
2030 are likely to be living in a world where slow growth, resource economies. Economic development in emerging markets is expected to be particularly resource
intensive due to industrialisation and increased demand for grain.
struggle to meet costs.
Essential spending as share of total weekly
scarcity and rising commodity prices have become the norm. Share of global economic activity by country type, % of global GDP at current $US expenditure, By age of head of household

75%
Advanced economies* Emerging and developing economies* 1965 2010 2030
70%
Low levels of
Young workers will be hit hard by rising prices: single working-age 1960 disposable income:
adults will experience the greatest drop in the amount of money available
to spend on discretionary purposes between now and 2030.
289.8 while the UK economy 65%
20.3 38.7 45.3 55.1
Essential spending as percentage share of total weekly expenditure, 1965 is forecast to return to
By household composition
1970 2010 2030
295.7 weak growth in 2013, 60%
average household 79.7 61.3 54.7 44.9
1970 disposable weekly

344 incomes are likely 55%


1975 to remain below the
363.3 2008 peak of 605
for many years yet.
50%

1980 UK Average 2000 2013 2020 (forecast) 2030 (forecast) 45%
Adults with One or two 383.9 household weekly
children pensioners 1985 disposable income (),
*IMF definitions: Advanced comprises 34 countries, Emerging is 150 countries
real terms, 2010 prices 40%
385.1 Less
than 30 30-49 50-65
65 and
over
1990
457.2 Slow wage growth: Ongoing high unemployment and wage stagnation Lower spending on leisure: its likely that the rising cost of essentials
1995/6 means that wages in 2030 could still remain below the levels that were (food, housing, etc) over the next 20 years will squeeze out consumer
68% 50% 58% 71% 50% 60% 457 experienced by British workers in the 2000s.
UK unemployment rate (in green) and annual average change in
spending on recreation and culture.
Percentage of total expenditure of selected goods categories,
2000/1 total earnings (in pink) UK total, Nominal prices
534 1980 1990 2000 2013 2020 2030
2005/6
579.3 1990 2000 17.7
12.3
Two working
Single 2010 Wages
Looking
9.6
age adults
working 578.4 for work
Wages 9.6
age adult Looking
2015 for work 9.8
561 Food and drink
10.3
2020 15.8
566.9 9.8% 7.1% 4.5% 5.5%
17.1
65% 52% 61% 69% 56% 66% 2025 2012 2030 17.7
577.1 Wages 23.9

Skyrocketing commodities prices: non-fuel commodities such as


2030 Looking
Looking
for work
Housing
25.8

agricultural products and industrial inputs are likely to see strong price 589.5 for work Wages 28.4
growth over the coming years. 7.6
6.2
200 8.3% 1.6% 3.4% 6.9%
Essential goods take up an increasing proportion of 5.8
IMF non-fuel commodity
consumer spending: our model sees the spend on essentials 5.8
price index (2005 = 100)
180 as a percentage of total expenditure rising from 56.8% of Clothing and
(in pink) and oil price, 5.5
spending in 2012 to 65.3% in 2030. Population ageing: the UKs ageing population will have an impact footwear
average of Brent, Dubai and 5.1
Percentage of essential* spending as a share of total on both government and consumer spending, as the proportion
160 West Texas Intermediate,
expenditure, Current prices, UK total of younger adults falls relative to the number of over 60s. 14.8
current $US (in blue)
Share of total population by age group
Forecast

15.1
140 65% 15-59 60+
Forecast 15.3
14.8
120 22.6% 23.2% 23.9% 25.1% 26.6% 15.9
60%
59.9% 59.2% 58% 56.7% 55.6% Transport
17.4
100 9.4
55%
10.4
80 11.5
50% 10.6
60
Recreation 9.3
and culture 7.9
45%
40 5.4
4.3
20 40% 3.2
4.4
2000

2005

2020

2030
2025
2010
1990
1980
1965
1970

2015
1995
1985
1975

Electricity, gas 5.1


2000

2004

2008
1980

1996
1984

1988

2016
1992

2012

2010 2014 2018 2022 2026 and water


6.2
*Defined here as food, clothing, housing, health, transport and education

6 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030 7


Life in 2030

Life in 2030
So what will life be like for people in 2030? Over the following pages we
consider how social and economic trends will affect peoples everyday
lives, exploring the impact of demographic shifts, changes in the global
economy, and new ways of consuming and producing products.

Our data and social trend analysis shows that in percentage share of household spending on
2030, people in the UK could be living in a world essentials in the 20% of households with the lowest
where slow growth, resource scarcity and rising incomes and the 20% of households with the
commodity prices have become the norm; highest incomes was 5.8 percentage points. By 2010,
where demands on public finances will have this gap had grown to 6.4 percentage points, and by
been impacted by demographic shifts, and where 2030, our forecasts suggest that it could rise further
ongoing scandals such as MPs expenses, gas price to 7.4 percentage points. This trend is already visible
fixing and the rigging of the Libor rate have led to in figures from the Which? Quarterly consumer
a crisis of trust in institutions. report, which reveals that people in the lower two
income quintiles are increasingly dropping away
As well as these social and economic trends, from the rest of the income distribution, and being
technology will be revolutionising our homes, and the disproportionately impacted upon by rising food
way we run our lives. For example, increasing use of and fuel prices.
robotics in the service industry already familiar in the
form of self-service checkouts could fundamentally The impact of these trends on consumer wellbeing
change the nature of customer service, making are palpable. Our analysis of the BHPS and
personal human service the new First Class1. Understanding Society datasets shows that the
percentage of people in the second-lowest income
Similarly, innovations in healthcare, manufacturing group who think that they are living comfortably, fell
and energy generation look likely to take the from 69% in 2003 to 48% in 2010. Such a dramatic
personalisation of services to a new extreme: by 2030 fall is thrown into sharp relief by the satisfaction
we anticipate that 3D printing of products, medication levels of the highest-earning group, shifting by six
and food will all have hit the mainstream, and children percentage points from 88% in 2003 to 82% in 2010.
could be using energy stored in their trainers to power
computer games and access social media.
Population ageing
The Office for National Statistics predict that the UK

1
Mintel, Automatic for
the People
Key social trends population will reach 70 million by 2026, rising to
73.2 million in 20352. The population is also ageing,
with the median age rising from 39.7 in 2010, to 42.2
2
www.ons.gov.uk/ons/
rel/population-trends-rd/
Financial pressures by 2035. Despite an increase in the fertility rates
population-trends/ The numbers generated by our economic model over the past few years, the greatest increase in
no--145--autumn-2011/
suggest that by 2030, average weekly household numbers will be among the very old. Between 2010
index.html
3
www.ons.gov.uk/ons/ disposable income could be just 589, which is and 2035 the number of people aged over 85 will Despite an increase in the
rel/mro/news-release/
national-population-
below the 2008 peak of 605, and only just passing more than double, and the number aged over 95 fertility rates over the past
the 2012 level of 558.60. will more than quadruple3.
projections---2010-based-
-uk-population-projected-
few years, the greatest
to-hit-70m-by-2027/
national-population-
We could also see a substantial increase in the level Although fears have been raised about the impact increase in numbers will
of income inequality across the UK population. Our of having an increasingly large population of very
projections---2010-based.
html research shows that in 1980, the gap between the elderly people on the public purse, increases in be among the very old.

8 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030


Life in 2030 Life in 2030

home, and will be looking to new credit models


Which? works for you: and methods of collective purchase to evade high
prices in the private rental sector we look at one
The private rental sector is becoming an increasingly important
potential new model in the next section.
market for consumers, and agents play a critical role in
managing the lettings process. However, high levels of poor
practice in the market and low levels of consumer engagement Although house prices fell back during the recession,
mean that both consumer landlords and tenants are vulnerable in the years to 2030 the trend looks set to reverse,
to abuse. with the price of the average home steadily rising.
This will be driven by population growth and
Which? conducted research between May and October 2012 to investors seeking a safe haven for their cash; our
Demographic and social shifts such as the UKs understand the consumer experience and made a number of projections show the price of the average home
ageing population, and slow growth leading to recommendations for change which we will be campaigning for increasing from 217,440 in 2012 to reach over
over the coming months.
an increase in part time work could lead to a 435,000 by 2030. Under-occupation for older
households may also be an issue: many older people
redistribution of traditional gender and generational could be living in large houses and flats that they are
roles: recent data shows that 25% of UK women 192,000 in 2009, up from 119,000 in 1993. Even reluctant to sell, but because of increasing prices,
are now their familys main breadwinner more recently, a 2012 Aviva study reported by the they will be very expensive to run and maintain.
Guardian suggested that 600,000 British fathers
were now primary carers. These changing gender Multi-generational
roles have also had an impact on peoples
aspirations: one recent survey in the US found that
households
27% of single males aged 35-44 wanted children, The uproar which followed the Intergenerational
compared with only 16% of single females8. Foundations recent suggestion that older people
healthy life expectancy from pensions. Figures from DWP showed that in should consider downsizing to free up housing stock
mean that this pressure December 2011, private pension saving was at the In 2030, financial constraints will also place additional for younger families, suggests that in 2030 we may
could be mitigated by the lowest level in 10 years, with the overall number of costs such as childcare out of the reach of many see increasing numbers of younger people forced
growing trend for people to work beyond retirement people saving into a private pension falling from families; instead, parents may seek to share childcare to live on at home with their parents or aunts, uncles
age. This number has nearly doubled, rising from 46% in 1999/00 to 38% in 2009/106. responsibilities with extended families and wider or grandparents. Research in the UK by Shelter has
753,000 in 1993 to 1.4 million in 20114. Population social networks. In addition, tasks such as growing found that 1.6 million people (one in ten) aged
ageing also has huge implications for the uptake of Whilst the new automatic enrolment system should ones own food or repairing broken goods are likely between 20 and 40 are currently living with their
new health technologies set to enter the market by go some way to encouraging saving, the returns to take up an increasing amount of time across all parents because they cant afford a home9.
2030, as older people take advantage of new ways are likely to be much lower than those in the past. income groups except the very wealthy, as increased
of monitoring and maintaining their health. In comparison to the previous model of defined volatility in global supply chains leads to consumers While the current perception in the UK is that multi-
benefit pension schemes (which saw savings levels striving to become increasingly self-reliant. generation living is a negative thing Shelter found
of around 23% of average earnings guaranteed by that 35% of those living with their parents say that they
Changing working patterns the employer), the defined contribution pension feel embarrassed to admit it its possible that, if the
As the UK economy slows down and the average schemes (which will be most commonly used for
New housing trends trend continues to 2030, then this perception will
age of the working population goes up, part-time auto-enrolment) will only result in people saving In previous years, some young people have relied change. Certainly multi-generational living has its
working and self employment are likely to become around 8% of annual earnings, unless the on their parents to lend them capital for a deposit, benefits; researchers in the US have found that it
increasingly common across the age range. In government increases minimum contribution levels. but it looks likely that for the majority of middle- alleviates living costs for both older and younger
addition, the constraints imposed by low wages Annuity rates are also set to remain low, meaning income families in 2030, wealth will remain tied generations. The picture in the UK is currently
and high prices makes it likely that many people that even higher savings levels may be no up in property, with large, high-interest mortgages less clear: 19% of adults living in multi-generational
will be forced to take on more than one job. guarantee of a comfortable retirement. making saving difficult. The increase in life households report that the additional costs of living
Currently, older people are more likely than younger expectancy will also decrease the value of many with adult children leaves them with less money to
people to work part time (66%, compared to 34% Redistribution of traditional peoples estates, as savings are used to top up go on holiday; but 18% of them say that financial
working full time), and are more likely to be self- pensions, or are eaten up paying for care. In the contributions from children in multi-generational
employed than their younger counterparts.
gender roles absence of a radical policy intervention on the part households has brought household costs down10.
Demographic and social shifts such as the UKs of government, in 2030 young people aged under
Around 32% of people working past state pension ageing population, and slow growth leading to 30 could have almost no prospect of buying a
age (SPA) work for themselves, compared to just an increase in part time work could lead to a
13% of those aged between 16 and SPA5. redistribution of traditional gender and generational
roles: recent data shows that 25% of UK women are 4
www.ons.gov.uk/ons dcp29904_268067.pdf 8 www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/ october_2012/housing_costs_force_1_in_10_
The growth of the older working population will be now their familys main breadwinner, up from just 5
www.ons.gov.uk/ons dcp29904_268067.pdf sep/30/end-of-men-redefine-masculinity back_to_mum_and_dad
driven partly by increases in the state pension age 4% in 19697. On the flip side, the number of UK
6
www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press- 9
Shelter, http://england.shelter.org.uk/news/
releases/2011/dec-2011/dwp152-11.shtml october_2012/housing_costs_force_1_in_10_
which will rise to 66 by 2020, and is set to increase fathers acting as the primary caregiver has risen in 7
www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/ back_to_mum_and_dad
further in the future and partly by lower returns the recession, with the ONS putting the number at sep/30/end-of-men-redefine-masculinity 10
Shelter http://england.shelter.org.uk/news/

10 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030 11


Life in 2030 Life in 2030

Changes in the global economy


11
Homi Kharas, The emerging middle class in

Which? works for you: developing countries, OECD Development Centre


Working Paper no. 285. January 2010
12
McKinsey, Resource revolution, November 2011
Food prices are increasingly volatile, obesity levels
Of course, it is impossible to talk about the future of consumers https://www.cdproject.net/CDPResults/CDP-2010-
13

are rising, and climate change is having a big effect Water-Disclosure-Global-Report.pdf


on harvests around the world. We face a huge
in the UK without considering the impact of growing resource
14
DEFRA, Water For Life, December 2011, http://www.
challenge how can we make sure that what we official-documents.gov.uk/document/
cm82/8230/8230.pdf
scarcity, and changes in the global economy. eat is healthy and sustainable long into the future? 15

16
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/
www.defra.gov.uk/files/env-waste-review-factsheet-
Which? has been conducting research across the UK, to 110613-households.pdf
find out what consumers think about the Future of Food. 17
www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_
The rise of developing nations Closed-loop systems Watch out for our findings in early 2013. supply/energy_mix/renewable/feedin_tariff/feedin_
tariff.aspx
Over the next 17 years, our economic model Increased awareness of resource scarcity in 2030
forecasts that the global economic centre of gravity could lead governments and businesses to develop
will shift away from the UK and towards emerging large-scale resource management initiatives, making
and developing economies such as Brazil, Russia, concrete moves towards a closed-loop economy.
India and China (BRIC). During the 1990s and early In fact, this is already taking shape; over 40% of
2000s, the integration of emerging markets such household waste was recycled in England in 2010/11,
as China into global supply chains led to downward compared to 11% in 2000/0115. In 2011, the
pressure on costs, and lower prices for consumers Government Waste Review set out the aim of moving In the UK, the 2011 White Paper Water For Life
in the UK. Our data suggests that this era is now at towards a zero waste economy, defining this for
an end, as economic development in developing householders and businesses as a situation where:
reported that: In the future there is likely to be
nations leads to higher wages in China, and higher We reduce, reuse and recycle all we can, and throw less water available for people, businesses and
prices for the UK consumer. Extrapolating from the things away only as a last resort.16 the environment, concluding that: We may
IMFs World Economic Outlook data, we can see
that by 2025, the developing nations could have In 2030, restrictions and higher sustainability
need significant new water resources.
pushed all of the European countries out of the expectations are likely to make unsustainable
worlds five largest economies. Defined by the choices harder to find. This is already being seen
international Organisation for Economic with the phase-out of traditional light bulbs and
Co-operation and Development as all those living choice-editing by manufacturers and retailers.
in households with daily per capita incomes of The term choice editing traditionally refers to the
between USD10 and USD100 in PPP terms, the practice of quietly removing an unsustainable or
numbers of the global middle class are predicted unhealthy product from sale, and replacing it with
to reach 4.9 billion by 203011. a similar alternative. For example in the 1990s, B&Q
replaced much of their timber stock with FSC-certified
timber without telling consumers what they were
Resource scarcity doing. This tactic was, in practice, pretty much the
The growing global population and increased same as a ban, but without the need for legislation
competition from middle class people in the BRIC or the associated public outrage.
countries is likely to push up demand for and
therefore the cost of resources. McKinsey have
predicted an 80% increase in steel demand between
Microgeneration
2010 and 203012, and the 2011 Water Disclosure In energy, microgeneration is increasingly moving
Project conducted by Deloitte reports that demand towards the mainstream the Department of
for water will outstrip supply by 40% in 2030. Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has already
Emphasising the costs of delivering the used powers in the Energy Act 2008 to introduce
infrastructure needed to close this gap, Deloitte a system of feed-in tariffs to incentivise small-scale
suggests that, globally, it will cost as much as $50 (less than 5MW), low-carbon electricity generation17.
to $60 billion a year for 20 years13. In the UK, the However, at the moment, Which? has concerns that
2011 White Paper Water For Life reported that: the current policy fails to deliver value for money
In the future there is likely to be less water available for consumers. For microgeneration to really deliver
for people, businesses and the environment, by 2030, the government needs to ensure that
concluding that: We may need significant new consumers are adequately protected, and that
water resources.14 they get the advice and information they need.

12 Consumers in 2030
Life in 2030 Life in 2030

The changing nature of consumption comparable data began. This is likely to not only
impact on consumers purchasing habits, but also
harvesters are almost advanced enough to be
inserted into the body to power pace-makers,
to lead to shifts in spending behaviour. Indeed, such and a screening device for lung and breast
Changes in the cost and availability of consumer goods are shifts are already in evidence in areas vulnerable to cancer that can detect cancer cells on
price hikes; increases in the price of oil have already patients breath is currently awaiting
likely to be coupled with a shift in the way that people use led to a strong increase in the number of rail clinical trial28. Although many of

and buy products and services. journeys taken per household going up by 13.8%
between 2006/07 and 2010/11, and a decrease in
these medical advances could
solve previously intractable
the number of road miles covered by car going problems, they also open up a
down by 6.1% between 2007 and 2010. Rising new field of ethical dilemmas. For
essentials prices may also have an impact on example, a recent report on the UKs
One major shift will be in the relationship between found that travellers using the service in San peoples eating habits, potentially leading to an breast cancer screening programme
individuals and the organisations that provide Francisco had spent $56 million in the city from increase in levels of obesity. The Economist recently has found that while the programme
products and services. For example, the increasing June 2011 to May 201221. reported that sales of primary proteins and fruit and reduces the risk of dying from cancer
popularity of 3D printing suggests that consumers veg have decreased in the recession, while sales of by 20%, 19% of those women that
will increasingly be also acting as producers. Similarly, pizzas and ready meals are going up25. are found to have tumours are
peer-to-peer selling could become mainstream across
Home manufacturing over-diagnosed causing them to
sectors ranging from energy to the music industry. The popularisation of 3D printing and home undergo unnecessary treatment that
manufacturing already available to high-end
The end of the high street bank causes more harm than good29.
consumers is also likely to have a major impact The year 2030 could also see a move away from
Increases in the
Collaborative consumption on the way people consume. The 2030s will see the traditional banking as alternative lending schemes One area where better and cheaper price of oil have
In the context of increasing public awareness of development of small-scale, UK-based production fill the space where conventional forms of finance technology should have a definite already led to a
resource scarcity, collaborative consumption is houses that use 3D printer technologies to print have failed to deliver. The forms of alternative impact is in supporting people to
likely to become an increasingly important trend. household goods and spare parts on demand. In lending popular in 2030 are likely to evolve from become more aware of the factors
strong increase
Collaborative consumption is an umbrella term, 2013, the 3D printing scene is centred on a growing the three models that are experiencing a surge that influence their health. Over the in the number of
describing the growing tendency of people to use number of enthusiastic amateurs with open-source in popularity in 2012-13: credit unions, payday loan past few years the quantified self rail journeys taken
new technologies to facilitate sharing, bartering, 3D printers, who are experimenting with, not just 3D companies, and peer-to-peer lending platforms. As movement individuals monitoring
lending, trading, renting, gifting, and swapping18. As printing, but home laser cutting and sintering, CNC work by Which? has highlighted, each of these three their health with apps such as the
per household
the UK governments recent Buy Better Together machining and the use of other precision computer- models come with major health warnings. Despite iphone heart rate monitor has
community buying initiative and Which?s own Big controlled equipment. Laser sintering is the process this, low income growth coupled with an ongoing been gaining momentum30. By
Switch have shown, collaborative consumption can whereby objects are built up in a bed of powder crisis of trust in British banks, means that alternative 2030, with cheaper sensors and 23
http://www.guardian.
save people money, time and resources. Potentially, by a scanning laser beam that fuses tiny bits of banking is increasingly set to be a part of the better user interfaces, personal data co.uk/environment/2012/
it not only allows people to make money from things the powder together, one layer at a time22. CNC mainstream by 2030. is anticipated to be ubiquitous and may/18/3d-printers-food-
sustainable
they already have (for example, through AirBnB, machining is a development of CAD/CAM programs malleable, and genetic diseases 24
http://www.toptenz.
which allows people to rent out their homes to which allows the manufacturing process to be The financial model that we predict will experience could be detectable prenatally. net/top-10-ways-sci-fi-
holidaymakers, or the car-pool WhipCar), but offers highly automated, allowing people with the right the greatest surge in popularity to 2030 is peer-to- could-help-you-live-
1000-years.php
convenience (for example Street Bank19, an online equipment to produce highly complex goods by peer lending. In 2012, the rise of companies such This new availability of up-to-the- 25
http://www.economist.
service which allows community members to share simply downloading the appropriate program. By as Zopa and Funding Circle revealed that people minute personal health data is likely com/node/21557377
goods) cost effectiveness (for example Spotify20) and 2030, 3D printers could be commonplace, with the are increasingly comfortable using social networks to lead to the development of new
26
http://www.
prospectmagazine.
a sense of being part of a community. Collaborative ability to print everything from food23 to new human to make links between investors and borrowers, products and services which will co.uk/magazine/
consumption can also have a positive effect on local organs and bespoke medications24. relishing the opportunity to regain the lost social allow people to monitor their own show-me-the-money-
economies; recent research commissioned by AirBnB purpose of the UKs banks26. By 2030, lending health. Products designed to use personal-finance-
revolutiosam-knight/
Despite the potential impact of new models of across social networks could be the norm, with p2p this data to prevent illness may well 27
http://www.
production like 3D printers, by 2030, the share of lenders competing with mainstream banks because become commonplace in wealthier prospectmagazine.
consumer spending taken up by essential goods their low overheads mean that they can turn a profit homes, while less well-off households co.uk/magazine/
show-me-the-money-
such as food, utilities and housing is expected to on much smaller sums of money. As a recent article may become eligible for provision
Which? works for you: reach 65.3% higher than the figure in 1964 when in Prospect pointed out, banks normally dont make on the NHS. More worrying, however,
personal-finance-
revolutiosam-knight/
a profit on personal loans of less than 7,000, but is the impact that health data may
28
http://www.dailymail.
With our Big Change campaign we are calling for
co.uk/health/
a Big change to the culture are practices of banking. the average Zopa loan is 4,80027. have on insurance provision: more article-2159088/
We think that: 18
www.collaborativeconsumption.com/the-movement/ accurate information may lower Breathalyzer-smells-
Bankers should put customers first, not sales 19
www.streetbank.com/splash 20www.sparkboxtoys.com/ premiums for some, but there is a cancer-breath.html
Bankers must meet professional standards and
21
www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/11/09/study-airbnb-had- Healthy living risk that those with genetic problems
29
http://www.guardian.
56-million-impact-on-san-francisco/ co.uk/society/2012/
comply with a code of conduct 22
http://blog.makezine.com/2012/02/01/an-open-source-laser- In 2030, advances in industrial biotechnology and or a history of illness may be oct/30/breast-cancer-
Bankers must be punished for mis-selling and sintering-3d-printer/ nanotechnology are likely to be radically disrupting compelled to disclose information screenings-damaging-
bad practice. 23
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/may/18/3d-printers-food- women?intcmp=239
sustainable 24 www.toptenz.net/top-10-ways-sci-fi-could-help-you-live-
the interface between people and technology. that compromises their ability to get 30
http://quantifiedself.
1000-years.php Indeed, this is already the case: in 2013 energy a good deal. com/

14 Consumers in 2030
Products and services we could be using in 2030

Products and services The Which? Consumer Principles

we could be using in 2030 The Which? Consumer Principles are eight key principles that we
consider when were assessing consumer detriment. They help us
to make sure that we are looking into the issues that really matter,
In the section below we lay out five products or services that
and provide a framework for us to consider potential solutions.
consumers might be buying in 2030.
What kinds of consumer detriment might people be facing in 2030?

H
ere, we present five imagined products or services that
draw together some ideas about what people might be Access Consumer influence and Redress
buying in 2030. Are the right infrastructures in responsibility How do we ensure that consumers
place to mitigate commodity price Distributed manufacture and micro buying products and services via
Rather than acting as concrete predictions, these products explore the fluctuations? generation technologies mean that peer-to-peer networks have access
implications of the trends outlined in the previous sections. By thinking How do we manage water scarcity consumers are becoming producers to suitable redress?
about the new consumer goods and services that could be being to ensure that all consumers have too. What does this mean for the How do we ensure that consumer
marketed to people by 2030, we are trying to understand and to access to clean, drinkable water? relationship between consumers and legislation protects consumers in the
pre-empt the new areas of detriment that individuals could be facing Do consumers have universal government and big organisations? Open Data market?
in the next 17 years. access to up-cycling and re-cycling Can we factor in life-cycle criteria
technologies, and know where to go to product ratings?
Building on the theme of home life in 2030, we have considered how the to recycle old goods? How far are consumers themselves Safety
emerging social and economic trends outlined above might interact with With NHS services focused on responsible for recycling and re-using What are the implications of
developments in design and technology. prevention, are policymakers doing old consumer products? distributed manufacturing for
What consumer needs and issues may exist in 2030 that dont enough to empower individuals to enforcing safety standards?
exist in 2013? manage their health effectively? Do new technologies such as
What are the opportunities for action in 2013 that would improve In a landscape where private and Information and education bio-tech maintain rigorous safety
conditions for consumers over the long-term? alternative health solutions proliferate, How do we ensure transparency standards?
how do we ensure that quality of supply chains? Should there be How do we ensure that personal
The process of developing these products has been an exploratory remains key, and that individuals have mandatory reporting of non-financial health technologies provide up-to-
exercise to consider how current trends might play forwards. Considering equal access to the highest quality impacts for companies and product date and accurate advice, and use
these products in the light of the Which? Consumer principles medical care? manufacturers? personal health data correctly?
allows us to think about the future in a systematic way, and to Do all consumers have access to
act on consumers interests in the long term. the information that they need to
Choice choose the right private and public Value for money
Are traditional finance products services for them? How do we balance large-scale
actually offering consumers the Should Which? consider how easy sustainability options with the need to
services and security that they need products are to re/upcycle as part of give consumers value for money?
Which? works for you: (for example, opportunities to invest our product ratings? How do we ensure that tighter
Many of the products on the market in for retirement in a low-growth, high budgets dont mean that only the
2030 will draw on the new availability of inflation economy)? affluent can afford to buy sustainable
machine readable personal data be that Are the big six energy companies Quality products?
health data, energy usage, or personal
going far enough to help consumers How do we ensure that products
spending and consumption data. Which?
manage their rising utilities costs? and services transferred via peer-to-
is a strong supporter of the governments
current Open Data initiative, but we have peer networks are safe and of
found that privacy and data accuracy appropriate quality?
are major concerns for consumers. In Does resource scarcity mean that
our research, we found that 19% of those existing materials will be replaced by
individuals who had requested to see new and potentially lower quality
a copy of their personal data held by a materials?
company (a subject access request) had How do we ensure that personal
found it to be inaccurate. health data is up to date and
accurate?

16 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030 17


Products and services we could be using in 2030 Products and services in 2030

Bathroom GP Your genetic and


clinical history

Bathroom GP is a product-service bundle that discretely takes


biological readings and screens for illnesses as you use the Mirror shows your
health status and shares
bathroom. For example, it checks your kidney function, glucose it with your doctor
levels, digestive health and the presence of viruses, and then
suggests changes you might make in order to stay healthy.
Samples gathered
and sent via the
How does bathroom GP work? internet
Consumer experience in 2030: the Taylor family
Dr Loo and Dr Sink take biological readings and
Rob Taylor is acutely aware of the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on his
screen for illnesses as theyre used. The information
health, and wants no hassle information to give him an early warning of
is sent to a microchip thats embedded in a
any problems. At 67 hes still working full-time and hes worried he might
wristband or in the body where it is analysed against
be developing heart disease like his dad. DNA-related discoveries are
users medical records and individual DNA patterns.
prominent in the media and Rob is finding it hard to ignore the fact that
The same microchip measures vital signs like body
lack of exercise is reducing his life expectancy. He wants to get on top of
temperature, calories burned, heart rate and sleep
managing his health without having to visit his GP every five minutes.
quality so all this information is collated.
Mirror processes
Dr Mirror displays the analysis according to your data and gives you
health information
chosen settings. As the display is activated by your lifestyle, but their personal exposure to
mobile phone, you can control when and where you environmental factors like pollution..
see it. It gives a full consultation and recommendations
every month. Optional services send dietary
recommendations to your online shopping list to
Could this exist in 2013?
help you plan meals around the nutrients your body The technology is already available; prototype Dr
needs. As retailers use personalised marketing, this Loos exist, but are expensive and need refinement.
triggers special discounts like a two-for-one offer Scientists have reduced an entire laboratory for
on almonds that could curb a vitamin E deficiency. DNA analysis to a chip the size of a common
everyday microscope slide.
Portable
If you opt to share your data with your health However, it requires individuals to have had DNA recommendations
insurance provider, theyll usually offer you a sequencing carried out and for patients to be able to for a healthier
discounted premium. There are downsides to access and upload information to their medical records. lifestyle
this, however, as giving providers access to health It also requires the widespread use of monitoring
information may increase, rather than lower payments. wristbands or at least the microchips within them.
Services help you to act
on the information, like
diet recommendations and
Whats the demand for Future Which? discounts on ingredients.
Bathroom GP in 2030? Some of the questions provoked by this concept for Which? in 2030 are:
Bathroom furniture discretely
gathers health information and
As machine-readable personal data enters the Who will be responsible for ensuring that consumers health data screens for illnesses. Sends it and
mainstream, consumers will want access to their is accurate and up to date? analyses it using your medical
medical records and to play an active role in How can we ensure that personal data is not misused, either record and DNA pattern
managing their health not just out necessity for marketing purposes, by health insurers or by government?
but out of choice. As theyre living and working for Who will be the regulatory body to ensure that consumers get easy
longer, and as healthcare becomes more expensive, and efficient redress?
theres a strong incentive to stay healthy. With How will we ensure good communication between private health
access to their unique DNA pattern, consumers providers and data services, and the NHS?
are aware what diseases they are susceptible to Who will ensure that less well-off patients have access to the latest
and what their biggest health risks are. They are health technologies, and that personal health tech is upgraded when
responding by managing not just their diet and necessary?

18 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030


Products and services in 2030 Products and services we could be using in 2030

Physical outdoor
activity
Rechargeable Kids system
The Rechargeable Kids system enables children to power their
gadgets and online games through physical outdoor activity.
It encourages them to balance time spent playing in virtual
worlds with time spent playing in the real one.

Sports shoe
captures energy in How does the Rechargeable more physical activity into daily life is fuelling a
new age of ambient energy.
3 different ways Kids system work?
Super Genius Trainers are the most important and
popular kit in the Rechargeable Kids system; they
Could this exist in 2013?
encourage children to build their physical strength Researchers at Princeton University have created
to match the mental workout they get playing virtual a flexible material that harvests record amounts of
games. Each trainer generates and stores power energy when stressed.
for electronic games, media and other bedroom But energy harvesting technologies are in
gadgets. The more active kids are in their trainers, their infancy; much further research, testing and
the more power they generate and the more they development is needed to be able to generate and
Distributes are able to run their devices off-grid at home. store significant power for the Rechargeable Kids
electricity at system to be viable.
home Children recharge their trainers by playing, jumping The technology particularly the multichannel
and running around outside. The trainers harvest battery is not yet available. Prototypes harvest energy
energy in every possible way, even from the heat from a single source rather than multiple ones.
generated as kids feet get hot playing sports. They
also capture and upload data into virtual games
like how fast and how far theyve run. The family
Future Which?
shoe rack doubles-up as an electricity distribution What are the product testing criteria Which?
hub so kids just place the trainers on the rack and will be using in 2030?
their energy and information transfers to their How will resource scarcity impact on the price
bedroom. The one drawback is that they have to and functionality of tech products in 2030?
make sure the trainers dont get too muddy as this Should new tech products make it easier for
interferes with the shoes ability to convert sunlight consumers to reuse, recycle or upcycle products?
into electricity. What might be the health effects of a 24/7
always on culture?
Whats the demand for What changes in the energy market might
consumers need, to deal with rising fuel costs?
Rechargeable Kids in 2030?
Energy use and generation are intertwining with a
Powers your modern twist. Consumers are tired of being on the Consumer experience in 2030: the Jones family
gadgets and receiving end of gas and electricity price hikes.
Serena and Mo Jones feel like theyre constantly battling with their
games Rising and volatile oil prices have made even super kids about the excessive amount of time they spend playing computer
energy efficient homes expensive to heat and light. games in their bedrooms. At first it seemed wrong to ration the kids
Daily commuting and holidays have shot up in price enjoyment according to how much energy theyd built up using their
too. Such a gloomy outlook has drastically improved Super Genius Trainers, but their youngest, in particular, seems calmer
the performance capabilities of energy harvesting and is definitely sleeping better since they bought them. The final seal
technologies and low energy devices. These days, of approval came when they overheard their youngest trying to work
energy is viewed as an opportunity not a cost. Its no out whether he could run for longer by eating a chocolate bar or a
longer a product; its something thats all around us if sandwich. The trainers really are super if they can get Sam to eat
only we can tap into it. The greater value placed on more at meal times and snack less!
exercise and stress relief and on trying to squeeze

Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030 21


Products and services we could be using in 2030 Investors Products and services in 2030

Crowd House Mortgages Individuals Register with Choose a home- Crowd House ...and ensures that
want to invest Crowd House buying team to facilitates a formal investors are repaid,
Crowd House Mortgages enable teams of home-buyers to take out and get advice invest in loan agreement... with interest
a loan and support one another to make repayments. It is a product
Buyers
offered by Crowd Houses; a virtual service that gives people the
confidence, facilities and insurance to invest in, and borrow from
one another on a long-term basis.

How does Crowd Houses work? Individuals Buy an allotment Pitch to investors for
form a home- of public land a mortgage that will
Crowd House Mortgages are a collaborative route Crowd Houses retains the deeds to buying teams buying team as collateral buy the whole team
to home ownership. Both investors and borrowers homes, making them tenants until theyve fully their own house
know one another through social media and this repaid the loan. If the teams hit difficulties in making
transparency enables long-lasting relationships. repayments, Crowd Houses liaises with investors
Crowd Houses receives a management fee for and works with them to try to resolve the situation.
the services it offers to match make and support As a last resort, it will repossess and sell their homes.
investors and borrowers. There is complete transparency between investors
and borrowers.
A group of young people and families form a Crowd House owns Buying team receives
home-buying team or cooperative. This enables Whats the demand for Crowd their homes until deeds to their homes
when they have fully
them to pool their resources and support each the loan is repaid
other to make regular mortgage repayments in
House Mortgages in 2030? repaid the mortgage
a challenging employment market. In 2030, traditional mortgages are inaccessible for
many people. As trust in governments and financial
Through its novel allotment scheme Crowd Houses institutions goes down; as consumers get
buys parcels of public land on behalf of buying teams. accustomed to job insecurity and lower incomes; as
These allotments act as collateral to enable teams to housing costs rise; and as the bank of Mum and Dad
raise a loan from hundreds of small investors. They runs low on funds, consumers are seeking new
improve the teams credit rating because they must routes to affordable credit. At the same time, investors
pool their resources to buy an allotment, which want to find ways of beating inflation and reducing
vouches for their ability to work as a unit and their their exposure to risk.
trust in one another. They are also insurance for
investors as they can easily be sold to another As consumers online and physical lives become
buying team to plug any shortfall in repayments. blurred all sorts of collaborations are springing up
that match borrowers and investors in novel ways.
This is spurred by the huge amounts of information
people can find out about each other. For example,
immersive technologies and downloadable learning
packages are even connecting peoples minds to the
Future Which?
Consumer experience in 2030: the Taylor family internet, meaning consumers can intimately know
Chloe Taylor is desperate to buy her own flat. She doesnt see much people theyve never met. Some of the questions provoked by this concept for Which?
point in holding cash savings as they get quickly eroded by inflation and in 2030 are:
thinks rising house prices and rental incomes make bricks and mortar a What new forms of oversight and regulation might be
good investment. Chloe has no qualms about team investing with her
Could this exist in 2013? needed to give customers assurance in peer-to-peer lending?
friends to buy a home. She trusts them far more than she trusts financial Most of the components already exist in different How will consumers ensure the data that enables them to
institutions, and her friends higher salaries will give her access to a more formats, for example, housing cooperatives and assess potential borrowers credit worthiness is reliable and
affordable interest rate on a loan. Redundancy is common and temporary micro-finance initiatives . up to date?
contracts can be suddenly withdrawn so teaming-up with friends means But lack of information and weak social ties with How will the development of alternative banking models
you can support one another to make repayments when times get tough.
people through online networks mean there is not impact on the services offered by traditional banks?
yet enough strength in online relationships today.

22 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030


Products and services in 2030 Products and services we could be using in 2030

Scan your
existing items
Mo.Mo. Molecule Scanner
The mo. mo. is a handheld molecule scanner that tells you which
of your old belongings could be transformed into something new
using a 3D printer, as part of a service that enables you to reinvent
consumer goods, rather than replace them.

Send them
to 3D How does the 3D fabrication quality control issues. Most families use local
3D fabrication services because the quality and
fabrication lab service work? diversity of the products is so much higher than
The Mo.Mo. scans objects to identify what materials printing items on a basic home printer. A large
they contain and offers ideas for what they can be pharmaceutical company has just launched an
transformed in to using a high-tech 3D fabrication organ printing service to ease the shortage of
laboratory. Customers pay a quarterly subscription replacement kidneys and other organs for the
that includes a set number of prints at the 3D ageing population. The idea of brand new, pristine
fabrication service and all the technologies they organs available on demand seems too good to be
need; like a digital platform that allows them to true for sceptical older generations, but expensive
select additional materials from an online library healthcare costs are making this an attractive
Your choice and to choose, adapt and personalise 3D design proposition none-the-less.
is produced patterns. They send their complete order to the
3D fabrication lab, including any objects they
want to transform, and receive them 14 days later.
Could this exist in 2013?:
Scientists at MIT can currently take basic
What demand is there for 3D chemical elements from the natural world: carbon,
calcium, silicon, zinc, and mix them with harmless
fabrication in 2030? viruses whose genes have been reprogrammed
3D personalisation is the next fashion frontier. to promote random variations. The resulting new
Every teenager wants a 3D printer which means, materials include plastic.
as a BBC article in 2029 reported: Theyre breeding But:
like rabbits. 3D printers are reproducing by printing The technology isnt developed enough to scan
more 3D printers. On one hand this is speeding their items although techniques such as crystallography
evolution, but on the other it is creating significant can identify molecules by their structure.
3D printing is still in its early evolution and
isnt widespread enough for a market to exist
for the mo. mo.

Consumer experience in 2030: Future Which?


Get it back
and enjoy! the Taylor family Some of the questions provoked by this concept
Affordable 3D printing means Jamie Taylor can follow trends even on for Which? in 2030 are:
his low wage by updating his belongings. In the face of rising costs, What new forms of legislation (e.g. copyright
hes tired of having to be careful and wants to enjoy his independence law) will be needed to deal with distributed
without feeling guilty. Jamies dad is worried about the lack of regulation manufacture?
or quality assurance to fall back on influenced by media headlines that As materials get more expensive, how will
seem to be full of legal battles over faulty or dangerous printed products consumers verify that products are made from
being sold through social networks, often fraudulently under fake brand the materials that vendors say they are?
licences. Hes persuaded Jamie to pay a subscription to a professional If consumers increasingly act as producers too,
outfit rather than buy a home 3D printer; its a little more expensive, but what does that mean for Which?s mission to
you get more reliable quality and can print bigger items.
empower consumers to deal with big
organisations?

Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030 25


Products and services we could be using in 2030 Before Products and services in 2030

Waterless washing machine:


100% clean, 1% water tariff After
1 basket

The 100% clean, 1% water tariff allows you to lease a high-tech


waterless washing machine from your water company to dramatically 100%
clean
1% use

reduce your water consumption, and the cost of laundry.


99 baskets

How does the 100% clean able to vary the size and performance of the

1% water tariff work? machine according to their needs helps households Future Which?
save money by managing their energy use too.
Water companies are searching for ways to cut Some of the questions provoked by this
water demand to release pressure on water supplies concept for Which? in 2030 are:
and keep costs down. Theyre fighting a losing battle
Whats the demand for the What are the implications for consumer
against the poor condition of the plumbing in the 100% clean, 1% water tariff choice if utilities companies begin offering
products as part of their contracts?
older housing stock, and the very slow shift in in 2030? How will growing resource scarcity
attitudes to water use.
In 2030, saving water has gone from being seen as change the way that consumers value and
Introducing super-efficient washing machines to totally unnecessary to smart and desirable. Water use resources?
households is a quick fix. They are offering water costs are high and increasing, particularly in the
customers the opportunity to switch from their water-stressed South East. Combined with the wide
traditional water tariff to one that includes a very rollout of water meters, this has made households
high-tech washing machine, and cuts the total cost keen to control their water costs.
of doing laundry. When they sign up, customers
existing appliances are replaced with a high-tech Theres an appetite for ways of saving water and
machine that gets their clothes just as clean while money that dont require sacrifice including big
using dramatically less water. The exchange value up-front costs like buying new appliances.
of their old appliance is credited to their account. Consumers relish long baths and hot showers
and are investing more in the look and feel of their
The tariff covers all the services households need bathrooms than ever before. Theres a whole lot
from the machine itself, to repairs and maintenance, more going on behind the scenes too, to conserve,
to the water use. Water customers lease their filter, capture and reuse the water.
washing machine, which means they can upgrade
to a smaller or larger version every five years. Being
Could this exist in 2013?:
Demand is currently lacking because we are in
a period of relatively low water rates and very rare
Consumer experience in 2030: the Jones family water shortages. Water companies have
The ancient plumbing in Serena and Mos rented house desperately needs experienced a period of relatively high ground water
upgrading. Their finances are seriously tight so saving money on basics like
levels and predictable precipitation.
water, rent, electricity and travel, matters. Using their water meter, theyve
The business case for substantial investment in
taken all the little, low-cost steps they can to conserve water. When their
water company wrote to them offering a water-saving tariff that would water infrastructures is only just starting to emerge.
dramatically cut their water consumption without having to get their
landlords permission, they jumped at it. The water used in laundry is a
significant chunk of their water bill and they certainly cant afford to buy
a high-tech washing machine outright. The idea of a washing machine for
life that saves water and can be upgraded over time, and move with them
if they move to a larger house, seems like a no-brainer.

26 Consumers in 2030 Consumers in 2030


Next steps...
www.which.co.uk

Next steps
Following the publication of this paper, well be discussing our
findings at a series of workshops with internal and external
stakeholders in 2013.

At these events, we will be sharing our projections for what


consumers lives will be like in 2030, and drawing on a range of
challenging and conflicting views brought by experts from a range
of sectors and regulatory bodies.

This process will allow us to draw out the implications of our findings
for consumer policy and broader policy issues over the next
17 years.

For more information about Which? Consumer Insight visit


www.which.co.uk/consumerinsight

For more information about Which? visit our corporate hub


Key contacts
www.whichcorporate.co.uk or contact the External Affairs team
For more information, please contact the Which? External Affairs
on 020
team 7770
on 020 77707607
7000 ororemail
externalaffairs@which.co.uk
externalaffairs@which.co.uk

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