Global Scans · Design · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Design thinking will increasingly play a key role in improving systems and customer experiences. Companies will re-learn their approach to innovation and embrace human-centred design principles. Designers will begin to apply knowledge of human interaction, specifically in the area of how we earn trust and respect, to AI systems.

• [New] In 2026, access will expand to include AlphaEvolve, AlphaGenome, and WeatherNext, AI models supporting advanced algorithm design, genomic research, and state-of-the-art weather forecasting. Digital Watch Observatory
• [New] In 2026, smart AI-powered systems are designed to be scalable and modular, making them perfect for urban gardens, home greenhouses, and rooftop agriculture. Farmonaut
• [New] 2026 is a critical time for well-designed recycling policy to both help drive PCR plastic innovation and build robust end markets for recycled materials. Packaging Strategies
• [New] Australian regulators are warning that scam activity is likely to increase over the Christmas and New Year period, with potential consequences for insurers, intermediaries, and policyholders as digital fraud and identity crime continue to be linked to financial losses. Insurance Business
• [New] While giants like Google, Apple, and Samsung provide the identity wallet infrastructure, fintech has the opportunity to provide the everyday use cases that make carrying a digital ID worthwhile. FinExtra
• [New] As we move beyond 2025, solar panel projects will increasingly be designed as intelligent, integrated energy assets-combining high-efficiency technology, digital monitoring, storage, and flexible procurement models. Soleos Solar Energy Private Limited
• [New] A new NASA-designed instrument, Libera, which measures solar radiation, will be integrated into JPSS-4 in late 2025. ADS
• [New] The noticeable rise in energy inflation to 2.2% in 2028 is seen to be driven mainly by the implementation of the EU Fit for 55 package, particularly the new ETS2 for the heating of buildings and for transport fuels, which is estimated to contribute 1.9 percentage points to energy inflation in 2028. European Central Bank
• [New] Clients expect solutions that can adapt quickly to evolving local regulations while maintaining a consistent global architecture. Innovate Tax
• [New] Security analysts are warning that 2026 will be the year of Identity Verification wars. DailyTimez India
• [New] NASA's upcoming Psyche mission (2026) will push the limits of optical ISLs, testing 1 Gbps laser relays across 0.5 astronomical units (AU) - a pioneering leap in deep-space data transfer that could define future Mars communications architecture. International Defense Security & Technology
• [New] The Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture alone aims to operate more than 300 ISL-equipped satellites by 2026, underlining their strategic importance for both defence operations and the commercial space economy. International Defense Security & Technology
• [New] The Reuters report of a Warby Parker and Google collaboration signals a mainstream retail route for smart glasses in 2026; design and retail footprint could beat tech-only brands. Glass Almanac
• [New] Looking ahead to 2026, PhaseV plans to deepen its work with global sponsors and expand its vertical AI platform to further accelerate drug pipelines, optimize study design and site selection, and improve patient outcomes across diverse therapeutic areas. Cision PR Newswire
• [New] By taking proactive steps now, design professionals can enter 2026 with confidence and resilience. Web
• [New] By 2026, more than half of enterprise design teams intend to incorporate specialized accessibility experts. KiwiQA
• [New] Altair released HyperWorks 2026, adding AI - and physics-based optimization, cloud-native workflows, and automated model setup to help engineers design products faster and more efficiently. Solutions Review Technology News and Vendor Reviews
• [New] NASA has introduced its Strategic Deconfliction Simulation platform, designed to safely integrate electric air taxis and drones into congested urban airspace, targeting operational readiness by 2026. eplaneai
• [New] In 2026, fashion companies could benefit from investing in and exploring new business models that support designing, making, sourcing, and selling sustainable apparel products. FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing
• [New] The trade policy environment facing the global fashion apparel industry could remain highly uncertain in 2026. FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing
• [New] The global fashion apparel industry will continue to face two macro-level challenges in 2026. FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing
• [New] Security corporation Entrust released its 2026 Identity Fraud Report and found that National Identity cards made up almost half of all fraudulent incidents globally. Artefact
• [New] Airports in 2026 have grown into hyper-efficient, AI-operated environments designed for stress-free travel. Softude

Last updated: 22 December 2025