5-Minute Guide to Spotting Signals

Ever wish crystal balls were a real thing? Well good news - you've already got something better: your everyday observations. With this 5-minute SPECS scan, we'll turn your daily routine into a trend-spotting practice.

The SPECS Scan: Your Quick Guide

👥 Social: Watch how people interact

• New conversation topics?

• Different ways of greeting?

• Changing social rules?

🏘️ Physical: Notice your environment

• Space used differently?

• New types of stores?

• Changes in your neighborhood?

💰 Economic: Spot value shifts

• New payment methods?

• Different spending patterns?

• New business models?

🎨 Cultural: Track what people care about

• Emerging attitudes?

• Changing priorities?

• New forms of entertainment?

⚙️ Systems: Notice how things work

• Different ways of doing things?

• New tools being used?

• Changes in services?

Try It Today: Your 5-Minute Practice

Think of this as a daily workout for your signal-spotting muscles. No fancy tools needed - just your curiosity and attention.

1. Morning Glance (2 min) Pick any two categories above and notice three changes during your morning routine

2. Afternoon Peek (2 min) Choose two different categories and spot three more changes

3. Evening Note (1 min) Jot down the most interesting thing you noticed today

Pro Tip: When something makes you think "that's weird..." or "that's new..." - pay attention. That's your signal-spotting radar at work!