The 2015 edition of the TrendsWatch report, which highlights trends to watch out for in museums in the coming year has been released, with rising tides, wearable tech and open culture all on the agenda.

The report, from the Center for the Future of Museums (CFM) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), annually identifies six trends that will shape the way museums worldwide will handle affairs, do business and engage visitors.

Written by Elizabeth Merritt of the CFM, the 2015 report highlights open culture and data movements, consumers’ heightened awareness of ethical issues, personalisation, climate change and rising sea levels, plus wearable technology, and the slow culture movement.

The first identified trend – “The Open Economy” – looks at open sources of information, software and government. The open culture movement urges a fundamental cultural shift in these areas, calling for nearly all data to be made available to everybody, bar a compelling reason to keep it secure. The report states that “Museum data – cultural, scientific, especially operational – has traditionally been closely controlled,” questioning whether - in a world pivoting towards open source - the museum sector can afford to get left behind.

“Ethical Everything” was the next identified trend, meaning increased demand for ethical sourcing and production, transparency and accountability for these things. The report notes the rise of social media playing a key part in the user’s ability to wield the ethical sword. Merritt adds that “nonprofits, traditionally assumed to be on the side of angels, don’t get a free pass in this era of soul-searching.”

The third trend, “It’s Personal”, looks at the future of bespoke treatment of visitors at museums. With technology now making personalised goods and services relatively cheap to produce, audiences could expect museums’ products, communications and experiences to be tailored towards their personal interests.

The rising tides can cause significant problems for coast-based museums. The next trend identifies the problem, with museums having to protect cultural heritage from oncoming elements. Merritt says that museums will take “a cold-blooded” assessment when looking at future development, with the assessment affecting everything “from choosing a building site to selecting the elements of design.” The report says future museum masterplans for buildings and grounds will be be adjusted every decade to adapt to changing conditions.

The arrival of more wearable tech – such as the Apple Watch and Google Glass – in the mass market will mean big things for museums. The trend will see museums integrate new technology, social media, communications and data analytics to offer a new kind of experience for each individual visitor.

The final trend identified by the report is the slow culture movement. The trend signifies a return to a less fast-paced way of life, which Merritt suggests can present the opportunity for museums to position themselves as refuges from an overwhelming world. The fast-paced user will still exist though, so museums will have to look at how to accommodate different paces, with slow and fast lanes one suggestion.

To read the full report click here.