# Output Template — Trend Research Report

Use this as the structural baseline for all trend research outputs.
Adapt sections based on the research scope — omit what's irrelevant, add sections if needed.

---

```markdown
# [Topic] Trends — [Year] Guidelines

> Research compiled from: [Source 1], [Source 2], [Source 3]
> Date: [Month Year]
> Prepared by: ARIA for Symph Agency

---

## Overview

[2–3 sentence summary of the macro shift happening this year. What is the overarching theme?]

### Key Forces Driving This

1. **[Force 1]** — [1-line explanation]
2. **[Force 2]** — [1-line explanation]
3. **[Force 3]** — [1-line explanation]

---

## Top Trending Aesthetics

### [Aesthetic Name]
[1-line description of the aesthetic]

**Key traits:**
- [Specific trait with detail]
- [Specific trait with detail]
- [Specific trait with detail]

**Reference brands/examples:** [Brand doing this well]

**Asset applications:**
- [Specific asset type you can make]
- [Specific asset type you can make]

---

[Repeat for each aesthetic — aim for 6–10 aesthetics]

---

## Design System Principles

### Color
- [Palette formula — e.g., muted base + 1 electric accent]
- [Dominant hue families]
- [What to avoid]

### Typography
- [Font style trends]
- [Display vs. body recommendations]
- [Specific font recommendations if available]

### Layout
- [Grid/structural patterns]
- [Spacing philosophy]
- [Content hierarchy approach]

### Texture & Finish
- [Surface treatments — grain, gloss, matte, noise, etc.]
- [What signals "premium" vs "cheap" this year]

### Motion (if applicable)
- [Animation style — pacing, easing, complexity]
- [When to use motion, when to stay static]

---

## Platform-Specific Direction (if applicable)

### Instagram / Reels
- [Visual style that performs]
- [What's oversaturated / declining]

### LinkedIn
- [Professional aesthetic notes]
- [Content format trends]

### TikTok
- [Style, energy, format]

---

## Strategic Angles

| Trend | Asset Opportunity |
|-------|------------------|
| [Trend] | [What to make with it] |
| [Trend] | [What to make with it] |
| [Trend] | [What to make with it] |

---

## Sweet Spot Recommendation

> **[Core formula in bold]**

[2–3 sentences explaining why this combination works and who it's best for]

### Why This Works
- [Reason 1]
- [Reason 2]
- [Reason 3]

---

## Reference Sources

- [Source Name] — *[Article Title]* ([Date])
- [Source Name] — *[Article Title]* ([Date])

---

*Last updated: [Month Year] | Maintained by ARIA*
```

---

## Notes on Quality

- Replace every `[placeholder]` — never leave template language in the output
- **Specificity beats generality** — "DM Serif Display at 72px" > "a serif font"
- **Asset applications must be concrete** — "animated Reels cover" not "social content"
- **Sweet spot must name the exact combo** — no vague "balanced approach"
- Cite at minimum 3 sources per report
- If research only covers 1–2 sources, flag it as preliminary and note it needs more sources
