Our thesis
Crafting Purpose in the Age of AI
AI is shaping the future of software, driving innovation through personalized, purpose-built experiences. To succeed in this new era, brands must go beyond utility and focus on creating communities that resonate with their users' deeper aspirations.
By LCA
10.15.2024
01
intro
At LCA, we help the world’s leading brands design what’s next, but before you can dream up the future, you've got to really get what's happening right now.
We’re at the start of a new revolution, sparked by AI, where knowledge and creation are available to everyone. We're betting this is going to set off an explosion of new apps, wild experiments, and mind-bending experiences over the next ten years.
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to look around and understand how the world is changing. Focusing too narrowly on your planned features might result in a product that's outdated before it's even finished, especially given how quickly AI is changing the tech landscape.
These creations won’t be copies of what we’ve seen in the past – they’ll feel personalized, purpose-built, and raise the bar for what we come to expect out of software.
We call this The Imagination Era.
02
how did we get here?
Tech revolutions often ignite when costs plummet, and we're on the cusp of that moment. We're entering an era where anyone can breathe life into their software dreams by simply describing their vision to AI.
Lower costs means more market entrants. And because costs are so low, folks will be more willing to experiment and take risks. We believe that this will lead to hyper-personalized, community-driven experiences. Picture apps so tailored, it's like your closest friend designed them just for your inner circle.
We've seen this pattern before with media. As costs of production and distribution plummeted, a new era of personalized content emerged. Just a decade ago, we consumed mass media; now, YouTubers and TikTokers craft content that feels tailor-made for us. There's a creator for every niche and interest, turning our feeds into personalized channels. This shift forced traditional media giants to rethink their entire approach, moving from broad appeal to targeted experiences.
The same is happening with tech. Software is becoming like content. Independent developers, designers, visionaries, and small teams will create products that compete with the tech giants of our time.
And even if they aren’t competing, these “handcrafted” pieces of software will completely change what users come to expect.
For brands, this shift presents a massive opportunity. The window to adapt and innovate is open, but it won’t stay open forever.
03
AI BUILDS TOOLS, BRANDS BUILD PURPOSE
In the Imagination Era, utility no longer guarantees loyalty. When tasks are straightforward, AI can often outperform traditional tools.
AI commoditizes tools, but it can't replace community - your product needs to build one. While everyone rushes to answer the 'what' (what can AI build), brands of tomorrow are taking steps to own the 'why' (why should your community care). Thoughtful AI design that connects with your community will become the single most important moat for your brand.
In the Imagination Era, success is about connecting with your users’ aspirations. Understand them, build community around them, or get left behind.
04
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Whether you’re a new founder looking at endless opportunities or an established player using your unique strengths, understanding this shift is key to shaping the future.
At LCA, we don’t just prepare for what’s next—we design it.
Join us.
-The team at LCA
