1. Trends in Naming. Names–for products, for companies–will get more abstract. “Finding a name that is unique, memorable, and–very important–ownable, has become increasingly challenging,” states Jason Bice of Landor. “Names that are coined, abstract, or arbitrary stand the greatest chance of clearing the multiple hurdles involved in the naming process.”

The implication is that you need to become a better storyteller. “Coined names come with zero baggage,” continues Bice. “Unfortunately, they also come without a built-in meaning. Couple that with brands being increasingly accountable to a very vocal and socially networked public, and story becomes a crucial part of what a name needs to deliver.”

2. Trending is trending. “The emergence of ‘what’s trending’ is itself an upcoming trend impacting what we see (Charlie Sheen’s #winning), what we don’t see (#occupywallstreet trending blocked by Twitter), and ultimately how we interact with content online,” advises Karl Isaac, Landor’s Executive Director of Digital Branding. “Facebook’s change to feeds organized by top stories sent a clear signal that trending is an increasingly significant influencer of user interaction.”

3. Trends in Image Sharing. Photo technology has evolved dramatically. Over 90 billion images have been uploaded to Facebook.

Russ Meyer of Landor states, “Brands that can harness these emerging social behaviors to their advantage, much the way American Express did when it partnered with Foursquare to offer special deals, will see breakthroughs in their relations with the public. To be successful in 2012 and beyond, brands will have to follow the trail blazed by consumers in regularly sharing relevant images online.”

4. Smartphones continue to dominate:  There’s no stopping the Smartphone trend as mobile phone becomes smarter every day. Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives and are so advanced that someday soon they may become the only thing we need to carry.

App-savvy smartphones present an exciting new channel for marketers, and bring with them an onslaught of competitors and customers’ attention is becoming much more fragmented.  ”As more mobile apps get released, it becomes critical for a brand to stay  at the top of people’s minds, differentiated from the crowd. A lot of today’s hottest apps will have disappeared in 10 years’ time because they weren’t backed up by strong brands,” states Landor experts.

“Brands need to take advantage of the mobile functionalities that add value for their customers. Take Amazon for example. The successful e-commerce giant recently optimized its site for mobiles, added instant mobile shopping functions, and plans to introduce a mobile device many are calling the only potential iPad killer,” writes Landor specialist, Felix Stockle.

5. Tablets on the rise. “The tablet is the first true crossover device for use both at home and out in the world,” writes David Keefe. “And brands are starting to understand the tablet’s relevance to retail: Their owners increasingly take them to grocery stores, pharmacies, and car dealerships.”

Keefe’s advice? “Start today. Migrate your audience. Think video. Understand how to integrate tablets into places that intersect with existing brand touchpoints. For example, many new cars will soon be equipped with tablet-like devices.”

6. Creativity takes center stage. According to Landor, the burning question for 2012 is this: How can companies rapidly and efficiently infuse innovation across their entire culture, capitalize on the new ideas they spawn, and create value for customers and equity in their brand?