By Mouncey Ferguson

Photo by Michal Lomza on Unsplash

January? We’re halfway through it. Happy New Year? You can stop saying that now.

But the truth is that 2018 is just getting started, and developments big and small lie ahead in the worlds of architecture, building, design, manufacturing, and media. Let’s take a look at what experts see in the crystal ball for 2018 and beyond.

• Intelligent use of artificial intelligence. FastCo surveys top technologists and designers about what’s in store for AI in 2018. Hint: it’s going to get more accessible. A nice shoutout to Autodesk’s generatively designed Elbo Chair to boot.
• Changing your reality. VR headsets better watch out. These big thinkers at IDC say AR is about to take over in a big way. So gear up.
• Moving to metal. Is 2018 the year that metal additive manufacturing will hit primetime? Engineering.com surveyed 3D printing experts to get answers, including our own Duann Scott (who says not quite yet).
• Building differently. 3D printing of bridges and buildings? Large-scale additive is just one of the trends that experts see ahead for the construction industry in 2018.
• Consumer trends. CES happened this week in Vegas. We like Dezeen’s design-centric take on everything from smart gadgets to smart cities.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a weekly(ish) series we’re starting today. We’ll share our favorite reads, videos, reports and other ephemera from around the web – hence the “What We Like” moniker. We’re interested in the best reporting and most insightful perspectives on the future of making things. Check back here weekly for a new set of links. We hope you find it worthwhile. Feel free to hit us up with suggestions and comments.