One of the most talked about innovative business trends of the year was the idea of open office layouts in order to stimulate communication and creativity among employees. Research has shown that interaction among employees can increase mental alertness, as well as team bonding.
2012 was a year of experimentation in terms of office layout, as many companies moved towards a more open design concept. By allowing employees to interact with one another more readily, companies hoped to stimulate the senses and amp up productivity among workers. Although Google is one of the more recognized companies known for forward-thinking office design concepts, many other businesses are starting to see the benefits in these layouts.
Last year also marked a year of startups and individuals taking risks -- from social media selfvertising to water-only restaurants and whimsical mobile bookshops. To grab consumer attention, businesses are turning to more eccentric and outlandish ways to standout from the crowd.
Trend Hunter's Business Trend Report provides users with over 7,380 crowdsourced business trends to help teams understand the innovation process, and stimulate ideas for potential products.
Top 100 Innovative Business Trends in 2012
98
Novel Handbags
The Book Purses by Karen H. are Made for Literary Lovers
97
Trend Hunter Reality Promo
Superhero Fashion, Paparazzi Flash Mobs, Tattoos & Augmented Reality
96
Alexander Ludwig, Actor of ‘The Hunger Games’ (INTERVIEW)
95
Damage-Resistant Mobile Devices
The Lumion T2 Smartphone Will Give Apple Some Competition
94
River Viiperi
Top Male Model of the Fashion Industry (INTERVIEW)
93
Chic Parisian Mass Fashion (UPDATE)
Check Out the Full Jason Wu for Target Lookbook
92
Word Mosaic Portraits
'Beautiful Words Beautiful Art' Turns Books into Masterpieces
91
Movement-Inducing Wall Stickers
These Halloween Wall Decals are Perfect for Any Party
90
Fairytale-Inspired Shop Interiors
Betulla Store by Carola Vannini is Fit for a Princess
89
Diverted Attention Infographs
The Perils of Multitasking Chart Explains Why Focusing is Key
88
Emergency Disaster Pods
Life Armor Can Help You Survive Another Hurricane Sandy
87
Sports Extremist Action Shots
The Go Pro Hd Hero 3 Captures the Impossible Photos and Videos
86
Creativity-Charged Cafes
BASE camp by Nest One is a Cutting-Edge Workspace
85
Posh Luxury Campers
The American Retro Caravans are a Stylish 70s Throwback
84
Tech Start-up Floating Cities
Blueseed is “Silicon Valley’s Visa-Free Offshore Start-U
83
Baking Creativity Events
Le Dolci Cupcake Studio Offers Something Playfully Sweet
82
Earthy DIY Eateries
Viet Hoa Mess Offers Patrons an Underground Dining Experience
81
Futuristic City Makeovers
The Future of Architecture Project Explores Holistic Urban Concepts
80
Billionaire Infographic Ads
The Forbes Brasil Campaign Gives People "A Billion Reasons to Read"
79
Creative Industry Perspective Charts
The State of Graphic Design Infographic is Thoughtful
78
Cardboard Box Pop-Up Shops
Naver App Square is a Cool Temporary Store by Urbantainer
77
Traveling Fashion Boutiques
The StyleLiner is a Pop-Up Shop on Wheels
76
Social Media Comparison Infographics
Go-Gulf.com Compares Statistics of Major Websites
75
Whimsical War-Inspired Accessories
Peace Bronze Fuses Fashion and War Weapons in its Designs
74
Client Communication Graphics
The '10 Things Your Customers Wish You Knew About Them' Infographic
73
Japanese Fembot Diners
The Robot Restaurant in Toyko's Red Light District Has a Giant Robotic Girl
72
Nostalgic Pinterest-Imitation Sites
The 'When I Was a Kid' Medium Looks Back
71
Color-Blasted Pastry Stores
The Cioccolato Boutique by Savvy Studio is a Adorably Sweet
70
Chic Career Styles
Shopbop Workwear Boutique Features Polished Professional Separates
69
Old-Fashioned Tokyo Menswear
The STUDIOUS 2012 Fall/Winter Collection Carries Japanese Labels
68
Handmade Home Town Posters
The City Prints by Jason Haynes Boast Your City Pride
67
Timber Tablet Stands
These Wooden iPad Stands are Multi Functional
66
Reinterpreted Nostalgic Tablets
The Chalkboard Pad is a Throwback to Simpler Times
65
Toilet Paper Promotion Companies
Star Toilet Paper Explores Interesting Advertising Avenues
64
Grid Retail Spaces
The Sumit Shop by M4 Design Features Linear Design Elements
63
Quirky Customized Notebooks
The Julien Denoyer 'Moleskin Cahier Journal' Collection is Snappy
62
Custom Social Media Selfvertising
Facebook Cards Lets Users Enhance Offline Business Networking
61
Controversial Colored Cat Books
The 'Why Paint Cats: The Ethics of Feline Aesthetics' is Purrfect
60
Hilarious Hipster Cards
You Probably Have Not Heard About These Ray Thomas Designs
59
Spoofed Logo Ads
The Livingroom Communication Campaign Urges Brands to Live
58
Booze Market Infographics
The Alcohol Industry Graph Reveals Tipsy Figures
57
Smartphone Polaroid Cameras
The Impossible Instant Lab Turns iPhone Images into Real Photos
56
Corporate Giant Charts
The 'Just How Big Is Apple?' Infographic Shows the Extent of Influence
55
Versatile Literary Logo Ads
The Penguin Books 'Books for Every Interest' Campaign Appeals to Many
54
Marketing Mishap Guidance
The Bad Infographic Guide is a Must-Read for Online Companies
53
Fortune 500 Infographics
The Sortable Apple by the Numbers Chart Shows Exponential Growth
52
Efficient Edible Packaging
The David Edwards WikiCells Food Technology is Revolutionary
51
Stealthily Shelved Shops
The New York Camper Shoe Store is Full of Surprises
50
Graphic Wooden iPhone Decals
The Field Trip iPhone Skins are Funky and Waterproof
49
Subway Tunnel Housing
'The Apartment' by IKEA is Located in a Parisian Metro
48
Jobless-Celebrating Ads
The Benetton 'Unemployee of the Year' Campaign Recognizes Artistic Souls
47
Smartphone Comparison Infographics
The New iPhone 5 Doesn't Seem to Offer Any Big Changes
46
Comparative Media Graphics
The Social Media vs. Traditional Media Infographic is Future Focused
45
Social Media Cameras (UPDATE)
The Socialmatic Camera Now Comes in a Hot Black Design
44
Curvy Pristine Restaurants
Busride Design Studio Creates Interior for The Smokehouse Room
43
Boxy Pop-Up Shops
The LNG Mobile Store Concept Turns from Truck Bed to Expansive Spread
42
Whimsical Mobile Bookshops
The Robi Rolling Library by Linie Zweii Gives Books to the Poor
41
Haute Hunger Games Lookbooks
Lauren Conrad's Paper Crown Fall 2012 Lookbook Features a Cast Member
40
Monthly Subscription Sunglasses
The Freshades Company Delivers Handpicked Eyewear
39
Feminine Graffiti Frocks
ASOS Black by Lauren McCalmont Features a Medley of Prints
38
Water-Only Restaurants
The Only Thing on Molecule Cafe's Menu is Filtered Tap Water
37
Couture Dress Hunting: Trend Hunter Fun Day
36
Trend Hunter Hits One Billion Views
Thanks to Our Awesome Trend Report Loving Community
35
Digital Business Card Devices
'Halo' by Fitorio Leksono Says Goodbye to Paper
34
Posh Kitchenware Pop-Up Stores
The Umami Mart Pop-Up Shop Opens Up in Oakland with Sophistication
33
iPod-Converting Applicators
The Freedom Pop Sleeve Turns Your iPod into an iPhone
32
Chromatic Crayon-Inspired Lacquers
Crayola Nail Polish Will Bring Out the Kid in You
31
Pop-Up Shopping Pods
The Nike+ Fuelstations
30
At-Home Career Graphics
The 'Clocking in from the Couch' Infographic Explains Work Lifestyles
29
Zippered Page Savers
The Zipmark Bookmark Seals in a Good Story Until You're Ready to Read Next
28
Tragically Hilarious Books
'All My Friends are Still Dead' by Avery Monsen and Jory John
27
Eerie Basement Boutiques
Hostem Adds 'The Chalk Room' to Its Interior Design
26
Vibrant Clothing Store Shelving
The Object Colore Collection is Neon-Hued and Geometric
25
Fiscal Olympic Charts
The 'Rising Cost of Hosting the Olympics' Infographic is Informative
24
Geeky Gamer Credentials
Paolo Castellaneta Space Invader Business Cards Stand Out From the Crowd
23
Electronic Callout Alerts
The Feedair Notifier is Your Source for Staying in the Loop
22
Exquisite Couture Temp Stores
Louis Vuitton Pop-Up Shop Opens for Cannes Film Festival
21
Fast Food Interior Overhauls (UPDATE)
McDonald's Family-Focused Design Launches in the UK
20
Web Purchase Infographics
These US Online Spending Statistics Highlight the Power of the Internet
19
Freedom of Expression Apparel
Clothing Brand UncenShirt Lets Your Tee Do the Dirty Talking
18
Storybook Character Silhouette Ads
The Colsubsidio Book Exchange Campaign Promotes Used Literature
17
Logo Tattoo Ads
The Saatchi & Saatchi Lovemarks Campaign Relies on Emotion Not Reason
16
Ornamental Shoe Collaborations
The Kenzo x Vans Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection is Sneaker is Florid
15
DIY Re-Purposed Tree Limbs
The Gabriel Rutledge Branch Hooks are Eco-Tastical
14
New Designer Window Displays
Selfridges' Bright Young Things Campaign Launches Again
13
Political Phone Cases
The Obama-Biden iPhone Cases Encourage Democratic Participation
12
Corporate Hammock Hangouts
Google Pittsburgh Office Provides Workers with a Net-Like Resting Area
11
Pricey Apocalypse Kits
The ‘Z.E.R.O’ Zombie Kit Will Save You For The Price of $24,00
10
Relaxed Folk Fashion
The Dree Hemingway for Sandro Collection Offers Casual Boho Style
9
Team-Building Mobile Ads
The Vodafone One Net Campaign is Hilariously Huddled
8
Video Business Cards
The EyeJot vCard Lets You Distribute Your Details in VCF Form
7
Smart Travel Containers
The 'Gunny Sack' Mason Jar Confections are On-the-Go Perfection
6
Tattoo-Inspired Vodka Bottles
The Absolut Mexico Bottle Design References Mayan Culture
5
Jolly Beverage Branding
Buddy Mulled Wine Packaging Commands Festive Conduct
4
Subway-Themed Shops
CLVII Store in Berlin Features Eye-Catching Printed Walls
3
Sticky Page-Savers
The Albatros Bookmark Does Not Damage Your Novels
2
Cardboard Creature Pop-Ups
Stella McCartney Kids Pop-Up Shop Offers a Cute Shopping Experience
1
Gamified Music Shorts
Trend Hunter Marina Rotharmel Uncovers the Best Cat Videos with a Twist
Related Ideas
Sustainable Streetwear Store Interiors
Snarkitecture Embraces Recycled Materials for This Store
Luxury Fashion-Branded Hospitality Projects
Coach Debuts Restaurant & Coffee Shop in Indonesia
Flexible Workplace Furniture Collections
The IKEA MITTZON Office System Has 85 Products
Innovation-Focused Furniture Design Collectives
Haworth Launches DesignLab to Push Innovation
Stimulating Contemporary Workspaces
Studio Alexander Fehre Designs Hyatt at The Circle
Futuristic Chair Concepts
MIT Students Explore “The Next 150-Year Chair”
Hybrid Worker Furniture Collections
The Herman Miller OE1 Range Responds to Changing Lifestyles
Next-Gen Graphic Attire
Serenity Trends’ Graphic Clothing Offers a Futuristic Aesthetic
Redesigned Hybrid Offices
Mason Studio Redesigned Its Toronto Office For "The Greater Good"
Futuristic Tech Activations
The Reddit CES 2023 Installation Will Share a Glimpse of the Future
Multifunctional Foldable Mobile Devices
The Conceptual 'Move' Mobile Device Replaces Five Devices
Modular Fold-Out Desk Designs
This Foldable Wooden Workstation Comes to Live When Needed
Future-Facing Tech Brand Chairs
The 'Seed Chair' by Povilas Grigas is Imagined for Google Offices
Contemporary Engaging Stores
New Balance Opens Unique Retail Concept Store on in Boston
Modular Working Desks
The Tabs Desk by Pelin ÖZbalcı Streamlines Organization & Productivity
Community-Driven Retail Stores
Stone Island's Munich Store Emphasizes the Importance of Community
Connected Workplace Privacy Pods
The New Framery Office Booths Come in Four Models
Productive Desk Accessory Concepts
The Yazak Concept Helps Manage Productivity At Night
Customizable Office Furniture
The Steelcase Flex Personal Spaces Desk System is Comfy and Private
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Upcycled Beauty Retail Interiors
Nina+Co Uses Salvaged Materials and Biotextiles for This Project
Kitchen-Inspired Store Interiors
Crosby Studios Designs This Unconventional Jewelry Store Interior
Anti-Burnout Beer Campaigns
Heineken Canada Encourages End of 'Hustle Culture'
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Modular Hybrid Work Layouts
Alki and Iratzoki Lizaso Create Zuzulu for the Modern Office Setting
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
Comfort-Focused Eclectic Offices
Arutunyan and Malyshenko Help Design the New Sleeper Office
Home Office Starter Packs
Steelcase Enhances Convenience and Ergonomic Comfort
Fitness-Focused Coffee Shops
GymNation Launched the World's First Fit-Café Concept
Interior Design Concept Guides
IKEA Unveils its Inaugural Style Guide on Home Design
Minimalist Clutter-Free Desk Designs
The Parallel Work Table by Eldho T Jai Enhances Productivity
Incredibly Vibrant Homeware Collections
IKEA's Nytillverkad Captures One's Eye Immediately
Stunning Biomaterial Exhibitions
Natural Material Studio Stuns with Floor-to-ceiling Biotextiles
Tubular Construction Desk Concepts
The 'Work Flow' Desk by Jing-Ciyuan Tang is Ultra-Functional
Futuristic Corporate Fashion Shows
Hugo Boss FW 23 Featured Sophia the Robot
Multifunctional Standing Work Desks
The Boundary Desk is a Concept that is Focused on Productivity
Community-Centric Headquarters
SPACE10 Embraces Community-Centric Design for Its Headquarters
Minimalist Book Storage Tables
The 'Pocket' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay is Split Open
Japanese Inn-Inspired Apartments
Intheory Design Creates an Apartment Inspired by Ryokan
Take-Out Box Tables
The McDonald's TableBag Packaging Doubles as a Dining Surface
Minimally Designed Fashion Boutiques
Another Burberry Store Opens in London on Bond Street
Multipurpose Creative Living Spaces
Ab Rogers Design Completes the Fishmarket Studio in Japan
Sustainable Fashion Stores
Cos Unveils Two Stores in Stockholm and Mexico City
Tailor-Made Furniture Ranges
Last Ditch Design's Capsule Balances Aesthetics and Functionality
Bright Colorful Workshop Offices
Office S&M Designs its Own Office in Hackney, London
Personalized Learning Desks
D2L Launched a Unique and Adaptable School Desk
Elegant Working Desk Concepts
The Mindset: Built-In Computer Desk by Designer Dot is Efficient
Circular Fashion Pop-Ups
The Coachtopia Pop-Up Brings Luxury Circular Fashion to Gen Z
Vibrant Multi-Level Office Designs
Gensler Reimagines the Accenture Office Space in Chicago
Re-Imagined Furniture Identities
Herman Miller's 2024 Brand Refresh is Vibrant and Functional
Upcycled Circular Design Products
Cyrc Designs Expansive Products with Sustainable Themes
Sustainable Premium Wooden Accessories
Oakywood Updates Workspaces with Wooden Eco Designs
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Workplace-Integrated Store Locations
IKEA Hosts Hej!Workshop Coworking Space in its Store
Multifunctional Cardboard QSR Packaging
McDonald's and Leo Burnett Unveil the Tablebag
Milanese-Themed Fashion House Cafes
Prada Opens a New Prada Caffè in Harrods Celebrating Milan
Comfort-Enhancing Office Spaces
Ester Bruzkus Architekten Designs the Relaxound Office
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Origami-Inspired Lit Table Concepts
Sonakshi Gupta Designs the Dynamic LightUP Concept
70s-Inspired Rustic Law Offices
And And And Studio Designs a Retro Century City Law Office
Forward-Thinking Wedding Pop-Ups
Anthropologie Weddings x Pinterest Shares Emerging Styles
WFH-Inspired Office Truck Concepts
Mitsubishi Designs the Conceptual NOMADPro Canter Truck
Eco Tech Accessory Pop-Ups
The CASETiFY Style Lab Highlights the Work of Gen Z Fashion Students
Futuristic Phone Accessories Stores
CASETiFY Taps Andre Fu for Its Retail Location in Osaka, Japan
Open-Air Summer Workstations
The Flipz On Summer Chair Supplies Shade and Supports Snacking
Bright Tonal Modern Offices
Roar Studio Designs the New Sleek Office for Sprinklr
Recycled Yogurt Pot-Constructed Tables
Another Country Launches the Work Series II Table
Productive Mood Lighting Designs
Teixeira Design Studio Presents Moody Lighting for Gantri
Eye-Catching Tabletop Designs
Tableau Boasts a Range of Hand-drawn and Embroidered Designs
Radial Modern Barbershops
Gin Design Group Creates a Design-Forward Layout for This Barbershop
Sustainable Office Pods
Impact Acoustic Designs the New Assembled Chatpod 700 Office
Office Locker Systems
Pair Continues to Innovate for the Post-Covid Office Environment
Futuristic Vision Design Books
Nike Introduces the New No Finish Line Book Highlighting the Future
Sustainable Furniture Capsule Shops
Light and Dwell Open up a Store of Furniture Designs
Minimalist Gradient Glass Desks
The in.water Concept by Nicola Morelli is a Metaphor for Pollution
Colorful Flat-Packed Sustainable Chairs
One to One Unveils the OTO Chair with Vibrant Colorways
Transformed Historic Bank Buildings
Ivy Studio Overhauls the Interior of a Historic Building
Digitally Led Bakery-Cafes
Panera's Small-Format Store Has a Digitized Menu & Tracking Screens
Adaptive Touchscreen Workspace Designs
The Take a Rest System be Vestel has Transformative Detail
AI Room Designers
IKEA Canada Launches a New AI Room Design Feature for Enhanced Customization
Illuminated Charger Design Concepts
Jones & Partners Presents a Look at the New Current Concept
Mid-Century Office Space
The Mint List is Enlisted to Design the Everybody's London Office
Community-Centric Office Spaces
Shubin Donaldson Architects Designs the Tricon Residential Office
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
Sculptural Art-Detailed Store Designs
Halleroed Designs the Flagship Toteme Store in Mayfield
Futuristic Vibrant London Apartments
2LG Studio Designs a Vibrant Apartment in East London
Incredibly Colorful Offices
Gema Arquitetura Designs a Whimsical and Eye-Catching Space
Anniversary-Celebrating Pop-Up Stores
Random Studio Creates the Bodyscape Installation
Communal Social Health Clubs
STUDIO K Designs the BIÂN to Celebrate Third Anniversary
Curated Office Essentials Collections
Staples Canada Offers Office Essentials for Springtime
Viewing Box Cultural Centers
The Center for Arts & Innovation Hosts Events and Education Spaces
Contemporary Modular Office Pods
The Kameleon Office Booth Changes According to Needs
Origami-Inspired Seating Capsule
Ames Living's New Seating Line Relies on Origami-Inspired Design
UK-Based Dynamic Office Spaces
Edelman UK works with Gensler on the Francis House Workspace
Whimsical Bright Creative Workspaces
Publicis Groupe's New Workspace is in New York's SoHo
Sustainable Modular Desk Trays
A Team of Designers Join on a Minimal Tray Collection
Updated Tech-Brand Store Locations
The New Apple Store is at Battersea Power Station
Conversation-Encouraging Retail Spaces
PlayLab Inc Creates a Flagship Store for MadHappy
Gridded Immersive Retail Experiences
Studio Lotus Designs the New Ekaya Banaras Retail
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
Floating-Style Classroom Designs
Ennead Architects & Rockwell Group Completes the Bloomberg Center
California-Inspired Gallery-Style Stores
Studio FB Designs the New Frame Store in London
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Contemporary Debut Furniture Series
Nine United Launches a New Collection of Furniture
Nature-Connecting Office Spaces
Hawkins\Brown Designs the Here + Now Office Buildings
Vibrant Apartment Showrooms
&Tradition Designs the Under One Roof Apartment Showroom
Versatile Modular Couches
The Transformer Couch 2.0 Adds Flexible Style to the Living Room
Primary Color-Rooted Cultural Offices
A Team of Designers Join on the Santa Tere Espacio
Youthful-Inspired Office Designs
OSO Architecture Creates the New Office for Esalco Logistics
Dynamic Coffee Table Concepts
Miguel Pinheira Designs the Colorful Ryb Coffee Table Concept
All-Electric Restaurant Concepts
This Chipotle Restaurant Design Harnesses Wind & Solar Power
Bench Wall Furniture Systems
Form Us With Love Designs the Cubicle Furniture System
Reimagined Hybrid Workspace Designs
Mason Studio Redesigned its Offices in Toronto
Modern Deco Office Designs
Reflect Architecture Designs the NewGen Office with Contemporary Detail
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Copper Wall-Lined Restaurants
Studio David Thulstrup Designs the New Ikoyi Restaurant
Modern Museum Versatile Cafes
Tate Modern Unveils a Corner Cafe Designed by Holland Harvey
Expansive Tech Offices Spaces
The New Googleplex Plan is Located in West Manhattan
Energy-Efficient Headquarter Buildings
The New 'Bench' Building Prioritizes Sustainable Design
Office-Themed Metallic Installations
Crosby Studios Forms a Pop-Up Exhibition for The Frankie Shop
Vibrantly Designed Confectionary Office
IFG Designs the New Ritter Sport Schokozentrale Office
Briefcase-Compact Office Set-Ups
Worky Designs the Compact and Portable Home Office
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Minimally Designed Store Openings
London Opens its Door at the New Self-Portrait Store in Chelsea
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
Cozy Professional Office Designs
Mini Shodeinde Designs the Giant Ventures Office
Hotel-Led Vintage Markets
The MOB Hôtel Hosted a Vintage Market, an Eco Conference and Workshops
Table Design Exhibitions
Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Debuts Tables, Tables, Tables
Industrial Warehouse-Inspired Offices
Carr Designs a New Office Block with Industrial Themes
Topography-Inspired Furniture Capsules
Zaha Hadid Architects Designs the TOPOS Collection
Contemporary Italian Office Designs
The NOA Office in Bolzano has a Highly Adaptable Layout
Elevated Miami Office Spaces
Arcadis' In-House Team Designs a New Office Space in Miami
Artful Design Curation Capsules
Bentley Mills Designs the Modern Curator™ Collection No. 1
Fostered Design Curations
Brompton Design District Unveil Conviviality: The Art of Living Together
Branded Small Business Contests
Staples Canada Honors Small Businesses with Boost My Biz Contest
Sophisticated Workplace Furniture
Keilhauer Designs the Tailored Collection with the Help of EOOS
Tree-Inspired Panelled Workspaces
Hood Design Studio Creates a New Campus in Silicon Valley
Bespoke Furnished Industrial Offices
Holloway Li Designs the Mother London Office Interior