Design

Implications - The design and decor-related industries, particularly brands within them that produce contemporary products, are increasingly using volcanic rock in the formation of their products. The use of this material has the dual benefit of being structurally sound, and piquing consumer interest for its grand origins.

Homework Question - Consider a historic item, ingredient or ritual that your brand could integrate into one of its products/services. [More]

Implications - Social media, constant access to communication, and saturation of lifestyle products has brought society to an era of glorified busyness. This is creating a widespread burnout among overworked consumers. Products that streamline relaxation through wearable rest aids look to alleviate this. Some would say the alleged efficiency of these products is counter-intuitive to the idea of rest and self-care. Nevertheless, the prevalence of these products speaks to the level of priority consumers are placing on productivity.

Homework Question - How are you affording your employees an opportunity to rest and recharge? [More]

Implications - No longer just niche elements of pop culture fandom, cult movies and character references are making their way into mainstream categories like household goods and furnishings for consumer appeal. More than merely movie memorabilia, brands in categories like home décor are integrating design references from popular fantasy franchises as a means to not only connect with younger demographics, but also reinvent themselves in a way not typically associated with more high-end goods.

Homework Question - What elements of pop culture could you tap to reinvent yourselves in a way that younger consumers can better identify with? [More]

Implications - While stargazing has long served as a point of fascination in the human imagination, emerging celestial designs in the lighting space revisit this and serve as an elegant metaphor for the urbanite consumer's search for natural harmony and connection in city environments. By leveraging elements of escapism in design, we are able to relieve some of the social and political tensions that burden our lives.

Homework Question - How does your brand attempt to inject broader meaning into the products or services it produces? [More]

Implications - Inspired by the cultural obsession with streetwear, iconic art institutions are collaborating to create limited edition pieces that border on wearable art. This progression highlights the need for older institutions to pique the interest of new audiences by offering covetable branded merchandise that patrons will want to acquire for their personal collections, therefore expanding on the experience of the art in a way that makes it feel accessible to all.

Homework Question - How can you make the experience of your brand more accessible to a wider audience? [More]

Implications - In efforts to reduce waste polluting the ocean and other negative impacts that excess consumption can have on the environment, companies are coming up with innovative ways to empower consumers looking to make ethical purchase decisions. Brands reducing harm against wildlife and ecosystems is fundamental in preserving the earth's climate and habitats, and gives consumers more choices in their approach to consuming consciously.

Homework Question - How can your brand make environmentally conscious decisions to positively influence the behavior of consumers? [More]

Implications - Brands are employing illusory designs in their brick-and-mortar spaces in order to enhance the overall customer experience. This shift caters to the consumer preference for experiential retail spaces, while giving brands some flexibility in cost due to the fact that these illusory designs can be constructed without the addition of tech, or entirely new services within stores.

Homework Question - How could your brant employ illusory design in its products or retail spaces? [More]

Implications - Within the Circular Economy, the use of virgin materials and material waste is removed from the use cycle, and existing materials are repurposed to close the use loop. From upcycled linen services to repurposed beer waste, these products and services reintroduce resources into the use cycle that would otherwise be considered waste. The increased popularity of such systems correlates with the rise of the informed consumer, and in this case caters to their propensity for contributing to a more sustainable and waste-free world.

Homework Question - What would a Circular Economy restructuring look like in your industry? [More]

Implications - As a color, Millennial pink has transcended the aesthetic appeal for more than just its named generation and crossed over into architecture. While pink architecture may not necessarily be new (one simply has to look to the history of pink architecture in areas like the Carribean and Latin America to see this), recent submissions speak to the prioritization of social shareability even in seemingly unlikely industries.

Homework Question - How could your brand adapt to emerging trends in adjacent industries? [More]

Implications - Increasingly, architects and engineers are turning to wood for the construction of eco-skyscrapers and towers. Timber is a largely unexplored building material for structures with more than three stories, but has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity due to its status as a sustainable building material. This preference is reflective of the increased emphasis and awareness that both designers and consumers have placed on sustainable products, in the face of climate change and its consequences.

Homework Question - How does your brand work to satisfy consumer standards on sustainability? [More]