Design Consumer Insights

Trend - Electric bicycle manufacturers are using bamboo in place of aluminum for frames to improve sustainability. Bamboo is lightweight and malleable for bike frames, while also being biodegradable. By using bamboo, brands are aiming to reduce their carbon footprints and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Insight - Each year, more consumers turn to electric micro-mobility solutions rather than gas-powered vehicles. This is often due to rising costs of gas, dense traffic, and environmental concerns. This has led to an increased amount of micromobility repair stores, as well as increased development of public charging infrastructure to mitigate battery constraints. In recognition of this environmental trend, bike brands are furthering their sustainability by turning to materials such as wood and bamboo.

Trend - Brands are creating "third places," a concept championed by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, to offer social spaces distinct from home and work. These welcoming environments foster regular connections among people through shared interests or activities, responding to the consumer's quest for community and spontaneity.

Insight - The remote work boom and social shifts are fueling a consumer desire for "third places" – hubs beyond work and home for connection. Craving escape from car-dependent suburbs and planned social activities, consumers seek spaces for spontaneous interaction and emotional support. Brands that successfully tap into this trend do so by crafting casual, community-focused havens. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging and unity, drawing people together over shared experiences and interests, thereby winning the hearts and loyalty of consumers.

Trend - Smartphone manufacturers are creating luxury phones with displays that expand horizontally by rolling. These displays function similarly to folding phones but do not leave any visible crease or visible bezel. The larger expandable screen is designed to improve both productivity and entertainment.

Insight - While smartphones have had the same design for over a decade, the recent popularity of foldable phones has led to an increase in experimentation. Consumers interested in future-facing technologies are curious about major innovations in consumer electronics, particularly smartphones, given their necessity in modern life, and are willing to pay more for unique products, especially those with added practical value. As a result, brands are improving on long-stagnated designs to offer new features.

Trend - Businesses are using custom packaging that reduces moisture levels with custom materials that do not require desiccant packets. These packaging materials are more sustainable and cost-effective than traditional plastic packages while having active moisture-reducing qualities that protect contents.

Insight - Brands that sell moisture-sensitive products, such as textiles, F&B, or electronics, are tasked with ensuring their products are sufficiently protected while maintaining low packaging costs and adhering to sustainability goals. These complex desires are leading to material science companies creating new solutions that aim to replace traditional packaging methods. Brands that partner with these material manufacturers can differentiate themselves from competitors and more quickly achieve goals.

Trend - Low-cost or free 3D printing courses are being hosted by libraries, universities, and independent websites. These courses lower the barriers of cost and education for 3D printer use to draw more adults to the field, whether as a creative outlet or for CAD (Computer-Assisted Design)-related jobs.

Insight - While many individuals find a balance between work and personal lives, such as hobbies and social connections, others find themselves unfulfilled, either in the workplace or in keeping occupied. This leads to these groups searching for new avenues for enjoyment, such as new employment or a new hobby. As a result of these combined desires, hobbies with the potential to generate income are preferred. Fields that reduce the barriers via free and public services can draw in these individuals.

Trend - Computer component manufacturers are designing component ecosystems around organizing and hiding cables and connectors. These components reduce the distance between the cable connectors from the PSU to the motherboard, as well as hide these cables behind the motherboard, improving airflow.

Insight - Given the necessity of computers to nearly every aspect of individuals' lives in the working world, general interest in computers grows over time, with many users wanting to build their own computers to save money and curate the product to their exact needs. However, building a first PC can be a daunting task, leading to many consumers ordering prebuilt computers instead. PC component makers have identified this and are launching products that make this process less difficult.

Trend - Mobile phone manufacturers are launching devices equipped with additional buttons on the frame. These buttons were designed to be freely programmable by the user to add additional functionality to the phone—differentiating these products from competitors' offerings.

Insight - Nearly every consumer today has a smartphone, and many people have specific preferences in terms of brand, features, and cost. Despite the diverse needs of consumers, most smartphones on the market offer a nearly identical design and set of features, with only slight differentiations between each model. This stagnation creates a viability for brands to release unique smartphones catered to those unsatisfied with traditional phones' feature sets.

Trend - Interior and exterior design firms are releasing collections of reeded furnishings. The reeded pattern is used to give more depth and texture to minimalist pieces without adding unsustainable materials. These pieces are designed to complement both personal and professional aesthetic trends.

Insight - Homeowners and renters looking to update their home design themes are prioritizing sustainability and versatility. This subset of consumers is most interested in keeping up to date with the latest trends, and are willing to invest in products that fit modern aesthetics while supporting their core values. As a result of this, brands are adopting the evergreen minimalist aesthetic with new notes of sustainability and personalization, adding depth to furnishings for trendy consumers.

Trend - Smart vases are tech-enabled, advanced versions of traditional vases that incorporate various features and functionalities to enhance plant care and aesthetics. Smart vases can provide ambient lighting and automated watering and often integrate seamlessly with mobile apps for easy care.

Insight - Consumers often gravitate towards home products that blend technology and aesthetics, offering unique features and benefits to people seeking insight about particular aspects of their lives. Many consumers use flowers and decorative vases to liven up their homes, and smart vases leverage plant-friendly technology to deliver information, educate the user about optimal growth strategies, and enhance the indoor cultivation experience.

Trend - Brands are launching modular computers that serve as laptops, desktops, and handhelds when needed. These PCs offer one-stop premium alternatives to purchasing several different computers. Brands then offer upgrades and repairs for these units. This reduces e-waste and unnecessary spending.

Insight - The modern consumer often has several computers for different purposes. Many families have home computers for work or entertainment, while individuals have laptops and handhelds for school, work, or entertainment. These costs rise quickly, as computer parts are far from inexpensive. These customers cannot use one computer for everything, as in many cases computers are not portable, too weak, or too restrictive. This shows the demand for modular computers that serve multiple purposes.