Design

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. [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. [More]

Implications - Appealing to many consumers' desire to have everything in their lives be social media-friendly and aesthetically appealing, dental products like floss and toothbrushes are being disrupted by scrappy, design-focused brands emerging in the space. Reflecting the extent to which consumers want to see their taste reflected in nearly every product they use, this shift is significant in highlighting the importance of modern design, even when it comes to mundane objects. [More]

Implications - Consumers today, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are more aware of how important it is to have a strong personal brand, which includes the products that they purchase. Though apparel and accessories have long been ways for consumers to express their personalities and taste, consumers are now seeking out design-conscious products for even the most mundane aspects of their lives, like home products. [More]

Implications - Young professionals living in urban areas continue to be enthralled by personalized, indoor gardens and decorative foliage. More than simply desiring that their homes be a place for personal expression, young, urban consumers seek commodities that bring nature and greenery into their everyday spaces as a form of escapism from the bustling metropolis' they live in. [More]

Implications - Small grocers shift their approach to design by creating spaces that prioritize minimalism and quality, whereas the traditional approach to grocery design focuses on overstocking to overwhelm consumers. This shift takes into account the paradox of choice, in which consumers experience paralysis when it comes to making decisions when options are many. The use of minimalist displays and curated options serves consumers seeking a quick yet experience-driven shopping experience. [More]

Implications - With rising populations in urban centers a growing concern around the world, design firms are conceptualizing, and in some cases actually creating, floating cities or communities that could mitigate some of the risks associated with overpopulation. These creative conceptualizations would ease consumers' lifestyle-related burdens in regards to transit, housing and health, while also easing the burden on local governments' public services. [More]

Implications - Rather than focusing on noise alone, alarms are now being designed with tactile and vision-related functions in order to better wake consumers. Whether vibrating, emitting refreshing scents or simulating sunlight, these pieces cater to consumers seeking both novelty and practical functionality in their purchase decisions. [More]

Implications - The impact that rampant smartphone and computer use has had on people's bodies' is both visible and felt, and brands are now creating products that alleviate the pain and stiffness that these products can cause – specifically concentrated in the head and neck areas. This shift comes as consumers seek to balance their health and wellness needs with their desire to continue their regular habits as they always have done. [More]

Implications - Bike paths in urban environments are now boasting designs that enhance the three key features that these roads must have – efficiency, safety, and the ability to lessen a city's ecological footprint. Whether elevated, solar-powered or featuring ample greenery, these pathways speak to the growing need for the reduction of both traffic and pollution in urban centers. This comes as consumers seek out forms of commute that are both efficient and cost-effective, as cities become more congested and costlier. [More]