Design

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. [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. [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. [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. [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. [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. [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]