Design Consumer Insights

Trend - Cannabis brands are expanding their smoke accessory lines—bongs and water pipes, in particular—to boast high-end aesthetics or additional functionalities that contribute to an enhanced experience or a sense of convenience.

Insight - Individuals in the cannabis space—especially those who are more experienced—often place emphasis on products that will elevate their consumption and as this industry progresses, the demand for unique and tailored offerings grows. Typically part of the Millennial demographic, enthusiasts build niche communities around their shared interest in cannabis, placing a premium on aesthetics and novelty as they strive to take their experience to the next level.

Trend - Developers are debuting creative experiences that allow consumers to build their own movies, stop-motion animations, games, and more. In doing so, brands are able to better engage individuals through tech-powered activities that are novel and interesting.

Insight - As digital technology becomes more readily available to a larger demographic and DIY culture resurfaces as a form of entertainment, consumers become interested in testing out tech as a means to design their own products. Individuals feel empowered in exploring new avenues of creativity as technology becomes more accessible, lending itself as a tool to those who do not necessarily have formal education. Compelled by novelty and a desire to be technologically literate in an increasingly digital world, individuals opt-in for hands-on projects that test and expand their knowledge.

Trend - Many designers and artists are creating extravagant fashion pieces that are intended to push the agenda of physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some products can surely be worn in public, the designs are intended more as display pieces for exhibitions, marketing purposes, or even activism.

Insight - Individuals continue to be mindful of keeping their distance from others in favor of their personal health, as well as that of their community. Maintaining greater personal space, however, can be a tricky longterm task and as a result, many individuals are looking to normalize it by engaging in content that confronts the "new normal" rather than activations that tiptoe around it. In doing so, consumers feel more motivated, engaged, and accepting of their reality.

*replace one example with a more high-fashion alternative

Trend - Design studios are creating mock-ups for sanitation and these products aim to potentially alleviate the stress of being in public spaces in a post-COVID-19 world. Although mostly conceptual, these designs offer a glimpse into new, accessible developments that can be useful for many businesses.

Insight - As businesses open and people return to work after government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, consumers are excited but also wary of the still existing threat to their health. Many have developed and grown accustomed to stronger hygiene routines and as a result, place emphasis on continuing to uphold these new habits in outdoor spaces. Thus, individuals feel more prone to be in spaces that are mindful of outbreak-prevention measures even after lockdown.

Trend - As government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions on non-essential businesses are eased, restaurants begin to reopen for dine-in experiences. Prioritizing safety concerns of both guests and staff, these establishments look for design solutions that can be applied in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Insight - Many have grown nostalgic about experiences that were made unavailable due to government-imposed COVID-19 measures. As these restrictions are gradually lifted, consumers become increasingly excited about the prospect of returning to pre-pandemic lifestyles. Many, however, are mindful of the health risk that exists outside of the home and as a result, are looking to engage in activities while respecting the guidelines for physical distancing and safety.

Trend - Public spaces and industries—especially those connected to travel, physical retail, and hospitality—are rethinking the design of their layouts, as well as the amenities and services that they make available to consumers. As economic and social restrictions due to COVID-19 are incrementally lifted, companies are looking for ways to regain consumer trust by enhancing safety measures in their facilities.

Insight - As social distancing restrictions are lifted by governments, consumers are becoming gradually comfortable returning to activities they did or enjoyed pre-pandemic—from travel and shopping to working in an office. However, many are concerned about their health as the risk of contracting COVID-19 is higher in public spaces. As a result, consumers emphasize the need for safety solutions that allow them to feel more at ease when outside of the home.

Trend - As face coverings have become an important piece of personal safety equipment outside of the medical context, brands and designers are now launching face shields that are practical and aesthetic-driven. These designs are envisioned to be worn during and, potentially, after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Insight - The circumstances of "the new normal" have caused consumers to reconsider what is essential and what is not, leading many to the conclusion that personal protective equipment is necessary for overcoming COVID-19. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize personal aesthetics—which is strongly influenced by their presence on social media platforms—hence, they look to be mindful without compromising style for function.

Trend - Many brands and designers are shifting their strategy to post-COVID-19 needs. Emphasizing the necessity for physical distancing in the aftermath of the pandemic, these products are intended to keep individuals safe and healthy in larger social situations.

Insight - As governments are planning to incrementally open up the economy and loosen lockdown measures, individuals are excited by the prospect of moving freely again. However, many consumers are concerned about their health and the likelihood of a second outbreak and as a result, they are looking for solutions that will allow them to responsibly socialize with their loved ones in post-pandemic settings.

Trend - The majority of art fairs and exhibitions have been canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and many are adapting to the dramatic changes via technology. Augmented reality, in particular, is embraced by artists and designers as a means to exhibit new works and stabilize the art market.

Insight - The government-imposed restrictions due to COVID-19 on people's daily routines have brought on increased levels of restlessness. As a result, many are drawn to digital environments that replicate physical events. By appealing to a sense of escapism, individuals feel comforted and less confined as they engage in pursuits of self-expression or activities that are generally familiar to them.

Trend - The COVID-19 pandemic has enforced various restrictions on a global level—from the way we interact with one another to traveling and cleanliness. As a result, many designers are striving to reimagine traditional products like door handles and protective equipment to better suit the context of the pandemic.

Insight - The current health pandemic is forcing consumers to rethink the ways they interact with people and objects on a day-to-day basis. Many are finding it increasingly difficult to change their habits or even to adapt old products to meet new needs. As a result, individuals look for solutions that embrace intuitive design as such innovations allow them to better adapt to the changes brought on by the current pandemic. This gives them peace of mind as they are prompted to seamlessly engage in best safety practices for the sake of public health.