Design Consumer Insights

Trend - Gaming furniture brands are releasing desks with built-in custom computer cases. These compartments reduce cable clutter, improve aesthetics, and further protect the computer from external damage, as they cannot be knocked over or dented.

Insight - While building a custom computer was a hobby previously attributed to the gaming community, it has now become the norm for many more types of consumers, such as content creators, celebrities, professional editors, and more. With such a large market of consumers into DIY computers, brands are looking to innovate products to stand out from competitors. One such innovation targets the traditional custom computer case, instead merging both the case and desk in one with unique designs.

Trend - 3D printing brands are creating more unique 3D printers that either use a tool-switcher, or several concurrent tools, to print single projects that utilize more than one material. These multi-material printers are designed for more advanced printing jobs for personal or professional use.

Insight - 3D printing is one such field that has grown far larger than just being a hobby for most. Many consumers create businesses, or streamline their startups, by using 3D printers to save drastically on production costs. However, for more complex products, 3D printing was not always viable, leading to these businesses needing to source product components from traditional manufacturing facilities. However, 3D printing brands are now catering to these needs with multi-material and multi-tool printers.

Trend - Designer furniture brands, sometimes in collaboration with automotive brands, are launching furniture collections inspired by popular luxury vehicles. These furniture collections are designed to blend the quality of luxury furniture with the familiarity of vehicle design notes for car fans.

Insight - When higher-income consumers consider interior design products, they consider various factors, including quality, brand recognition, status symbolism, personal connection, and aesthetics. While there are near-limitless options for interior design, there is a distinct lack of high-end branded pieces inspired by hobbies or adjacent industries. For consumers with an interest in luxury cars, furniture brands are now enabling these consumers to further express themselves with co-branded collections.

Trend - Computer hardware brands are releasing power supplies with modular designs that enable users to use only the necessary connectors. This saves space and improves aesthetics in custom builds by reducing clutter. Previously exclusive to higher-end PSUs, even budget devices are adopting modularity.

Insight - Consumer technology enthusiasts frequently build their own custom devices, whether as a hobby or as a cost-saving measure compared to buying prebuilt units. When building their own devices, consumers on a budget often prioritize high-performance components, while on the higher-end of the cost spectrum, aesthetics also become an important factor. Hardware brands are trying to appeal to both consumer segments by launching affordable devices with aesthetic benefits.

Trend - Kitchen appliance brands are releasing compact range hoods designed to sit on a countertop. These hoods are not permanent fixtures, as per the norm, and are instead portable, meaning they can be stored away when not in use. These hoods are designed for homes that are more strict on space.

Insight - As the cost of living continues to rise to crisis levels, consumers are tasked with saving money wherever possible. For homeowners, this often means investing in smaller, more affordable alternatives to full-size appliances or tools. Simple everyday devices, such as ovens or refrigerators, can be expensive and cumbersome to fit in more modest homes. As a result of this, brands in the kitchen appliance space are releasing lower-cost, more portable solutions.

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.