Design Consumer Insights

Implications - Drawing inspiration from the pop-art genre, outdoor furniture designers are creating products with a whimsical point of view. With household objects often made to be practical above all else for the average consumer, these pieces turn backyards into outdoor galleries and offer an expressive iteration of the mundane.

Implications - As new parents look to create calming nurseries for baby, many are opting for modern Nordic-inspired pieces that emphasize simplicity and functionality, while also boasting an element of whimsy. This evolution highlights the continued fascination with Scandinavian living and the desire with nursery furniture in particular to invest in pieces that will easily transition through the first five years of a child's life.

Implications - As design-forward cannabis innovations continue to push past stale stereotypes around recreational use, architectural glass and ceramic pipes in particular are proving to be coveted investment pieces based on their second function as pieces of art. In addition to highlighting the progression spurred by third-wave cannabis initiatives, this evolution speaks to the changing face of recreational consumption in a fast-expanding legal market in which customers are self-grouping in crossover categories of interest.

Implications - The use of cork as a central piece in home decor and interior design is on the rise, as creators increasingly seek adaptable and eco-friendly materials to construct with. This shift reveals a growing willingness to adopt environmentally friendly practices in all things related to lifestyle, while still accommodating the rustic-meets-minimalism aesthetic that appeals so much to Millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Implications - With many minimalist e-bikes already driving the market, brands who merge contemporary innovations with traditional motorcycle-like designs are now serving a diversified age range. With Boomers and Gen X not as familiar with climate change as younger generations who were raised on the concept, this shift shows how brands can introduce new demographics to the values of eco-consumption.

Trend – Rather than focusing exclusively on the agenda, activist groups embrace visually engaging opportunities to capture attention and engage with the public when advocating for social change and sustainability. In doing so, activists are able to spread awareness, while offering a keepsake for audiences.

Insight – Visually engaging assets bring about an accessible and supercharged identity to issues of social justice and climate change. In this way, activist groups can introduce issues in less confrontational ways and invite the public to partake in an open conversation that minimizes shared anxieties.

Trend – The adoption of emotion-responsive technology in exhibitions is prompting audiences to contribute to the art pieces. Whether incorporating facial-recognition technology or movement and behavioral responsiveness, these installations curate a personalized gallery experience where the artwork mirrors the viewer's state of mind.

Insight – The incorporation of behavior-responsive technology into art installations comes as institutions and artists within this space seek out ways to appeal to Millennial and Gen Z consumers. Since consumers within these demographics respond better to immersive and experiential purchase journeys, responsive art is able to facilitate more intimate interactions and relationships with those who observe it.

Implications - Increasingly, homeowners and design firms are building spaces that incorporate pet-centric design features. More than simply creating fun playscapes for pets, these designs consider the needs of the pet themselves and incorporates that into the overall design and layout of the home. This speaks to the consumer desire for both functional properties and a need to appease those we love the most, including furry companions.

Trend – Brands are offering small but impactful solutions in the form of biodiversifying accessories that are affordable and have easily implementable designs.

Insight – As climate change is dominating public discourse, brands are proactive in introducing peace of mind by reducing ecological footprints and creating welcoming habitats for diverse life in urban environments. Supplementary to the urban infrastructure or home environment, these accessories empower communities, businesses, and individuals.

Implications - Inspired by cultural totem poles that represent family crests, brands re-imagine these unique structures to be more abstract and decorative for the modern consumer. Historical influence has always been a method for creation, but now the totem pole is appearing as light fixtures, wallpaper, and other creative household adornments. This new design displays a tribute of cultural significance while shining a new light on ancient, artistic traditions.