Design Consumer Insights

Trend - Accessible packaging and branding has become a priority for some brands in the food industry. Now, more businesses are designing food packaging that's easily accessed by people with disabilities--with everything from the incorporation of braille to easier-to-open lids.

Insight - Modern activism is taken more seriously by brands as consumers increasingly demand that businesses address the various social, environmental, and political factors that create barriers for underserved communities. Disability activists and their allies have been advocating for inclusion in a range of industries and institutions, and some brands are responding by prioritizing accessibility.

Trend - Home furniture brands are becoming more environmentally friendly, and this is now extending to backyard furniture collections. By using repurposed and recycled materials, these brands are able to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly production in most industries.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly dealing with guilt and anxiety related to climate change, particularly as environmental disasters around the world become more common. Now, more are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, without having to inconvenience the lifestyles they're accustomed to.

Trend - Brands are optimizing smart home products to better serve the needs of consumers who live in smaller spaces or those who frequently change abodes. The designs of these objects allow for ease of storage and use thanks to compactness and minimalism.

Insight - Many consumers who live in urban environments—especially Millenials and Gen Z—are conscious of space as they often find themselves occupying small apartments and/or shared living situations. As a result, individuals are prioritizing compactness and convenience when making decisions about interior design and technology for the home. Functional features such as these enable consumers to be more comfortable and even productive in a clutter-free space.

Trend - The pavilion is a popular format for displaying studio projects during biennales, festivals, and expos, spotlighting global collaboration and achievement. Now, architects are entering competitions and launching public designs that emphasize social distancing for the COVID and post-COVID eras.

Insight - Although feeling fatigued by the government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions, many continue to regard public health and safety as a top priority and as a result, uphold rules that call for physical distancing and outdoor socializing. In this space, individuals are creating a demand for public infrastructure that will accommodate their needs—both for being outside, as well as maintaining distancing between themselves, their friends and family, and strangers.

Trend - Designers are creating concepts and prototypes for amphibious vehicles to meet the needs of the luxury market of the future. Created with elegance in mind, these concepts have a slick appearance that suits all terrains, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Insight - Contemporary consumers who are in a higher tax bracket are always looking for ways to enhance their experiences—from retail and entertainment to travel. Aware of advancements in technology and design that enable delivery on both aesthetics and functionality, individuals are looking for innovations that will allow them to enjoy their luxury status, as well as feel more confident and entertained.

Trend - Furniture brands and interior designers are combining stylistic influences from Japan and Scandinavian countries to inform a style hybrid called "Japandi." Spaces with this aesthetic direction combine natural materials and a pared-back color palette, creating interiors that are minimal and warm.

Insight - Contemporary consumers in faced-paced urban centers are looking to balance the demands of their daily lifestyle with a comfortable home environment. In this space, many are prioritizing minimalist designs and simple solutions that can optimize and elevate their living situation, without compromising on aesthetic appeal. When these needs are met, consumers feel more relaxed and can comfortably recharge for the next day.

Trend - Many brands are embracing the sensibilities of the smart and compact kitchen concept in ventilation solutions. These products can be seamlessly integrated into any interior, ensuring convenience and functionality.

Insight - Many contemporary consumers are embracing minimalist home designs and products—either because they find them aesthetically appealing or because it is a functional necessity due to lack of space. Here, individuals, especially those with dynamic lifestyles—are emphasizing the importance of seamless integration as features like compactness and organization allows one to feel more comfortable and in control of their environment.

Trend - Designers are experimenting with the hybridization of contemporary furniture and streetwear. In this space, creatives are not only investigating material use but are also pushing the boundaries of aesthetic form and functionality by taking cues directly from the fashion industry.

Insight - Contemporary interest in novelty products is a direct result of industry acceleration and the power of choice in purchasing. This demand is strengthened by a consumer desire for indulgence and social recognition. In this space, many are embracing their curiosity to explore products and services that allow for better self-expression, as well as a way to communicate one's status to others. This, in turn, enables individuals to feel more confident.

Trend - Though minimalism is still a hugely popular design trend focused on clean lines and open spaces, "imperfect" design is becoming increasingly popular in the home. This involves designers intentionally using imperfections to balance out interior spaces and make them more unique.

Insight - Younger consumers in North America are especially inclined to use design and aesthetics as a way to express themselves, a trend which is in-part influenced by their social media use. These demographics often prioritize pieces that will stand out rather than blend in.

Trend - Companies and designers are launching various appliances that combine aesthetics and functionality with compactness. These products are intended to be efficient and convenient solutions for consumers who live in small spaces.

Insight - In order to afford the cost of living in metropolitan cities, contemporary consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are finding themselves needing to be financially strategic. As a result, many have opted-in for occupying small apartments or shared living arrangements. Since space is limited, consumers are creating a demand for smart storage solutions as their prioritizing compactness as a way to ensure efficiency and functionality in their homes.