Modern Consumer Insights

Implications - Generally disastrous phenomena like earthquakes are considered tragedies, but China’s earthquake managed to arouse compassion and creativity, as seen in the art forms below. With the use of the internet, natural disasters are helping to bring people together from around the world.

Implications - From home and product design to paintings and performing arts, the Beijing Olympics managed to inspire a lot of creativity. Both officially sponsored artwork, like dance performances to hype the games, and the works of Olympic fan designers, like themed home wash basins, were abundant.

Implications - Ironically, these works of art rely on camouflage to stand out. While camo is traditionally used to hide objects or people, these paintings have actually become viral for their visually deceptive qualities. Artists paint backgrounds directly onto the models to ‘merge’ them with their surroundings.

Implications - The kitchen is the new hot spot in these artists’ lofts, as their creative passions are being explored in new pieces made entirely of food. No matter what the content ends up being, the juxtaposing of two passions leads to creative excitement and fresh interest.

Implications - Offbeat exhibits and collections have taken over prototypical museum displays as a result of the growing interest in eccentric, non-traditional topics. For museums and galleries, a unique opportunity is arising to display not only what has been classically relevant, such as history or science, but showcase more deviant themes to engage the audience.

Implications - Gone are the days of the standard black-and-white motivational poster that centers on a black-and-white color scheme and a photograph. The modern iteration of this workplace inspiration takes an artistic turn, using graphic design to create maxims and mantras that are sure to attract--and maintain--attention.

Implications - Narcissists have long recognized the beauty of a good mirror, but now artists and designers are similarly exploring the theme of reflexive reflection by using mirrors as an artistic canvas. Outdoors, the beauty of Mother Nature is magnified; indoors, passersby become impromptu participants.

Implications - To innovate, entrepreneurs and businesses must stand out from the crowd, especially in a recession. The featured juxtapositions take conventional comparisons of relationships and flip them in an unusual way. By defying the norm in eye-popping fashion, consumers are intrigued, shocked and compelled to explore more.

Implications - Capturing consumer attention may be more about ads that engage minds than explicitly simple presentations. As opposed to straightforward graphics, wordplay and typographical techniques draw viewer attention by having them participate through reading, considering and processing the meaning of words.

Implications - Modern kitchen concepts have become so unique, you'll never order take-out again. Some concepts include pod designs, luxury-branded (Porsche) kitchens and funky design elements like aquariums. Design quality becomes integral in the search for originality in interior design, while some city dwellers are concerned with efficient use of space, bundling kitchens into compact, contained units or omitting kitchens entirely to maximize living space in small quarters.