Art & Design Consumer Insights

Trend - City infrastructure is being adapted to accommodate the senior community through design-forward features that motivate activity, preserve health and safety, or simply allow for intermittent rest. These developments show a commitment to making spaces more accessible.

Insight - Many senior citizens are emphasizing their desire for independence, both in public and private spaces, and this prompts a demand that advocates for more accessible designs within the city environment. When this is taken into consideration and the accessibility needs of an older demographic met, consumers become increasingly confident and comfortable to be active outdoors, ultimately allowing them to combat feelings of loneliness which tend to be common for the senior community.

Trend - As countries are beginning to ease COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, designers are launching captivating and artistic signage to remind people to physically distance. These "installations," which are often used as guides, are prevalent in public spaces, as well as artistic institutions, where they encourage mindfulness while maintaining an aesthetic language.

Insight - Many contemporary consumers—especially younger demographics—are mindful of aesthetics, both in their personal lives, as well as the spaces that they frequent. Being a predominantly visual culture entails that consumers in this age engage and are captivated by objects that are appealing to the eye. As a result, individuals tend to pay more attention and respond better to cues that suit their aesthetic expectations or that of the space they are in.

Trend - Generative design is an artificial intelligence program that creates a nearly infinite number of conceptual concepts based on certain data restrictions. While generative design has been used as a novel approach in the past, today, the manufacturing method is gaining more traction in all industries, with brands ranging from architectural to tool manufacturing leveraging the technology.

Insight - Artificial intelligence is no longer seen as a "future" technology, but one that can be capitalized on in the present. Brands are turning to these systems to create concepts that are detached from traditional human biases, ultimately resulting in ideas that are more cost-effective and fruitful. As digitalization becomes the standard rather than the exception, brands will continue to merge human capacity with artificial intelligence to go beyond traditional designs for revolutionary concepts.

Trend - Many companies are tapping drag queen entertainers as a way to engage consumers at home during COVID-19. Either launched as an interactive experience or a live performance, these activations serve to celebrate Pride and to uplift one's spirits, while also taking the spotlight away from Pride-themed goods.

Insight - Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, live events and large gatherings in many countries are either cancelled or highly restricted and as a result, consumers are looking to stay entertained at home while abiding by their government's lockdown rules. As many are experiencing nostalgia for live performances from their favourite personalities, individuals are looking to diversify their content intake by opting-in for real-time shows or interactive experiences. In addition to being entertaining, these activations allow individuals to feel closer to the real thing.

Trend - More companies are paying attention to the implications that autonomous technology can have when implemented outside the automobile industry. Permeating different aspects of city infrastructure, self-directed designs introduce greater accessibility and order to public spaces.

Insight - A higher quality of life is a continuous expectation of consumers in metropolitan cities and since many individuals recognize the benefits of digital tech and the Internet of Things, citizens demand the implementation of smart technology as a means of alleviating everyday stress. This comes as consumers are more cognizant of the need for accessibility for those with mobility issues, as well as a desire for convenience amid a busy day.

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 - The incorporation of augmented reality into the standard board game is on the rise as gaming brands look to merge traditional practices in this space with ones that are more aligned with modern tech habits.

Insight - For today's consumer, many of their recreational activities are delivered through tech platforms. Whether it's streaming entertainment, playing video games, or app-based gaming, consumers are now accustomed to the majority of their entertainment being offered virtually. Brands that are able to play on consumers' desire for interactive virtual experiences are more likely to retain their interest.

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 - Companies are launching special drive-in experiences for events that were previously enjoyed in person. Since it offers little to no physical contact, this form of entertainment is being revisited during the COVID-19 pandemic and will potentially be deployed after lockdown measures are fully lifted by the government.

Insight - Government-imposed lockdown measures have restricted entertainment to the home environment and as time progresses, the consumer desire to diversify their experience and share it with a crowd—a feeling all too familiar prior to the COVID-19 outbreak—grows. Mindful of the safety measures and physical distancing rules they have to abide by, individuals are looking for ways to indulge in entertaining experiences without compromising their health or that of others.

Trend - As people around the world protest the inequalities that Black people face in their countries, creative industries are finally hearing the call of activists and people who are outspoken about the need for Black people's voices in storytelling. Now, some brands are investing in and spotlighting the voices of Black creators.

Insight - In countries where Black people are minorities, their histories and voices have often been covered up, ignored or whitewashed in order for unequal systems to remain in place. Black people and activists have long known this, and now their growing number of allies are recognizing this pattern too. These communities are continuing to push for equal representation, treatment and fairness in many industries--and storytelling is especially crucial as it offers perspectives that have long been overlooked in the mainstream.