Art & Design Consumer Insights

Trend - Carbon-negative materials, structures and concepts related to architecture are being thought out and in some cases, created in response to the growing need for architecture that benefits the environment instead of taking away from it.

Insight - As industries look to the future, they're increasingly forecasting that sustainability will be a crucial aspect of their business models. The need for infrastructure, products and services that benefit the environment is growing as climate change worsens, and consumers and institutions alike are putting a greater focus on sustainability.

Trend - Adaptable products that are able to "grow" or change in function as children grow up are increasingly popular. Products in this space include everything from high chairs with multiple functions to cribs that can turn into desks.

Insight - One of the many costly aspects of having children is having to replace child-specific products and clothing as they rapidly get bigger and mature. Brands that are able to reduce these costs with long-term, adaptable investments are appealing to parents who are looking to both save money and cut down on waste.

Trend - Tech and kitchen appliance brands are now releasing products with voice-control capabilities in order to make the cooking experience more convenient for those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Insight - The appeal of connected homes for consumers is that they're able to streamline and organize the day-to-day household management tasks and routines of individuals in a home. Between work, raising children, social lives, and/or maintaining personal health and hobbies, consumers are increasingly turning to brands that help make their routines more manageable.

Trend - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a greater need for virtual services, including in the home repair and renovations industry. Instead of paying businesses to come to their homes, customers are now paying for their virtual guidance instead.

Insight - The DIY industry has grown rapidly in the past several months as the ongoing pandemic has led to services being delayed and shut down, and also due to people using DIY as a way to pass the time. Brands that help facilitate these projects are well prepared for future pandemic-related restrictions.

Trend - Workplace flexibility has been a common topic of discussion after the the ongoing pandemic resulted in professionals working from home indefinitely. Now, businesses and employees are leaning into workplace flexibility with outdoor office spaces that balance productivity and function with comfort and convenience for workers.

Insight - The macro changes made to a range of industries in the last several months have resulted in consumers forming new habits that are likely here to stay. Whether it's how consumers shop, work, or socialize, the pandemic has brought about lifestyles that are more convenient and based on consumers' own needs and preferences, giving them more autonomy over their lives.

Trend - Typically, concrete is a major carbon emission culprit. To combat this, architecture firms are creating buildings made from sustainable concrete–a new type of building material that is eco-friendly, lightweight, and possess a long lifespan.

Insight - As the effects of climate change become more apparent across the globe, many producers are looking for alternatives to ecologically harmful production materials. This is a direct result of consumers' advocacy and desire for a greener future. Many now expect brands from all industries to do their part in helping combat the effects of climate change.

Trend - Popular brands in the fashion space are expanding their portfolios to include home goods. These range from decor, bedding, dishware, and furniture that are available at accessible price points.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly working from home, resulting in a desire to upgrade their living space. These individuals are looking for affordable ways to invest in the decor and functionality of their home. Thus, there is a greater need for cost-accessible options for those who can't afford home redesigns and renovations.

Trend - Brands are offering wide-mouthed bottles and cans that help mimic the experience of drinking out of a glass, without actually needing one. On top of reducing the need to use extra dishes, these packaging solutions could also be beneficial for people with disabilities.

Insight - The alcohol industry has become increasingly diverse as consumers have recently shown a preference for options like canned cocktails, spritzers and low-alcohol beers. With this diversity has come the expectation that brands also meet consumers' packaging needs, particularly for waste-reduction purposes and outdoor drinking scenarios.

Trend - Furniture brands are prioritizing carbon-neutral production as they look to reduce their environmental impact and market themselves as being friendly to the envrionment, as demand for eco-conscious brands grows.

Insight - As eco-consciousness grows among consumers, more are looking for ways they can change their lifestyles and purchase habits in order to reduce their impact. For some, micro changes are the most realistic due to cost-restrictions. Those who can afford larger investments are making more macro lifestyle changes in order to adjust.

Trend - The growing popularity of non-fungible tokens as a way to create and sell art has resulted in art galleries being centered around only NFTs. These spaces exist both virtually and within in-person exhibitions, and allow creatives to showcase their work as digital assets.

Insight - The creative ownership that NFTs allow are appealing to artists who are looking to ensure independence in the process of selling and sharing their art. People who are choosing to sell their pieces as NFTs are allowing for more creative ways for people to invest in their work.