Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Bacterial
Material
Microbial elements are incorporated into everyday design and materials.
5.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Bacterial Material trend?
Bacterial Material: An increasing number of artists and product designers are incorporating microbial life into the design of everyday objects. This speaks to an increase in perceived accessibility to the science of biology and a growing interest in the 'biohacking' movement.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Bacterial Material trend
When it comes to art and design, anything is fair game in consumers' eyes. As young consumers increasingly view their personal spaces not just as areas to relax or escape, but as reflections of themselves, there is a demand for once-standard household items offering unique elements that function as conversation pieces in the home.
Trend themes
Themes within the Bacterial Material trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Incorporating Microbial Life
Microbial life is being incorporated into everyday objects due to the growing interest in biotechnology and biohacking.
02
Fermentation and Bacteria
The use of fermentation and bacteria is leading to the creation of unique, sustainable products like plant-powered lighting and naturally fermented containers.
03
Bacterial-stained Glass Design
Designers are utilizing bacterial-stained glass to create unique, abstract works of art that offer a personal touch.
Industry implications
What the Bacterial Material trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Biotechnology
The biotechnology industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating microbial life by creating innovative products and designs that are both sustainable and eco-friendly.
For
Art and Design
Art and design professionals can use the fermentation and bacterial trend to create unique conversation pieces that are both functional and beautiful.
For
Sustainability
The use of sustainable materials and production methods to create naturally fermented containers and plant-powered lighting presents opportunities for companies in the sustainability industry to innovate and offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products.
Workshop question
What role could biohacking play in your industry?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Bacterial Material
Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 82%, activity 81%, freshness 8%.
Popularity82%
Activity81%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Bacterial Material trend
4 featured examples from Dec 21, 2017 to Mar 4, 2019CategoryEco
Plant-Powered Lighting
The Living Light Atmospheric Lamp Produces Energy Using Photosynthesis
The lighting industry has an opportunity to create new eco-friendly lighting solutions that use photosynthesis or other natural processes to power their lights.
CategoryEco
Naturally Fermented Containers
'From Peel to Peel' Offers a Solution to Non-Degradable Plastics
Opportunity for the packaging industry to adopt eco-friendly materials and processes to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions.
CategoryArt & Design
Bacterial-Stained Glass Lighting
These Bespoke Bacteria Lights were Designed by Ian Klingler
Incorporating bacteria as a new medium for creating art installations, sculptures, and lighting fixtures.
CategoryTech
3D-Printed Death Masks
Neri Oxman's Latest Project Boasts Pigment-Producing Microorganisms
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize synthetic microorganisms in biotechnology to develop novel products and solutions.
