# Design-Forward Assistant Emerging home voice assistants are offered in bold designs. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jan 27, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/designforward-assistant ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Design-Forward Assistant trend? **Design-Forward Assistant:** Since they became popular, home voice assistants have been designed with minimalism and discretion in mind–allowing a seamlessly blend into their surrounding environments. Now, emerging products in this space are being designed in a way that prioritizes attention-catching designs and colors. ## The consumer insight behind the Design-Forward Assistant trend With the popularity of minimalism in design bringing about a resurgence of maximalism–where consumers still prioritize curated aesthetics but they're dominated by bolder and louder patterns and colors–everything from home decor to home tech is being affected. This shift is now reflected in a balance where consumers who subscribe to either minimalism or maximalism are able to find ample choice in their design preferences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 1, 2018 to Jan 22, 2020 - Published: Jan 27, 2020 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Design-Forward Assistant trend ### Maximalist Voice Assistants As the trend of maximalism continues to rise in design, voice assistant products are adopting bolder and attention-grabbing designs with patterns and colors. ### Multi-Functional Mood Lighting Smart speaker products are now incorporating color-changing mood lighting to offer a complete relaxation experience for consumers. ### Tech Pet Accessories Aftermarket products like the 'Caat' smart speaker case are being created with pet-like designs in order to transform it into a focal point in a space. ## What the Design-Forward Assistant trend means for industry ### For Home Technology The home technology industry can use the trend of maximalist design to create more bold and attention grabbing designs for their products. ### For Interior Design Interior designers can use the multi-functional mood lighting trend to perfect the ambiance of spaces, providing a complete relaxation experience for their clients. ### For Pet Accessories Pet accessories industry can use the tech pet accessories trend to create innovative products that add character to smart devices. ## Workshop question How could your brand better prioritize eye-catching design? ## Trend signals for Design-Forward Assistant Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 59%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 59% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Design-Forward Assistant trend 4 featured examples from Mar 1, 2018 to Jan 22, 2020. - [Voice Assistant Sunrise Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vobot-halo): The Vobot 'Halo' Keeps Your Morning Routine Efficient and Healthy (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of voice assistant sunrise clocks presents potential for innovation and competition within the consumer electronics industry. - [Feline Smart Speaker Mounts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-speaker-case): The 'Caat' Smart Speaker Case Works with the Google Nest Mini (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for consumer electronic companies to create smart speaker accessories and mounts. - [Voice Assistant Cartoon Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-wall-clock): The Amazon Echo Wall Clock Disney Mickey Mouse Edition is Charming (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate voice assistants into various smart home devices, such as clocks, thermostats, and lighting systems, to enhance convenience and automa… - [Mood Lighting Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ihome-iav5): The iHome iAV5 Works with Your Amazon Echo Dot (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity to develop more innovative and multifunctional smart speaker devices for the growing smart home industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)