# Design-Forward Signage Creatives are delivering aesthetic-driven designs to encourage distancing. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Jul 23, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/designforward-signage ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Design-Forward Signage trend? **Design-Forward Signage:** 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. ## The consumer insight behind the Design-Forward Signage trend 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 11 to Jul 23, 2020 - Published: Jul 23, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Design-Forward Signage trend ### Aesthetically-Driven Signage Aesthetically-driven signage is being launched to remind people to physically distance in public spaces and artistic institutions. ### Physical Distancing Designs Designers and architects are being called upon to create physical distancing designs and infrastructure for commercial and public spaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Creative Social Distancing Markers Social distancing markers and installations are being playfully created to encourage safe and responsible physical distancing in public spaces. ## What the Design-Forward Signage trend means for industry ### For Design The design industry has the opportunity to create aesthetically pleasing physical distancing designs and infrastructure. ### For Architecture The architecture industry can work on creating designs and infrastructure that promote physical distancing in commercial and public spaces. ### For Marketing The marketing industry has the opportunity to create campaigns that encourage safe and responsible physical distancing in public spaces. ## Workshop question How might you enhance the aesthetic presentation of COVID-19 signage for your brand/institution? ## Trend signals for Design-Forward Signage Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 70%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 70% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Design-Forward Signage trend 4 featured examples from May 11 to Jul 23, 2020. - [Physical Distancing Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/physical-distancing-design): The Commune di Milano is Calling for Help from Architects & Designers (Category: World) Implication: Architects have the opportunity to contribute innovative physical distancing designs and infrastructure that can be implemented in commercial and public spaces. - [Design-Forward Social Distancing Signage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-distancing-signage): Sam Barron Debuts "Brick-and-Mortar" Signage (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The design industry can capitalize on the growing demand for visually appealing social distancing signage by creating innovative and attractive designs that align with brand ident… - [Social Distance-Encouraging Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gridded-system): Caret Studio's Gridded System Brings Awareness (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunities for businesses to innovate in public art and design, especially in creating functional installations that address public health concerns - [Dotted Social Distancing Markers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-distancing-markers): Paula Scher Encourages Distancing with Painted Green Dots (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in the creation of innovative and eye-catching social distancing markers through graphic design techniques. ## 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)