# Multitasking Design Accepting small spaces, consumers invest in manipulable, multi-use furniture. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 28, 2014, updated Feb 20, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/multitasking-design ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Multitasking Design trend? **Multitasking Design:** Making the most of small spaces in urban settings, consumers are accepting minimalistic living as the norm by choosing furniture that evolves as required over time. The demand for multitasking design marks a shift away from frivolity to more utilitarian lifestyles that are less impressed with novelty and more concerned with necessity. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 27, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Jan 28, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Multitasking Design trend ### Multifunctional Furniture Furniture that serves multiple purposes is in high demand, as consumers search for utilitarian lifestyles that require less space is a strong trend. ### Flexible Workstations Designs that allow for flexible open-plan environments with individual and collaborative activities are gaining popularity, driven by limited desk spaces. ### Integrated Storage Furniture that incorporates storage compartments into the design is becoming more popular, especially in small apartments or rooms. ## What the Multitasking Design trend means for industry ### For Furniture Design Furniture designers should focus on creating multifunctional pieces that cater to limited urban living spaces while still delivering optimal comfort and convenience. ### For Interior Design Interior designers should explore and incorporate flexible furniture designs that fit into diverse living spaces and functionality requirements. ### For Household Goods Household goods manufacturers should focus on developing products that combine functionality, design, and storage options into a compact unit for optimized user convenience. ## Trend signals for Multitasking Design Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 81%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 45% - Activity: 81% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Multitasking Design trend 6 featured examples from Dec 27, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014. - [Cubby-Integrated Couches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geta-sofa): Geta Sofa Incorporates Boxy Components to Combine Comfort with Storage (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to combine storage elements with seating furniture, creating practical and innovative solutions for modern living spaces. - [Infant-Accommodating Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-in-table): The Baby In Table is a Playful an Family-Friendly Hybrid Furnishing (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Furniture designers can explore more hybrid designs that ensure safety and practicality for families with young children. - [3-in-1 Multifunctional Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multifunctional-table): The Pi Workstation by Joe Manus is Perfect for Small Spaces (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The furniture industry can capitalize on the growing demand for multifunctional furniture by creating innovative and versatile designs that cater to small living spaces. - [Stylish Stepladder Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usit-by-maarten-olden): Usit by Maarten Olden Pulls Double Duty (Category: Art & Design) Implication: There is potential for disruptive innovation in the furniture and interior design industry by creating hybrid furniture that combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. - [Industrialized Collaborative Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-office-furniture): This Flexible Collaborative Office Furniture can Transform (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The furniture designed by Industrial Facility offers new possibilities for more efficient and flexible workstations. - [Marvelous Multitasking Movables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mus-by-moya): Mus by Moya Acts as a Shelf, a Cabinet, a Bench and a Table (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Explore opportunities to revolutionize the furniture industry by creating versatile and customizable pieces that cater to modern living spaces. ## 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)