# Design Over Function Spicing up designs for ordinary objects like salt and pepper shakers. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Oct 18, 2008, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/shaking-up-routine-spicing-up-designers-for-ordinary-objects-like-salt-and ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Design Over Function trend? **Design Over Function:** Designers who work to add a bit of zest to items found in every household, such as salt and pepper shakers, are more successful than ever as people express an intensified urge to define themselves through materials. As bland objects lose their flavor, people are seeking to infuse personality everywhere. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 1 to Jun 13, 2008 - Published: Oct 18, 2008 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Design Over Function trend ### Personalization Designers are creating novelty products with unique designs to allow consumers to express personality through materials. ### Fun and Playful Designs Designers are incorporating humor and playfulness into everyday household items, such as salt and pepper shakers. ### Rebelling Against Norms Designers are creating products with rebellious or taboo themes to provide a break from traditional norms in home decor and dining. ## What the Design Over Function trend means for industry ### For Home Decor Home decor industry can incorporate trend of personalization by offering unique designs for household items to cater to consumers' desire for originality and personality. ### For Kitchen Utensils Kitchen utensil industry can tap into the trend of fun and playful designs by creating humorous and entertaining products such as novelty salt and pepper shakers. ### For Consumer Goods Consumer goods industry can embrace rebellious themes by creating taboo-design products that cater to an audience seeking to break free from traditional norms. ## Trend signals for Design Over Function Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 28%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 28% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Design Over Function trend 6 featured examples from Jan 1 to Jun 13, 2008. - [Star Wars Kitchen Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-r2-d2-peppermill-may-the-seasoning-be-with-you): R2-D2 Peppermill (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The kitchenware industry can capitalize on the growing demand for novelty and pop culture-inspired products by creating more unique and fun gadgets like the R2-D2 Peppermill. - [Spice Gun](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spice-gun-salt-pepper-shoots-salad): Salt & Pepper Shoots Salad (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The Spice Gun falls under the kitchenware industry and could inspire further unique kitchen gadgets and designs. - [Cigarette-Shaped Salt n Pepper Shakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavor-country): Flavor Country (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the creation of cigarette-shaped accessories to tap into the rebellious and edgy aesthetic. - [Creative Condiments Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contra-condiments-concepts-improving-salt-and-pepper-shakers): Fun Salt and Pepper Shakers (Category: Unique) Implication: Opportunity for home goods companies to create innovative and engaging condiment products that stand out in a competitive market. - [Geeky Kitchen Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keyboard-salt-pepper): PC Keyboard Salt & Pepper Shakers (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Creating innovative and unconventional kitchen utensils, such as the PC Keyboard Salt & Pepper Shakers, can help companies stand out in the competitive kitchenware market and attr… - [Deer Head Table Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stag-salt-and-pepper-shakers): Stag Salt and Pepper Shakers (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing a personalized e-commerce platform that curates country-themed products for niche market segments. ## 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)