# Shield Aesthetic Designers are curating stylish face shields for non-medical use by consumers. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published May 7, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/shield-aesthetic ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Shield Aesthetic trend? **Shield Aesthetic:** As face coverings have become an important piece of personal safety equipment outside of the medical context, brands and designers are now launching face shields that are practical and aesthetic-driven. These designs are envisioned to be worn during and, potentially, after the COVID-19 pandemic. ## The consumer insight behind the Shield Aesthetic trend The circumstances of "the new normal" have caused consumers to reconsider what is essential and what is not, leading many to the conclusion that personal protective equipment is necessary for overcoming COVID-19. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize personal aesthetics—which is strongly influenced by their presence on social media platforms—hence, they look to be mindful without compromising style for function. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 8 to May 7, 2020 - Published: May 7, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Shield Aesthetic trend ### Stylish PPE Designers are curating practical and aesthetic-driven face shields and masks for non-medical use by consumers, due to the 'new normal' circumstances caused by COVID-19. ### Low-Tech PPE Solutions Amid PPE shortages, researchers have developed innovative, low-cost PPE solutions such as foldable protective masks that can be created with only a clear sheet of plastic and an elastic. ### Inflatable and Solar-powered PPE Designers are envisioning PPE with unique features such as inflatable and egg-shaped plastic bubbles that serve as a barrier against contagious viruses and air pollution, powered by solar panels and battery. ## What the Shield Aesthetic trend means for industry ### For Fashion Industry The emergence of stylish PPE can create disruptive innovation opportunities for the fashion industry to cater to consumers' new preferences and priorities for functional yet fashionable attire. ### For Medical Industry Low-tech PPE solutions can offer disruptive innovation opportunities for the medical industry to produce more simple and cost-effective PPE during shortages. ### For Renewable Energy Industry Inflatable and solar-powered PPE can create disruptive innovation opportunities for the renewable energy industry to apply their technology and tackle new challenges during a pandemic. ## Workshop question How might your brand satisfy aesthetic needs during times of distress? ## Trend signals for Shield Aesthetic Trend score 6.5 out of 10, from popularity 95%, activity 93%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 95% - Activity: 93% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Shield Aesthetic trend 5 featured examples from Apr 8 to May 7, 2020. - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Face Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-face-shield): Plastique Fantastique Creates an Open-Source Retro Face Shield (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The fashion industry can capitalize on the retro and sci-fi trends by incorporating face shields as stylish and functional accessories. - [Solar-Powered Virus Protection Bubbles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bubble-shield): The 'Bubble Shield' Concept Was Developed by Designlibero (Category: Tech) Implication: The 'Bubble Shield' concept could be applied in the healthcare industry to provide advanced protection for medical professionals. - [Colorful Inflatable Face Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-face-shields): Italian Designers Have Launched Socializing-Friendly Face Shields (Category: World) Implication: As face shields become a part of everyday attire, the fashion industry can capitalize on creating unique and stylish designs. - [Simple Origami Face Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happyshield): HappyShield Was Created as a Low Cost Solution to PPE Shortages (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare industry can explore opportunities to incorporate origami-inspired face shields as an affordable and efficient solution to address PPE shortages and enhance protect… - [Haute Fashion Face Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/face-shield-design): This Face Shield Design by Joe Doucet Has a Stylish Design (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fashion designers and brands can incorporate their expertise into creating stylish, yet functional PPE. ## 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)