I had the pleasure of presenting on the data of interior design at this year’s High Point Market. I was along side Sunpan and Jaye Mize of Fashion Snoops. Our panel was a blast and it was an honor. The show was incredible. I had the opportunity to see some the best work of some incredible designers and artists. I cannot wait to see how their contributions affect the design world. There is an heir of inspiration and influence everywhere at High Point.
Despite creativity, there is another undertow in the world of design, we were specifically there to speak about. Data from consumers is driving design trends worldwide.
Those who used to create trends are now listening to consumers to find out what they should create. Even the world of interior design has become consumer-centric. The better our data collection and analyzation become, the more we’re going to see the people’s influence in the way the design world works. This really ties into my field of Design Psychology where I see and work off the human influence on design everyday.
I’m so happy I had the opportunity to share some of our findings using this fascinating development. Here are interesting macro trends in design data:
We want connection:
I began my presentation reflecting on the new focus of real, human connection in our lives. Technology has distracted us to the point where we seek real connection in everything we can. Whatever makes us feel more connected to others and whole within ourselves catches our attention and approval. This is an important point moving forward in designing anything, furniture or otherwise.
We want real:
Due to a backlash of social media, we’ve become fond of anything that helps us to see deeper meaning and truth. We like blunt and real attitudes towards the things that affect us all like real-life situations, health, body image, feminism, family, etc.
Identity:
Additionally, we are experiencing a time of fluid identity thanks to so many influences within our lives. We are exposed to many more ideas than we have been previously. Many of us are more multi-cultural and mobile than any generation in the past. We are multi-faceted, and our style and design choices reflect that.
We also seek individuality. We are able to sort of “curate” ourselves online and share ourselves with the world. We want to stand out, as a result.
Micro Trends of Identity:
With our new larger fascination and redefining of identity come a few micro trends that are good to take note of as well. You can definitely see how often blatantly these affect trends.
- Gender fluidity: same sex items, furniture, style, colors, etc.
- Personalization: mass personalization of furniture and fashion now available.
- Roots and race: strong culturally influenced brands and trends such as traditional cuisine, patterns, designs, fashion, beauty, etc.
- Modern relationships: new living arrangements; it’s no longer about “making a home”.
It’s fascinating to see how these macro and micro trends are manifesting in design. When you analyze them individually, the examples become much more clear. Keeping track of these when thinking about what your clients want or what is likely to evoke the right kind of emotion with consumers is key to using data to better design. The psychology behind design is about to take on a whole new role with this development.
