As the years tick by, we can expect product designs to become grander, complex, and more tech-savvy as consumers continue to look for products that can help make their lives easier. What are the hottest design trends right now?
Product Design Trends
Check out this list of product designs and development trrends to watch out for in 2015.
Generative design
Generative design refers to designs created using generative software and computer algorithms. The Convivial Project is currently churning out some of the best examples of generative design available. The company’s debut collection, Generative Scarves, made use of a procedural algorithm that is often used digitally to generate patterns of the natural world. The scarves are “characterized by unexpected and unique results, the program allows us to generate intricate visual landscapes of melting shapes and colors,” the company explains. “With its set of modifiable parameters, it enables the user to customize colors and patterns and create a unique print of their own.”
Going green
Consumers are putting an increasing amount of pressure on companies to go green, and brands need to keep this factor in mind when designing products. “Socially-conscious consumers care most about environmental sustainability,” explains prominent global information and measurement company Nielsen in a recent report. “From a list of 18 causes that included the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals as well as other prominent corporate social responsibility topics, 66 percent of socially conscious consumers identified environmental sustainability as cause companies should support.” In order to succeed in 2015, brands should focus on revving up their efforts to appeal to socially-conscious and environmentally-conscious consumers. This means using packaging and product materials made from natural materials, carbon neutral products, and environmentally-friendly product manufacturing processes.
Visual authenticity
When it comes to product design, consumers are increasingly looking for visually authentic products. Visual authenticity refers to the rejection of a standard corporate brand image in favor of handwritten, or freeform typography, vintage-inspired, simple, hand-rendered illustrations, and natural color pallets. The idea is that this kind of authenticity can help brands foster a more human connection with their consumers. For example, take a look at the packaging and materials put out by Santa Cruz, a quick service Mexican BBQ restaurant. All items boast handwritten fonts, a natural color palate, and sleek and simple designs.
“The hand-made quality of the logotype and overall identity is meant to praise the careful, traditional, and apprehensive food-making process of Santa Cruz,” explains Anagrama Studio, the design studio behind Santa Cruz’s new product packaging. “The brand is simple and direct, and above all, always honest and sincere, never attempting to hide its conceptual rugged awkwardness. Destined to be franchised in the future, Santa Cruz’s honest and handcrafted demeanor will inevitably be distinctive amid all other, more synthetic fast food chain restaurants.”
Pivot International is a product design, development, and manufacturing firm with strengths in software development, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial design. If you are interested in engineering a new product or updating an existing product, contact us at 1-877-206-5001 or request your free consultation today.
