New year,

new Design Trends Report!

15 trends
5 pillars.

In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to discern fleeting fads from enduring trends is more crucial than ever.

We have highlighted 15 trends that promise longevity and sustainability, transcending the ephemeral nature that characterizes the world of brands, with a focus on positive impact.

Our report, covering over 40 industries and 90 case studies, revolves around 5 pillars derived from our Critical Imprint utility map:

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There is no planet B.

Reinventing raw materials and everyday consumer products is a necessity: we must consider material innovation and reorient product life cycles.

Ancient wisdom is increasingly acknowledged for modern environmental solutions.

Inclusivity and diversity

continue to gain ground. Brands are increasingly rejecting binary gender norms and traditional aesthetics.

Sexual positivity, a multi-age mindset,
and the use of psychotropic substances

are increasingly adopted by brands for holistic well-being.

The rise of artificial intelligence is redefining creativity and strategic thinking

… while increasingly, brands integrate behavioral design into their strategies, thus promoting spaces of connection and shared experiences against digital isolation.

Web3 is redefining brand engagement through transparency, ethics, and decentralized control.

Brands are adapting to the rising cost of living by prioritizing cost-effective solutions, while cities worldwide adjust to environmentally friendly micromobility.

Interested in learning more about opportunities for your brand?

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The shopping experience has changed, making it harder to stand out.

We know that the fact that more and more people are buying on-line is changing dramatically the buying experience. The products that were once seen on shelfs, are now purchased on a screen. The virtual environment reduces the natural interaction offered by physical stores. The on-line version of the product must take this change into account, however, should not alter completely its real characteristics.

The shopping experience has changed, making it harder to stand out. The recent impacts brought into the world has changed the shopping experience to an online environment, with different characteristics & needs than before.

The online environment has 3 micro environments; retail e-commerce, delivery & media platforms & devices. The online environment is more monotonous, with reduced interaction with the consumer and reduced opportunity to explore the POV.

Therefore, Packaging must also change to adapt. But it is not just change for change’s sake, it has to be well balanced. It is important to consider the needs brought by this new environment, but the connection with the real version & its benefits cannot be broken.

There must be a balance between the online environment needs& the offline recognition otherwise it will not be able to communicate its benefits or the customer will not recognize the product. In other words, we should keep the purpose and change the execution.

 

 

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To find the right balance in this new purchase journey, we have developed a methodology to boost packaging assets, so that its advantages can still be offered, even on the on-line environment. The packaging must be impressive and appealing, to result in a purchase decision. The ‘e-pack’ mindset can be adopted for any category, observing the brand’s stage of development.

Shapes, shades, contrast colors and messages – all elements are rethought to call attention and make the new e-shopper’s life easier.

The new e-pack methodology was developed by our Strategy and Design teams, guided by an innovative view, and matching the needs imposed by the new reality, respecting people’s needs while preserving the positive brand and product experience.

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