2023 and Beyond: In Perspective

Resource scarcity, supply chain issues, global conflicts and environmental disasters: the fallout from 2022. Despite such global uncertainty, the fires of creativity and innovation still burn bright.

‍

We are facing the future with a new found sense of resilience, optimism and curiosity, in  search of meaningful, connective and explorative experiences.

‍

Working with clients across industries, our Foresight team has had the privilege to work with (and innovate alongside!) experts and the communities behind some of world's fastest evolving technologies and trends.

‍

Our 'In Perspective' series is designed to drill down on the trends which will influence the future direction of industries and brands alike.

Extracted from our trend observatory, our Foresight team has distilled 5 of the most progressive and relevant trends which we predict will shake up 2023/4. Each trend was curated with a strong visual and experiential influence, using queues from our client work, studio, talks and exhibitions.

‍

Our Foresight team's 5 trends for 2023/4:

1. Empowering Resilience

2. Negotiating the Metaverse

3. Redefining Purpose

4. Unmasked Joy

5. Exploring Sensorial Escapism

‍

1. Empowering Resilience

Global conflicts, climate change and the supply chain emergency have created the perception of a perpetual crisis and as global uncertainty reigns, people have adopted a resilient attitude. Embracing self-sufficiency and locality, consumers and businesses take drastic action to confront the many challenges our world faces. Solar energy, off-grid concepts and regenerative systems are some of the ingenious solutions being explored to address a planet-positive future.

Grassroots activists, designers, and smaller community initiatives are reimagining a more socially-equitable and sustainable world. We can see shifts in innovation pushing towards renewable energy, regenerative material processes and sustainable farming practices in an effort to bring us closer to nature. However, the continued presence of the 'green-premium' on sustainable, everyday solutions acts as a barrier to access for many consumers.

‍

Get ahead

As demand increases for more self-sufficient and local solutions (without a green premium!) explore how you can create opportunities to democratise sustainability and increase accessibility and equitability for the everyday consumer.

‍

2. Negotiating the Metaverse

As the new digital world is unfolding, a tension is emerging between utopian and dystopianvisions. There is much negative speculation around the Metaverse, with Twitter's co-founder, Jack Dorset, viewing it as a playground for "venture capitalists", and others worrying about its possible misuse, injustice or exploitation. Others, however, attempt to foster a positive narrative around a more inclusive space. NFTs and blockchain open up new forms of digital ownership where brands, consumers, and creators harness a more equitable and transparent relationship. As the lines blur between our physical and virtual world, the 'human' need for individuality and connection is driving innovation.

From adaptive wear and assistive devices to simulating virtual touch, there is a shift towards the creation of more 'humanoid' experiences. Navigating the ethics, accessibility and equitability of the space opens up new opportunities and challenges for future innovation.

‍

Get Ahead

We are rapidly moving towards a more phygital world, and are redefining what it means to be human. As a brand innovating in this space, how can you create a more 'humanoid' experience to facilitate stronger social connections and better represent what it means to be human?

In a muddle over the Metaverse? Check out our Metaverse 101.

‍

3. Redefining Purpose

The climate crisis, resource scarcity and the cost of living emergency fuel a desire for more meaningful experiences. Timeless design, clean lines and crafted materiality drive a minimal aesthetic. A stark contrast to the dreamy aesthetics of the Metaverse, this trend largely manifests in the physical world. This new 'less is more' mentality is accelerating innovative concepts and materials for the circular economy.

Repair schemes, waste-reducing subscription models, and multi-generational furniture design all promote an alternative approach to design which prioritises durability and longevity. Finding actionable solutions and circular opportunities can be a challenge: we have found that both our Accelerator Tool and Sustainable CMF Index help brands to access their products and internal processes.

‍

Get Ahead

'Brand purpose' is the buzzword too often associated with unmet promises. It's time to reframe your purpose, make achievable pledges and evaluate your design decisions against a design DNA rooted in durability, longevity and transparency.

‍

4. Unmasking Joy

We have seen a rise in the demand for more positive representation and inclusive spaces, as neurodiversity, disability, LGBTQ+IA, and mental health movements take centre stage. Many are fighting back against existing perceptions and demanding a change in narrative around previously marginalised topics. We are seeking to inject more moments of joy and optimism into our lives, as we celebrate and embrace each others differences. Gathering with likeminded, creative communities, generating a new energy around collaboration and solutions which pave the way for a brighter future.

Vibrant colour palettes, inclusive products and collaborative spaces are some of the best ways in which design can bring optimism and happiness into our lives. We see the trend of unmasking joy entering the food, tech, and fashion industries, bringing inclusivity to the fore. Joy is a force to be reckoned with: its power to bring people together and make positive change should not be underestimated.

‍

Get Ahead

The manifestation of joy will no longer be limited to a colour palette, novel add-on or fun feature. As a brand, how could you harness the power of co-creation to bring about happiness and optimism, whilst creating inclusive spaces for your community?

‍

5. Exploring Sensorial Escapism

Many of us are finding relief in the experiential. We are turning to our 33 senses for new forms of escapism. Micro-dosing and psychedelics are becoming more mainstream as the 'alternative wellness' movement evolves. We are encouraged to explore the surreal and the 'feel good vibes' on offer from these multi-sensorial experiences. When tapping into nostalgia and wonder, we seek to engage our subconscious with our perpetual search for more powerful and thought-provoking experiences.

The psychedelic patterns, edible trips, distortion of everyday objects and immersive dream-fuelled experiences encourage curiosity as we attempt to immerse our senses in order to escape from reality. We have explored materiality extensively in our SenseLab. Over the past couple of years, this trend has extended way past the aesthetic, filtering into other areas of our interactions and interfaces, such as how we consume, experience and travel.

‍

Get Ahead

What if we actively encouraged sensorial escapism in our creative processes? How will alternative wellness shape our view on creativity, in the future?