What will be the next design trends?

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The end of the year is the period when we take stock and plan for the future. We discussed important aspects of artistic trends and their impact on society with art historian Maria Savostyanova. In this interview, Maria shares her views on the development of artistic movements and upcoming exhibitions, and analyzes how contemporary events impact artists' work. This is a time not only for reflection, but also for inspiration, when you can think about new projects and prospects in the art world.

• about the difficult situation in design due to the pandemic;
• about design trends;
• about changes in the profession.

Art historian and critic, teacher at the school of design at RANEPA. He is the deputy publisher of the contemporary art magazine Russian Art Focus. He is the author of the book "Design Today", which examines current trends and directions in contemporary design. He specializes in the analysis of contemporary artistic practices and their impact on society and culture.

Today, the discussion of the future of design has become especially relevant. With the rapid development of technologies and changes in consumer preferences, it is important to analyze how new trends and innovations influence design. The future of design will be determined not only by aesthetics, but also by functionality, sustainability, and user experience. It is important to consider how digitalization, artificial intelligence, and environmental factors are shaping new approaches and methods in design. Discussing these topics will help us understand how to adapt to changing conditions and create productive solutions for the future.

Previously, we clearly knew how the design calendar was organized. In January, the Maison& Objet, Rotterdam's Objekt in February, TEFAF and Paris's PAD in March, and Design Miami/Basel in June. In October, Dutch Design Week featured the landmark Graduation Show, a graduate exhibition that highlighted the "avant-garde edge" and allowed us to learn about the preferences of young, open-minded designers. This schedule provided insight into current design trends and allowed us to track new directions and ideas shaping the future of the industry.

The pandemic has significantly impacted cultural events, resulting in many fairs being cancelled or postponed. For example, Art Basel and Design Miami/Basel took place in September with a more limited format this year, and Milan Design Week was postponed from April to September. These changes reflect the current situation in the art and design world, creating new challenges for exhibitors and event organizers.

In the current situation, it is difficult for manufacturers and designers to predict what to prepare for. The industry is undergoing dramatic changes and adapting to new conditions. However, precise future scenarios remain uncertain. It would be inappropriate to claim that anyone knows what the situation will look like after the main coronavirus issues are resolved and borders reopen. Uncertainty is becoming the new norm, and the ability to quickly adapt and flexibly respond to a changing market will be key for businesses.

It is possible to predict certain design trends. Ethical and social design is expected to gain popularity. Materials science will remain relevant, and the number of female design groups may increase. It is also worth noting that NFT technologies are actively being integrated into design, which will be an interesting trend to watch.

Ethical design is an approach to design that considers moral and social aspects when creating products and services. It aims to ensure a positive impact on society and the environment. Ethical design incorporates principles such as transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability. Designers working in this field strive to minimize the negative impacts of their decisions, considering user needs and adhering to ethical standards. It is important that ethical design contributes to the creation of a fair and accessible digital space where every user can feel comfortable and safe.

An example of ethical design is the social design developed by Hilary Cottam, author of Radical Care. She initiated the creation of a retirement community in a London borough where elderly people often remained at home, not knowing each other. They needed food, entertainment, medicine, and the opportunity to communicate. Social organizations responsible for solving such problems were clearly not up to the task.

Cottam developed a method that promotes closer interaction between residents. This allows them to help each other, strengthening a sense of mutual support and belonging. This approach helps to partially relieve social services, improving the quality of life in the community and creating closer ties between people.

Social design will continue to evolve as it represents an important aspect of design culture. Design encompasses many areas, from the creation of objects and buildings to the development of clothing. However, social design goes beyond the material and includes the design of human life, interpersonal relationships, services, and information flows. This approach contributes to improving the quality of life and solving social problems, which makes it particularly relevant in the modern world. The development of social projects helps create more sustainable and harmonious communities by improving interaction and collaboration between people.

Industrial design is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years. Above all, the emphasis will be on sustainability and ecology. Designers will strive to use recycled materials and minimize waste, which will help create more environmentally friendly products.

We will also see an increase in the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, which will optimize design and production processes. This will lead to more personalized solutions that meet the needs of specific users.

An important aspect will be the integration of digital technologies into physical products. Smart devices and embedded technologies will become the standard, changing approaches to design and functionality.

Finally, the increasing importance of aesthetics and the emotional response of users will also impact industrial design. Designers will strive to create products that are not only effective but also evoke positive emotions in users. These changes will open new horizons for industrial design and redefine views on functionality and beauty in products.

Industrial design is seeing a growing interest in the concept of "handcraftedness." A striking example of this philosophy is the work of Dutch designer Hella Jongerius. When creating mass-produced industrial products, she intentionally adds elements of imperfection. For example, unclosed loops can be seen in textiles, creating the impression that the products are handmade. This approach not only emphasizes the individuality of each item but also adds emotional value, which is especially important in contemporary design.

The prospects for the development of this trend remain uncertain. On the one hand, it may attract a wide audience if it resonates with many. On the other hand, it is possible that Hella will remain the only or one of the few designers continuing to work in this field. It is important to monitor trends and market reactions to understand how the situation will develop in the future.

Experimentation with materials will remain relevant in the future. Scientific research and technological development require a constant search for new solutions and improvements. Innovations in materials science open new horizons for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and electronics. Scientists and engineers will continue to explore the properties and capabilities of new materials to create more efficient and sustainable solutions. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advances in this field, as they can significantly impact the future of technology and industry.

In the 20th century, the process of introducing new materials and technologies looked like this: first, they were invented, then the first prototypes were created, and then mass production began. Only after many years did these materials become available to a wider audience. Today, thanks to the rapid advancement of science and technology, students have the opportunity to incorporate the latest materials and modern technologies into their theses, significantly accelerating the innovation process and expanding their creative horizons.

Joris Laarman is a leading example in the field of 3D printing, constantly working to improve this technology. He not only creates new collections but also offers his technology for sale and rental. This allows other designers and companies to use his innovations to create their own unique collections. This approach not only expands the applications of 3D printing but also contributes to the development of the creative industry as a whole.

Recycling will continue to grow rapidly, and we will persistently clear our homes of unnecessary things. Designers will enter the competition, striving to create new products using recycled materials, demonstrating who is best at efficiently using waste. This not only contributes to improving the environment, but also opens up new horizons for creativity in design and production.

Women's groups in design and NFTs are important trends in the modern industry. Women's design groups focus on creating inclusive environments where women can share ideas and experiences. These communities foster support and advancement for female designers, which in turn helps diversify design approaches and foster creativity.

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets that secure ownership of digital artworks and other media formats. This trend is rapidly growing, changing the perception of art value and offering new opportunities for artists and designers. NFTs allow for the creation of unique collections and their direct sale to consumers, thereby expanding the market and opening up new horizons for creativity.

The combination of these trends creates unique opportunities for female designers in the digital art field, allowing them not only to promote their work but also to influence the industry as a whole.

Women in design are becoming an increasingly relevant topic. Museum professionals and experts are actively researching the names of women who contributed to the history of the 20th century, restoring and sometimes embellishing their biographies. In the future, we can expect the emergence of even more female teams in the field of contemporary design, which will promote diversity and innovation in design.

In the context of NFTs, there is a clear influence of design on the strategies of contemporary art, which is actively exploring the possibilities of tokens. Designers will soon occupy an important position in this field. Taras Zheltyshev, a designer, suggests that NFTs will be presented in the form of items or accessories for characters in video games, which their owners will be able to customize at their own discretion. This opens new horizons for user interaction with digital assets and creates unique opportunities for personalizing in-game elements.

In your book, you cite the opinion of Alice Rawsthorne, who argues that in the future, designers will focus on solving specific human problems. This trend emphasizes the importance of user experience and functionality in design. Designers are expected to use their skills to create solutions that not only satisfy aesthetic requirements but also help people cope with real-world challenges in everyday life. This approach can lead to more inclusive and user-centered design, ultimately improving quality of life.

Yes, this is what's called customization today. Even the most cutting-edge designers have begun to follow this trend. For example, the Dutch studio Drift develops lighting systems that resemble real dandelions. They have created a unique technology, but the appearance of your design, its dimensions, and configuration depend on your preferences. You collaborate to create a specific product, which allows for a personalized approach and uniqueness in design.

In today's world, there is a serious problem with overproduction, leading to overcrowded warehouses and stores. Product customization is becoming an effective solution to this problem, allowing for the creation of items tailored to individual requirements. There are apps that allow users to enter their parameters, such as personal measurements, wool grade, and color, allowing for a unique product made specifically for each client. This approach not only reduces waste but also helps meet consumer needs by making purchases more personal and meaningful.

3D printing technology deserves special attention because it opens up new possibilities for refining designs. Seven years ago, many predicted that 3D printers would become ubiquitous: they would be found in every post office, allowing anyone to create and print the items they need directly from their computer. However, the widespread adoption of 3D printing has not yet occurred. This is due to the diversity of existing products—cups, pens, chairs—and the lack of willingness among people to take on the role of designers of their own things. Despite this, 3D printing continues to develop, and we can expect its wider application in the future.

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Predicting the challenges designers will face in one, ten, or fifty years is a challenging task. However, given current trends and technological advances, several key areas can be identified. In the coming years, designers will likely face the need to adapt to new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This will require them to master new tools and approaches to design. Over the next ten years, we can expect a deeper integration of design into everyday life, which will entail demands for more intuitive and accessible interfaces. Finally, in fifty years, designers may work in an environment where human-machine interaction becomes more natural, which will require a rethinking of traditional approaches to design. Thus, despite the uncertainty, it is possible to identify trends that will help us prepare for future design challenges.

I would like to again mention Alice Rawsthorne, the author of "Design as Relationship," which I translated and highly recommend. In her work, she deeply explores the relationship between design and human relationships, emphasizing the importance of the emotional aspect in the creation process. This book will be a useful resource for anyone interested in contemporary design and its impact on society.

Currently, the perception of the design profession is changing. Throughout the 20th century, designers, even while investing their own resources in research and prototyping, primarily worked on commission. This approach limited their creative freedom and ability to experiment. Now, with advances in technology and access to information, designers can more freely express their ideas and actively participate in the process of creating innovative solutions, opening up new horizons for their professional growth and self-expression.

Modern technology has transformed the approach to design, allowing designers to independently formulate tasks and find funding for their implementation. Designers can assemble teams of specialists from various fields to create a full-fledged project. Marketing their own products and generating income have become more accessible thanks to new tools. This makes design a personal endeavor, open to professionals with unexpected skills. A striking example is Neri Oxman's laboratory, where the team includes marine divers, beekeepers, materials experts, architects, and astrophysicists. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the development process and opens new horizons for innovative solutions.

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Design is perceived differently across cultures. In America, design is viewed pragmatically: for Americans, it is a marketing tool. Here, designers often act as salesmen, using case styling, color changes, or larger fonts to attract consumer attention. In Europe, design is treated with greater respect, viewed as artists and visionaries capable of foreseeing the future. This difference in approach underscores the importance of culture in shaping views on the role of design in society.

Today, designers have the opportunity to independently identify problems, initiate projects, and successfully implement them to completion and reap a profit. This opens new horizons for creative professionals, allowing them not only to create unique solutions but also to control the entire process from the idea to the final product. Autonomy in their work allows designers to more effectively respond to market needs and offer relevant solutions, which contributes to their professional growth and increased income.

In design, there is always room for new trends and styles to emerge. Although many ideas have already been implemented, creativity and innovation continue to evolve. Technological advances, changing consumer preferences, and cultural shifts contribute to the emergence of unique concepts. New materials, tools, and working methods also open the door to fresh ideas. Thus, designers can draw inspiration from a variety of sources, creating original solutions and new design directions.

Computational design is used in various industries. Currently, it most effectively responds to sociological inquiries. The influence of Big Data has radically changed the approach to design. For example, by analyzing data on a large number of people with a particular problem, we can accurately determine what needs to be developed or identify methodologies that can help solve it. This approach enables the creation of more targeted and effective solutions.

Computational design and biotechnology play a key role in the development of new materials. These technologies enable the optimization of the material creation process, improving their properties and functionality. The use of computational methods in combination with biotechnology opens new horizons for innovation in various industries, such as medicine, construction, and electronics. The development of unique materials with specified characteristics becomes more efficient thanks to the symbiosis of these two fields.

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Imagine your mittens made of a "smart" material that can analyze the environment and your temperature. This material automatically regulates its warmth, ensuring comfort in any conditions. For example, it could be warmer at the fingertips and cooler at the wrist. Although this sounds like science fiction, modern computational design and biotechnology technologies already make it possible to create materials that adapt to changes in temperature and the environment. These innovations open new horizons in clothing and accessories, providing not only style but also functionality. The use of such smart fabrics will be an important step towards a more comfortable and intelligent life.