Analysis


kbb Birmingham 2018 Show Special


How to… predict future material and colour trends


Every two years, Formica Group gets together with global designers and architects to create a Future Vision report, published by its parent company Fletcher Building, which defines upcoming trends that will directly impact design. Here, Nina Bailey, UK design manager at Formica Group, gives a sneak preview of its findings


T


he success of any product is determined by whether or not it meets customer needs. Since it takes time to conceive, design and


deliver a new product to market, product managers and designers have to anticipate these needs far into the future. This is the purpose behind Future Vision 2, the second in a series of reports that anticipates the design needs of architects, designers and end users, by examining the influence of emerging technological, societal and cultural trends. The report’s exploration of current and future


topics of interest across the full sector spectrum helps designers anticipate how they will influence the industry as a whole, as well as informing their product design choices.


Developed by the design teams from Fletcher Building’s subsidiaries Formica Group, Homapal and Laminex Group, Future Vision 2 offers a global insight into the factors that will influence the development of surfacing materials, sustainable architecture and designs over the next two years,


Formica Prima Calcutta roomset


including examples of early adopters. It shares Formica Group’s passion and sixth sense for what’s next through the exploration of the three themes that will impact the direction of design for 2018/19. Before looking at the three themes, it is important to understand the trend drivers that have influenced them.


Trend drivers


Shaping the forecast are the trend drivers of sensory spaces, controlled nature, the return of the expert, the ‘phygital’ world [where physical and digital experiences are combined], Generation Z and nomadic life. Technology has been used in the past to push boundaries and to bring us closer together over time and space, but today many of us are suffering from a technological overload and yearn for something more meaningful in contrast with our increasingly synthetic digital experiences. As a result, holistic product design that allows users


Awareness of over-consumption is leading us to adopt less wasteful attitudes and favour solutions that reduce waste and lead to a more environmentally friendly approach to design


Formica Amber Kashmire roomset Continued on page 50


48 kbbreview kbb Birmingham Special Edition March 2018


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