What I look for while Trend Researching as a Surface & Product Designer
One of my favorite parts of being a Surface and Product Designer is Trend Research! I love going into stores and seeing what’s trending from a consumer perspective, what kind of art is on different products and how I can use that research and implement that into my own work.
Trend research is a method of predicting future developments and changes in various fields. Specifically in the surface and product design world you’re looking at trending colors, motifs, typography and textures. The more you look, the more you’ll start to notice patterns and repeats which lead to a trend. I do a lot of product collection style guides and art licensing so it’s helpful to know what’s on the rise/future for trends and what’s currently trending in the retail setting to make my art more marketable. If you start seeing a certain texture, motif, color or typography style at least 3 times, you’ll know it’s on the rise.
1. Motifs
Motifs by definition are a decorative design or pattern. When I’m in a store or looking for trends online I pay attention to what types of motifs are popping up whether its animals, plants, or even decorative items like bows. For instance mushrooms have been popular coming out of the cottage core trend a few years back. You’re also seeing a rise in bows on everything stemming from a girl centric year in 2023. Motifs can really drive a theme for a collection and set the stage for placement pieces in surface design.
2. Colors
Color palettes play a huge role in surface and product design. I always look for fresh color palettes that can really change the whole mood of a traditional theme or icon. For instance Pantone’s 2024 color of the year is Peach Fuzz so you will start to see that come into play with traditional Christmas designs & products. Color palettes will also come into play if there is an overarching trending theme. For instance the retro nostalgia trend has brought in a lot more psychedelic and earthy colors for 70’s inspired designs. As well as 90s and 00s nostalgia which have inspired digital lavender, silver and lime green. Color can really make a whole surface or product design collection feel completely new and trendy.
3. Textures & Finishes
Textures and finishes can really drive a trend and combine overarching trends. This is where I look specifically in the interior design space and fashion. Currently disco balls are trending stemming from 70s nostalgia, so you see a lot of silver foil, silver mirror, diamond bedazzle. This has evolved into a whole fashion statement coming out of Beyonce’s renaissance tour and now has combined with the overarching cowgirl trend which is really fun to see. We’re also seeing lots of frilly vintage cakes and girly bows and ruffles. I love having the challenge of bringing these textures into 2D surface designs or imagining how to incorporate these features onto products to make them fresh and new.
4. Typography
When I’m in a store I’m really looking for typography styles and how they pair with motifs. I like to look specifically in the graphic design space as well as the stationery and gift categories. I look at what types of treatments are being used whether it’s solid color drop shadows behind text or a hand lettered script. How and where are they being paired with different motifs and patterns. For instance because 90’s and 00’s nostalgia is trending, I’ve been seeing a lot of 3D rendered bubble fonts. Serif type has also been trending whether its more retro and playful or sophisticated and clean. Typography can really drive a trend, especially if there are no motifs or patterns to support it.
I hope this helps you narrow down your search in trends next time your in store or searching online. With inspiration all around us it can sometimes be overwhelming and not know where to start. But just remember trends come and go. Be sure to incorporate trends that feel true to you and your style.
You can also check out my instagram to come trend shopping with me! I will be posting monthly trend shopping videos so we can experience the fun together.
