8 Industrial Design trends to look out for in 2024
In the world of industrial design, 2024 promises to be a year of innovation and creativity, marked by groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of traditional design thinking. From sustainability to inclusive and accessible design, professionals and students alike are embracing a multitude of themes that address pressing global challenges while paving the way for a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing future. From social initiatives to professional endeavors, the trends of 2024 paint a vibrant picture of an industry committed to shaping a better future for all. At Analogy, we celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of such designers and innovators around the world.
1. Metaverse immersive experiences
The metaverse is reshaping industrial design, particularly in AR/VR applications for prototype testing and virtual design exploration. Much like Zaha Hadid's Metropia project, that exemplifies the transformative potential of immersive experiences in design. This intersection of technology and creativity heralds a new era where virtual environments play a pivotal role in shaping the future of design exploration.
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2. AI x IoT
The synergy of IoT and AI in industrial design is giving rise to innovative smart home devices and furniture, exemplified by projects like Vox Aeris, which is a unique initiative that uses music to purify the air. This blend of technology and design extends further into robotics and wearable tech, underscoring the industry’s dedication to infusing intelligence into everyday objects.
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3. Wearable tech
Advancements in wearable tech outshines traditional health monitoring, as seen in the wearable painkiller, Kineon’s MOVE+Pro, which employs a dual-light therapy to help reduce chronic pain. This innovation fuses technology, cutting-edge materials, and health-centric features, marking a paradigm shift in wearable technology.
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4. Biomimetics
This prolonged trend focuses on emulating nature's patterns, processes, and strategies to solve interesting design challenges. The X-Fly drone, Designed by Edwin Van Ruymbeke, made to soar mimicking a bird, epitomizes the fusion of IoT integration and nature-inspired design. In parallel with technological progress, industrial designers leverage touchscreens, gesture controls, and voice-activated systems, enhancing user experiences, as demonstrated by the innovative drone project.
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5. Sustainable product upgrades
Customization and upgradability lead design trends, as seen in innovations like the ‘Show That Grows for Kids’, designed by Kenton Lee for his NGO. Emphasizing ease of repairability showcases a dedicated effort to minimize waste and promote sustainable consumption. This commitment aligns with a broader industry focus on creating products with lasting impact and lifecycle.
6. Inclusive and accessible design
Inclusivity is becoming a key theme, with designers emphasizing on developing products and interfaces that accommodate a diverse range of abilities, ensuring that the principles of accessibility are integrated seamlessly into the very fabric of design. With projects like the Playstation accessibility controller unveiled at CES 2024, the commitment to inclusivity reflects a broader industry-wide recognition. Sony wants to make it easier for everyone to enjoy games on the Playstation 5 by making it truly accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical capabilities.
7. Computation-powered design
Computation design is rapidly gaining significance in industrial design, using algorithms to elevate creativity, streamline manufacturing, and minimize the reliance on extensive prototyping. Zellerfeld’s 3D printed shoe serves as a prime example of this progressive approach, marking the industry’s pivot towards more efficient and forward-thinking methodologies.
8. Metamaterials
Metamaterials open avenues for creating lightweight, durable, and high-performance products, pushing the boundaries of innovation across various applications. A prime example of its potential is seen in the engineered wooden seed carriers, designed by Lining Yao mirroring the behaviour of self-burying seeds. this exemplifies the intersection of technology and creativity, propelling design solutions into a new era of possibilities.
As detailed out, 2024 looks promising for industrial design. With the influx of advanced tech, designers and leaders are posed with exciting challenges to embrace these shifts to create product for the future.
FAQs
The metaverse is reshaping industrial design by integrating AR/VR technology for virtual prototype testing and design exploration. This allows designers to create, refine, and test products in immersive digital environments, improving efficiency and reducing the need for physical prototypes.
IoT and AI are driving the development of smarter, more connected products, such as smart home devices and furniture. These technologies enable products like Vox Aeris, which uses music to purify air, to provide enhanced functionality and improved user experiences.
Wearable technology is advancing beyond basic health tracking, focusing on specific health solutions. An example is Kineon’s MOVE+ Pro, which employs dual-light therapy to alleviate chronic pain, showing how cutting-edge materials and technology are being integrated into health-centric designs.
What is biomimicry, and how is it influencing product design?
Customization and upgradability are key trends, as seen in products like The Shoe That Grows for kids. This trend emphasizes repairability and sustainability, with designers focusing on creating products that reduce waste and can adapt over time to the user’s needs.
Inclusivity is a growing focus in industrial design, with products like Sony’s Playstation Accessibility Controller ensuring that people with diverse physical abilities can enjoy the same experiences. This trend reflects a commitment to creating products that are accessible to everyone.
What is computational design, and how is it changing industrial design?
Metamaterials are engineered materials with unique properties that make products lighter, stronger, and more efficient. These materials are used in innovations like Lining Yao’s wooden seed carriers, which mimic the behavior of self-burying seeds, pushing the boundaries of material science in industrial design.
Sustainability is a key driver of innovation, with designers focusing on reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. Projects like The Shoe That Grows showcase how upgradability and repairability are being integrated into products to promote sustainable consumption.
Industrial design is significantly influencing the development of smart home technologies, with products like Vox Aeris that integrate IoT and AI to create interactive, intelligent home environments. This trend highlights the growing fusion of technology and design to enhance everyday living spaces.
