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What Are the Biggest Style Trends in Design Right Now?

Tell us: what are some aesthetic patterns going on now, and what are your predictions for 2017?

By Core Jr - January 24, 2017

in Forum Frenzy

Last week, readers started up a fun visual discussion board feed we hope continues to get some submissions from you guys. The discussion circles around today's style trends: What are you noticing popping up again and again in the visual presentation of products? Core77-er VanDeBar starts off the conversation, writing:

"I thought it could be interesting to have a general discussion of the current styling trends whatever the design field. I'd love to ear what everyone from diverse fields have to say on the subject. Showing examples would be nice.

Whether you are from transportation, housewares, softgoods or electronics let's get the ball rolling!"

So far, we've seen several interesting insights; some general while others get quite specific.

by VanDeBar

VanDeBar kicks it off with a few different call-outs: one being designer's current nostalgia for vintage. Be it mason jars, cast-iron pans or throwbacks to design classics like Leica's M9 rangefinder digital camera, designers are clearly finding inspiration in original sources.

by VanDeBar

He also got further into the details, noting elements like surface textures on electronics as well as strong chamfers that can be seen on objects ranging from micro (a Bluetooth earpiece) to macro (car tail lights and spoilers).

by VanDeBar

Resource alert: user Brian_Donlin also pointed out a great website we had yet to frequent until now called AWOL Trends that delves into this very subject and provides visual insights to trends going on in the design world today.

But we want to know: what are you seeing as big visual trends designers are keying into today? Do you have any predictions for how styles might evolve over 2017 and beyond? We're eager to hear, so share your images and comments below!

You can also read the full discussion and contribute to the original discussion board thread here.

(top image source: Domonik Raskin)

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Devin Sidell

7 years ago

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I think we're definitely heading towards a minimalist geometric trend if we're not there already. Elimination of the "unnecessary" is essential in creating an understandable, approachable and ultimately useful design. Then again some designers can go too far and end up creating a lifeless, sterile and boring object that turns out to be more confusing than its original inspiration. There is a fine line between designs with personality, that become iconic, and those that are devoid of life that become sculptures capturing the essence of some unknown interpolation.

Iv'e included some pictures above which call out both good and bad approaches to minimalism. The calculator is a great example of how minimalism actually solves a problem in a beautiful way as well as creates a simple way to manufacture. The Audi rocking horse is less of a forward thinking redesign and more of a stripped down meaningless form that resembles a high-tech aerospace part rather than a fun and relatable toy.

I'm in no way saying that I am against minimalism. I think it should be considered more in design rather than ignored in order to create something that can truly be considered a great and well thought out product. Although I feel that if we continue to go down this road, we as designers have to be careful not to destroy the meaning of the product with the absence of character and substance.

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