How can you identify the latest product aesthetic trends?

1 Observe your surroundings

One of the simplest ways to identify product aesthetic trends is to observe your surroundings and notice what products catch your eye and why. You can do this in your daily life, such as when you shop, travel, or visit public spaces. You can also do this online, by browsing websites, blogs, social media, and online platforms that showcase products and designs. Pay attention to the common themes, features, and preferences that you see across different products and categories. What colors, shapes, materials, and styles are popular and why? How do they reflect the needs, values, and emotions of the users and the market?

2 Analyze your competitors

Another way to identify product aesthetic trends is to analyze your competitors and see what they are doing and how they are differentiating themselves. You can look at their products, websites, marketing materials, and customer reviews to get a sense of their design strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. You can also compare their products with yours and identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement. How can you make your products stand out and appeal to your target audience? What are the best practices and pitfalls to avoid in your industry?

3 Research your users

A third way to identify product aesthetic trends is to research your users and understand their needs, preferences, and expectations. You can do this by conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or user testing with your existing or potential customers. You can also use online tools and platforms that collect and analyze user feedback, behavior, and data. You can ask them questions such as what they like and dislike about your products, what features and functions they need and use, what emotions and values they associate with your products, and what other products they use or admire.

4 Follow the influencers

A fourth way to identify product aesthetic trends is to follow the influencers and experts in your field and industry. These are the people who have a large and loyal following, who set the standards and expectations, and who shape the opinions and tastes of others. You can find them on various channels, such as magazines, podcasts, blogs, social media, or online communities. You can learn from their insights, opinions, recommendations, and critiques. You can also engage with them and their followers, by asking questions, giving feedback, or joining discussions.

5 Experiment with your designs

A fifth way to identify product aesthetic trends is to experiment with your designs and try new ideas, techniques, and approaches. You can do this by sketching, prototyping, testing, or iterating on different concepts and variations. You can also use online tools and platforms that help you generate, visualize, or simulate different design options and outcomes. You can challenge yourself to explore different possibilities, such as changing the color, shape, material, or style of your products. You can also seek inspiration from other sources, such as art, nature, culture, or technology.

6 Keep learning and updating

A sixth way to identify product aesthetic trends is to keep learning and updating your knowledge and skills. You can do this by reading books, articles, reports, or newsletters that cover the latest developments and trends in your field and industry. You can also attend courses, workshops, webinars, or events that teach you new methods, tools, or techniques. You can also network with other designers, professionals, or organizations that share your interests and goals. You can also review your own work and portfolio and see how you can improve and evolve your designs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?