Design strategy report to guide product vision.

trend research - consumer mindset analysis - design direction.

Overview.

  • Researched the consumer landscape to deliver strategic direction and recommendations for product design and cosmetic finishes, grounded in macro and micro trends and aligned with relevant consumer mindset motivations.

  • Led the research and development of trend presentations by extracting key insights from articles and macro industry reports, sourcing supporting imagery, and formatting the final presentation for clarity and visual impact.

  • The final report informed industrial design projections related to form development, supported the exploration of new product materials, and provided key data points—including recommendations to expand the color palette—for senior leadership to integrate into broader portfolio positioning presentations for clients.

The Report.

Analysis Foundation

The foundation of the research focused on consumer motivations for achieving daily balance, exploring how physical, mental, sensory, and stress-related factors shape their awareness and behaviors—insights we defined as our innovation drivers to guide design direction. Building on these drivers, we identified themes that examined how consumers actively pursue solutions for achieving balance—these are what we called our main themes.

We see the importance placed on crafted details, minimalism,
humanness, and wonder.

Clarity is about an experience that can evoke comfort and curiosity when expressed through materials that are modern and approachable, in colors that are culturally crafted.

We can choose to stay or we can choose to wander.

This season we choose both.

The Frame.

Stay.

A refined balance of nature and comfort, this theme embraces the calming essence of minimalism with a tactile blend of textures—shiny and matte, dark and light. Soft, approachable forms meet timeless design, where natural metals and understated elegance create a serene, easy atmosphere.

Wander.

A refined balance of energy and emotion, this theme embraces the crafted essence of human-centered design with expressive depth and curious sentimentality. Welcoming and refreshing, it invites connection through a rich sensory experience—where heartfelt design meets thoughtful balance in every detail.

Creative Direction.

Once the themes were established, we defined a creative direction for Color, Material, and Finish—setting clear CMF goals and outlining specific exploration methods and frameworks to guide the design response to key drivers identified in the consumer mindset.

Project Reflection

Over the course of roughly five months, this design strategy project brought together hundreds of data points—from articles and tradeshows to consumer reports and color forecasts. It was a true synthesis of research, insight, and creative direction. The outcome not only shaped our CMF strategy but also informed decisions across the organization, reaching from product teams to brand and senior leadership—ultimately guiding company investment with clarity and confidence