In the ever-evolving world of design, the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards stood as a testament to innovation and purpose-driven creativity. From socially-impactful designs that sought to make a meaningful difference, to sustainable design practices championing conscious solutions, design in 2023 brought necessary change to global challenges.
Reflecting on a fantastic year of good design fills us with anticipation for the exciting prospects that await us in the coming year. What’s ahead? We can never be sure, but we’re kicking off the year with some deliberation and predictions for the design space in 2024.
What is Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz and why does it matter? Will this affect the way we create? Minimalism or maximalism? Will AI deliver on the hype? Stay tuned to find out alongside Good Design Australia.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning technology
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology is becoming more prevalent in the design process, integrating projects with data-driven insights. These systems are analysing data to inform design decisions, automating tasks and testing designs. From afar, AI seems to offer the potential to enhance the efficiency and creativity of design work significantly.
Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler and 2023 Australia Good Design Awards Juror, weighs in: “I would suggest that AI is an incredibly powerful tool, probably one of the most powerful tools we’ve seen since the conception of building information modelling in three dimensions.
“But at the end of the day, a design is about judgement, human connection and human experience. So I don’t feel a tiny bit threatened by AI, I feel excited by it, because it allows me to make judgement from a wider set of opportunities.”
As designers navigate this evolving relationship in 2024, the industry will likely grapple with finding the delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and preserving the essential human touch in design.
Meaningful functionality
Pantone’s Colour of the Year has become a trendsetting phenomenon in the design world – an accolade that captures the essence of the times in a single, influential hue. This year, this award went to Peach Fuzz: 13-1023.
Pantone explains the pick as a “warm and cosy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others or for enjoying a moment of stillness and the feeling of sanctuary this creates… a fresh approach to a new softness.” This may suggest a hope for more meaningful consumption in 2024, prioritising functionality and authenticity in design.
Artist and public speaker Yiying Lu tells Pantone, “To me, it’s a humane colour; it hugs you, gently smiles at you, and puts you at ease. It’s nostalgic and yet modern, simple yet complex, but always welcoming, loving, and kind.” We may see designs this year aiming to achieve this very feeling. Textiles and apparel designer, Tsia Carson, responds to the Colour of the Year with, “Colours don’t do well in isolation, just like people. Kindness, openness and empathy are true strengths. I’m ready to explore this softer colour and emotional vibe in 2024.”
Julien Sebban of French studio – Uchronia – tells dezeen magazine, “People need an antidote to digital, they need to feel the physical world.” We believe Pantone’s colour pick of the year will set the tone of a softer society and shift of consumerism in the year ahead, naturally inspiring designers and artists alike to create more human-esque designs. Society appears to be shifting into a space of consuming thoughtfully and for the good of others. We are looking forward to discovering the fruition of this in 2024.
Biomorphic design
The embrace of biomorphic design is set to make a significant impact in 2024. Rooted in the inherent human inclination to seek connection with nature, this form of design strives to integrate elements of the natural world into the built environment.
Experts say that as our societal awareness of the impact of nature on our wellness grows, designers will increasingly incorporate these principles into their work. It might see society taking more and more digital detoxes and encourage designers to create places, spaces and things that are not only organic in aesthetics, but also foster a sense of wellness, harmony with others and integration with nature. If 2023 was the year of biohacking, then perhaps 2024 will be all about harmony and longevity?
Keli Hogsett, founder of fine art marketplace – CoCollect – told Mansion Global, “Artists will look to nature for inspiration as the world becomes more mindful of environmental issues.” She explains, “Nature-inspired art will explore themes of sustainability, climate change, and the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.”
This may see nature-related colours such as green, blue and brown come to the forefront, and organic shapes and textures be prioritised. In the home, floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights and strategically-placed mirrors to maximise the natural rhythms of the sun could become standard. We can anticipate more green spaces to meet on and open air concepts in community areas, encouraging organic interactions.
Middleism?
A battle as old as time itself, the minimalism/maximalism debate wages on, yet the totalist side of the coin has shot noticeably ahead in recent years. Peter Spalding, co-founder and CCO of Daniel House Club, reflects on the design phase as “a lot of fun, but one grows tired of the party and wants to cool down a bit.” So, back to the bare minimum? Not quite – we anticipate a balance to be restored in 2024.
This fusion approach will reflect a cleaner, more tailored look as people crave comfort and familiar style in these trying times. However, there’ll be an individualistic twist – one that encourages personal expression through the integration of vibrant colours, patterns and shapes. The best designs will skilfully achieve a sense of equilibrium even within its more opulent elements, inspiring audiences to take a second look, even if things seemed unassuming at first glance. This exploration of a timeless crossroads could capture the thin line between simplicity and extravagance.
Designing from the fruits of reflection
Our foresight into design trends for 2024 revolves around the theme of societal harmony. It challenges the chaos in the world and designs of yesteryear with a more nuanced, understanding approach. This may see the combination of nature, aesthetics, individuality, diversity and togetherness. Concurrently, we remain vigilant regarding the evolving role of AI in the design realm, actively seeking collaborative approaches to navigate this dynamic space collectively.
2024 Australian Good Design Awards update
Entries for the 2024 Good Design Australia Awards will be opening in late February. Will our predictions come to fruition? Or, will our ever-changing world of design continue to throw us curveballs? Sign up to the Good Design Australia email newsletter from our home page to be the first to know when our submissions go live.
