Discovering what is driving a trend helps me to discover how it can translate into products, services, materials and of course colors.
One of the driving factors across most trends today is that consumers are looking for a either a solution, a story or both.
I’ll give you an example. I purchased the MacBook Air the day it came out. After a few weeks of use I have to say that I think it is phenomenal piece of equipment that has already been a ’solution’ for me in so many ways; size, speed, integration not only with programs but with my iphone and the other Mac I often use in my office. Perfect!
So for me the MacBook Air is a real solution. But don’t forget that I bought it the day it was released. That’s because having the latest and coolest technology has become part of my ’story’, my identity or status so to speak.
Certainly I craved a solution to streamline my life and Apple delivered but what they also gave me was a sleek, light, amazing machine that says something about who I am and what’s important to me.
Think about the trends in your industry. Are you responding with products and services that offer your customers a solution or a story or both?