Product design trends 2023 (with examples) - Adbirt Blog (2024)

Product design trends 2023: Product design is a dynamic and evolving field that constantly adapts to the needs and preferences of users, markets, and technologies. In this blog post, we will explore some of the product design trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2023 and beyond.

Sustainable and circular design

One of the most pressing challenges of our time is how to create products that are not only functional and attractive but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Sustainable and circular design is a holistic approach that aims to minimize the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle, from sourcing materials to disposal or reuse. Some of the strategies that sustainable and circular design employs are:

• Using renewable, recycled, or biodegradable materials
• Reducing waste and emissions during production and transportation
• Designing for durability, repairability, and modularity
• Encouraging reuse, sharing, and recycling of products
• Educating consumers about the environmental and social benefits of sustainable and circular design

Some examples of products that follow this trend are:

• The Fairphone 3+, a modular smartphone that allows users to upgrade or replace parts easily and ethically
• The Loop platform, a subscription service that delivers everyday products in reusable packaging that can be returned and refilled
• The Adidas Futurecraft Loop, a running shoe that is made entirely from recycled materials and can be returned to Adidas for recycling into new shoes

Inclusive and accessible design

Another important trend in product design is inclusivity and accessibility, which means designing products that cater to the diverse needs and abilities of users, especially those who are often marginalized or excluded by mainstream design. Inclusive and accessible design is not only a moral duty, but also a business opportunity, as it can expand the market reach and customer loyalty of products. Some of the principles that inclusive and accessible design follows are:

• Conducting user research with diverse groups of people, including those with disabilities, cultural differences or low literacy levels
• Applying universal design guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or the Inclusive Design Toolkit
• Testing products with real users and incorporating feedback and suggestions
• Providing multiple modes of interaction, such as voice, touch, or gesture
• Offering customization and personalization options for users to adjust products to their preferences and needs

Some examples of products that follow this trend are:

• The Xbox Adaptive Controller, a gaming device that can be used with various accessories and inputs to suit different physical abilities
• The Dot Watch, a smartwatch that displays information in braille for visually impaired users
• The Google Lookout app, an app that uses artificial intelligence to identify objects, text, and people for visually impaired users

Emotional and empathetic design

A third trend in product design is emotional and empathetic design, which means designing products that can understand, respond to, and influence the emotions of users. Emotional and empathetic design is based on the premise that emotions play a key role in human decision-making, behavior, and well-being and that products can enhance or improve these aspects by creating positive emotional experiences. Some of the techniques that emotional and empathetic design uses are:

• Applying emotional design theory, such as the three levels of design (visceral, behavioral, and reflective) proposed by Don Norman
• Using biometric sensors, facial recognition, or natural language processing to detect and analyze the emotional state of users
• Providing feedback, guidance, or support based on the emotional state of users
• Creating emotional connections between users and products through storytelling, personalization or gamification

Some examples of products that follow this trend are:

• The Affectiva platform, a software that can measure human emotions from facial expressions or voice tones
• The Woebot app, a chatbot that provides cognitive behavioral therapy for users with depression or anxiety
• The Spotify Wrapped feature, a feature that creates personalized playlists and statistics based on the music preferences and listening habits of users

These are some of the product design trends that we expect to see more of in 2023 and beyond. Of course, these trends are not mutually exclusive or exhaustive, and there may be other emerging trends that we have not covered here. However, we hope that this blog post has given you some insights into what product design will look like in the near future.

Augmented and virtual reality design

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies have been around for a while, but they are becoming more mature and accessible for product designers to create immersive and interactive experiences for users. AR/VR design can enhance the visualization, understanding, and engagement of products in various domains, such as education, entertainment, tourism, retail, or healthcare. Some of the possibilities that AR/VR design offers are:

• Creating 3D models and simulations of products, environments, or processes
• Allowing users to manipulate, explore or customize products in real or virtual space
• Providing contextual information, feedback, or guidance to users in situational or personalized ways
• Facilitating social interactions, communication, or collaboration among users in shared or remote contexts

Some examples of products that follow this trend are:

• The IKEA Place app, an AR app that allows users to preview and place IKEA furniture in their homes before buying
• The Oculus Quest 2, a VR headset that provides wireless and immersive gaming and entertainment experiences
• The HoloLens 2, an AR headset that enables users to interact with holographic objects and data in real environments

Minimalist and functional design

As the world becomes more complex and cluttered, many users seek simplicity, clarity, and utility in the products they use. Minimalist and functional design is a style that emphasizes the essential features and functions of products while reducing distractions, embellishments, or unnecessary elements. Minimalist and functional design can improve the usability, aesthetics, and efficiency of products, especially in contexts where time, space, or attention are limited. Some of the principles that minimalist and functional design follows are:

• Prioritizing the core tasks and goals of products and minimizing the cognitive load of users
• Using typography, color, spacing, or layout to create a visual hierarchy and balance
• Avoiding gimmicks, ornaments, or excessiveness that may distract or confuse users
• Providing clear and concise feedback, instructions, or error messages to users
• Using familiar or intuitive patterns or conventions that users can recognize and learn easily

Some examples of products that follow this trend are:

• The Google Search interface, a search engine that provides relevant and organized results without clutter or ads
• The OneButton chair, a chair that has only one button to adjust its height and tilt, without any levers or knobs
• The Nest thermostat, a smart thermostat that learns and adapts to the preferences and habits of users, without requiring much input or intervention.

Product design trends 2023

Conclusion

These are some additional product design trends that we expect to see more of in 2023 and beyond. As technology advances and user needs evolve, there will surely be new challenges and opportunities for product designers to create innovative and meaningful solutions. We hope that this blog post has inspired you to explore and experiment with these trends, and to keep learning and growing as a product designer.

Product design trends 2023