Trends
Designing for 2025: Let’s Talk Trends
An Outlook on Consumer Design Trends Shaping the World in 2025 —a Friday evening conversation between a Creative Director and a Strategist.
“Good work team let’s call it a day!” feet shuffling, sneakers on carpet and sighs of relief, some of exasperation echo through the conference room as the Landor office empties on a Friday evening. Just as the lights dim a petite head pops through the glass door.
“Hi K! free to chat for a quick 5?”
Executive Creative Director, Kurnal Rawat breaks into a smile as he settles back into his seat. The lights flicker back on brighter than ever while Strategist, Chyra Luiz sets up her laptop. “I’m telling you K, 2025 is different, our consumers are thinking different”
“Alright,” Kurnal leans forward, “Tell me more.”
Chyra clears her throat and begins “Amidst evolving technology, raging conflict and a roller-coaster economy a new kind of consumer emerges, one that is looking for…”
“Wish I could escape this meeting room” - Kurnal
Hustle culture is no new news, the travails of daily life plague consumers acting as a new pandemic of sorts. From global conflicts and civil unrest to an increasingly anxious generation, the world today is witnessing a collective breaking point. However, the response to this growing trend is simple, quite literally! Overwhelmed by global anxieties and information overload, consumers are increasingly seeking solace in simplification. They are actively pursuing moments of escape and joy that help them disconnect from the travails of reality.
“And how does Escapism manifest in the visual world?”, Chyra pauses as Kurnal takes the stage.
Brought to life by dreamlike design, disproportionate figures and metaphorical themes, surrealism is all about embracing the illogical bounds of imagination. It rejects rational order and instead celebrates bizarre juxtapositions, unexpected combinations and a healthy dose of the absurd; creating a world that is both captivating and bewildering.
“Exactly what I need on a Monday morning” - Chyra
While dystopian, far from reality experiences are much desired and appreciated nothing beats big, bold, simple information, easy to spot and fun to read. The use of bold typograph, color and forms are taking center stage in 2025. The coming year will see more of simple yet highly emotive designs. However, in pursuit of simplicity it is important to keep in mind that this isn't about minimalism for minimalism's sake; it's about maximizing communication and creating a memorable impact with less.
While ‘Escape’ tops the leaderboard it is not to be confused with apathy and lethargy. It's important to remember that today's consumer isn't just looking to escape reality – they're looking to improve it. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, consumers are increasingly seeking products and services that not only meet their individual needs but also contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future by embracing innovation and problem-solving.
Gone are the days of two-dimensional design. Advancements in technology and increasing consumer demand for immersive experiences are pushing designers to think spatially, even when working in two-dimensional mediums. Brands are striving to create interactive, engaging and impactful brand worlds by blurring the lines between dimensions.
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore, it's breathing life into design. Think rocky textures, ocean hues, the vibrant pop of a ripe berry or the deep green of a forest canopy. Designers are tapping into nature's vibe, not just for aesthetics, but with a mindful eye on natural dyes and how those earthy tones play on different materials.
Amidst endless escape and impactful engagement consumers are craving depth, authenticity, and rich experiences. They're tired of the superficiality of online interactions, they're yearning for real-life experiences and genuine human connection.
“So, less screen time and more real-time?" - Kurnal
The two pause as they take stock of the multiple screens buzzing with visuals around them. A quick game of foosball serves a moment of levity and a reminder of the power of genuine interaction, before they continue.
This shift towards authentic engagement presents a huge opportunity for brands. It's about creating experiences that resonate on a deeper level, fostering genuine relationships, and offering more than just a product. The key is to use it mindfully, to enhance real-world experiences rather than replace them.
Consumers are craving authentic cultural connections and brands are responding by showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions, stories, and artistic expressions that make each region unique. In India, this translates into designs that draw inspiration from regional typography, folk art, and local colour palettes.
Buckle up, because packaging is transforming into a portal for positive change. Immersive tech isn't just about dazzling consumers with digital fireworks; it's about empowering them to make a real-world impact. Imagine a product that lets you scan the packaging to see its entire journey, from sustainable sourcing to ethical production, or an AR experience that shows the direct impact of your purchase on a community in need. Impactful engagement is the new buzzword, brands are leveraging immersive tech to educate, empower, and activate consumers, turning every interaction into an opportunity to create a better future.
The evening sky now glows in pink with hints of yellow highlighting the cityscape. A low hum fills the room as the air conditioning blasts through the vents. Jackets are pulled tighter and the two settle down scrolling through the last couple of slides.
While Escapism, Creation and Connection set the stage for 2025 a comforting trend emerges. It's a trend rich in emotion, grounded in a desire for genuine well-being, and fueled by a recognition that time, not things, is our most precious resource. Consumers are trading the pursuit of material possessions for the pursuit of meaning. They're prioritizing experiences, longevity, and lasting memories over fleeting trends and instant gratification.
Kurnal’s eyes gleam as he observes the empty office desks strewn with sketches and rough drawings, “Look around you Chyra, we’re living this trend”.
While the outside world drowns in a sea of sleek, AI-generated perfection where polish and pristine are ever present, consumers are craving a little grit. They're yearning for the raw, the authentic, the real. Think hand-drawn type that wobbles a bit, illustrations with a charmingly human touch, even designs that look like they were sketched on the back of a napkin. It's about embracing the imperfections, the happy accidents, the things that make a design feel truly unique. Forget perfect symmetry and robotic precision; we're talking off-kilter layouts, unexpected textures, and a whole lot of bespoke artistic flair.
However, amidst this pursuit of upliftment, we fail to realize that meaning can come from taking a step back. Re-discovering roots, appreciating the classics, good old nostalgia.
Both of their eyes’ glaze with reminiscence, Chyra recounting the first time her parents bought her a sick, sleek Walkman in pink and Kurnal the first time he sipped on a chilled Goldspot, the bottle and logo still fresh in his mind.
Revivisence is all about reviving classic heritage for the modern eye. We're seeing a resurgence of elegant serif fonts, painterly illustrations that feel like they belong in a museum and vintage forms stripped down to their minimalist essence. It's all about honouring the past without getting stuck in it. It's a nod to the classics with a fresh perspective that feels timeless.
As Kurnal and Chyra run out of slides to discuss, we reach the end of this article. The trends uncovered are merely the tip of the iceberg. They paint a portrait of a consumer seeking more than just products; they seek experiences, meaning, and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. In 2025 and beyond, successful brands will be those that understand this fundamental shift. The future of design lies not in simply meeting needs, but in inspiring growth, fostering connection, and uplifting the human spirit.
Sweet Surrealism: Dreamlike, illogical, metaphorical visuals; embracing the absurd and imaginative.
Big, Bold, Beautiful: Simple, impactful designs using bold typography, colour, and forms; maximizing communication with less.
Exploring Dimensions: Blurring lines between 2D and 3D; creating immersive and interactive brand experiences.
'E' for Earth: Sustainable design using natural colors, textures, and materials; reflecting environmental consciousness.
Incluverse: Celebrating cultural diversity through regional typography, art, and color palettes; fostering authentic connections.
Action Packed: Utilizing immersive tech (AR, QR codes) in packaging to empower consumer action and engagement.
Perfectly Imperfect: Embracing raw, authentic, and human imperfections in design; rejecting sterile perfection.
Reviviscence: Reviving classic design elements (serifs, vintage forms, painterly illustrations) with a modern twist.
“Surrealism, augmented reality, reviving classics... 2025 is brimming with opportunity”, the Landor office is now truly empty as Kurnal and Chyra pack up. Kurnal is headed home to share a weekend of full of uplifting moments with his family and Chyra is all set to explore genuine connections at a social mixer in Bandra tonight.
