Against the backdrop of global environmental challenges, the worlds of business, creativity, technology and politics are increasingly converging. Design has a mediating role to play in shaping a more liveable future for all.

For the fourth year in a row, iF Design is the publisher of the iF Design Trend Report, an internationally oriented analysis of global design trends. In collaboration with researchers from “The Future:Project”, Frankfurt/M., the new Trend Report looks at the most important facts and trends that are shaping the present of design and makes them comprehensible using current best practice examples from the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025.

The iF Design Trend Report 2025 is a valuable resource for anyone working in the fields of product, innovation or strategy – a cornucopia of trends, case studies and food for thought that will influence the way we design in the coming years. Interviews with designers from ten countries provide valuable insights and perspectives on the topics. The most important key learnings are concisely summarized at the end of each chapter. The report can be explored interactively and supports flexible reading behavior.

 

The Trend Report 2025 focuses on six major transformations in our society:

 

Human Digitality

Design promotes the interaction between people and technology in a more networked society. The more complex the technologies, the greater the demands on the interfaces between products and services, as demonstrated by the use of generative AI and robotics.

 

Conscious Economy

Design helps to create more empathetic interaction in companies. Values and social developments are increasingly shaping strategies in companies, which are also inspired by design methods. Soft skill sets are becoming a decisive factor within HR and recruiting, and job crafting should free employees from passivity.

 

Co-Society

Design to promote togetherness in an increasingly fragmented and polarized society. Wealth is reinterpreted in the Quiet Luxury trend and used for more economic and social justice. Sustainable products impress with carefully selected materials. Two opposing trends can be identified: Individualization versus a culture of “we”.

 

Eco Transition

Design accelerates transformations towards a circular society. Companies benefit from shared resources, reduce costs and increase flexibility. Open innovation platforms and sharing knowledge about circular design will play a central role in design.

 

Mindshift Revolution

Design breaks with stereotypes. Values and norms, worldviews and gender-specific imprints are reshaped and leave more room for personal development. Mental health is gaining in importance. The mental health shift is supported by universal design and contributes to more mindful interpersonal relationships.

 

Globalization

Design supports global resilience. Globalization describes the search for a new connection between local actions within the global network. Design strategies address this and strengthen local locations through regionalized production processes and intercultural learning and make them less dependent on international interdependencies.