NeoCon 2024 brilliantly highlighted future design trajectories. Our team at Haystack pinpointed five significant trends: the incorporation of storytelling in design, community-centered design approaches, experiential design elements, the impact of hybrid work models on office layouts, and the emerging role of generative AI in design. For us, as passionate followers of design, these trends made NeoCon a memorable showcase, providing a snapshot of the industry's future.

Storytelling in Design Takes Center Stage

Our cities and built environments worldwide have been put to the test these past few years, leaving us craving vibrant experiences that we can share and remember. Today, storytelling in design has skyrocketed to the top of everyone's list.

What struck us at NeoCon 2024 was the focus on storytelling. Designers are spinning stories to create immersive experiences that guide users on a journey, connecting them with brands, products, or spaces on a deeper level. This was stunningly showcased in a collection of joy-sparking textiles and wall coverings that used vibrant colors. This approach not only boosts visual appeal but also forges a stronger bond between the user and the design, creating an experience that lingers.

Community Service through Design

British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, who is renowned for his dynamic public installations and color-forward aesthetic, delivered an intimate “fireside chat” style keynote. He spoke about how he uses his design work to narrate stories, celebrate cultural identities, and bring people together. Notably, Ilori's design approach is deeply rooted in his British-Nigerian heritage, using Nigerian parables and verbal traditions to touch on themes that resonate globally.

His design philosophy is underscored by the belief that art and design should be accessible to everyone, and his work often exhibits a playful, provocative, and humorous character. Ilori's work notably transforms spaces to cultivate a sense of community, inviting audiences to engage with his creations and the environment around them. He further shared how these principles can be implemented in the modern workplace, using his new collection for Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering as a case study. His focus on community and storytelling in design was a significant highlight at NeoCon 2024.

Moreover, Ilori's work will also be on display throughout the summer at ArtOnTheMart. ArtOnTheMart is a unique public art platform that projects digital artworks onto the facade of the historic Merchandise Mart building in Chicago, where NeoCon takes place. This unprecedented project celebrates the intersection of art, technology, and architecture, transforming the city's urban landscape into a free, open-air gallery. It's an excellent opportunity to experience Ilori's vibrant and community-oriented work on a grand scale.

Experiential Design: New Standard of Excellence

Experiential design was a hot topic at NeoCon this year. Designers are shifting towards user-centric approaches, aiming to create engaging experiences that look good and work well.

Designers are crafting experiences that connect with users on a personal level. For example, an AR and VR display created a deeply immersive and interactive experience. It's exciting to see how tech is expanding the potential of design for us. The trend of multisensory experiences was also clear. The aim? To evoke strong emotions and create immersive environments that engage multiple senses. This approach is particularly popular in retail, hospitality, and entertainment design - it's no wonder, it leaves a lasting impression.

Hybrid Work Models Influencing Office Design

The impact of hybrid work models on office design was another trend that caught our eye. With more employees splitting time between home and office, office spaces need a makeover. This shift presents challenges and opportunities for designers, executives, and leasing agents.

Designers need to create adaptable, flexible, and tech-enabled spaces that support collaboration across physical and virtual environments. But it's also about creating spaces that foster innovation, collaboration, and well-being. They also need to balance creating a welcoming office environment that encourages employees to come back, while respecting their choice for remote work. It was fascinating for us to see how designers are innovating to tackle this challenge.

Generative AI Transforming Design

Finally, the rise of generative AI in design was a standout trend. These tools use advanced algorithms and machine learning to create designs based on set parameters and inputs. The potential of these tools is huge - they can uncover new solutions and push creativity to new heights.

One of the key benefits of generative AI is its ability to speed up the design process, enabling quick iteration and exploration of design options. By taking care of repetitive tasks, these tools give designers more time to focus on the creative and strategic aspects of design. But, the use of AI in design also brings up important ethical and societal issues. We need to tackle issues of bias, transparency, and accountability to ensure the responsible use of these powerful tools.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, NeoCon 2024 was a whirlwind of inspiration and innovation for us. The rise of user-centric experiential design, the transformation of office spaces due to hybrid work models, and the innovative use of generative AI in design are shaping the future of design. These trends highlight the importance of adaptability, creativity, and responsible innovation in our industry. Looking to the future, it's clear that designers need to stay flexible, embrace new technologies, and always keep the user in mind.