Trends Are More Than Colors and Styles

If we think about the enduring knowledge and principles within each industry as fundamentals, then methods are the second layer, tools and technology the third, and trends and context the top layer that changes fastest.

When I was studying design, I learned that trends play a particularly important role in the industry. Art and design history are, in many ways, a history of changing styles shaped by what was happening in society at the time.

Trends are not limited to visual styles, colors, or aesthetics, either. Many design companies have dedicated trend analysts, and some companies specialize entirely in forecasting what’s coming next.

When I worked in furniture design, for example, I learned that furniture trends often follow fashion trends. Behind what looks like a simple change in color or finish, there can be people analyzing what consumers will want years from now.

But if you think engineering and healthcare are not influenced by trends, think twice.

I would argue that we can define a trend more broadly as:

A general direction in which something is developing or changing over time.

By that definition, every industry has trends. And the forces driving them are often shared:

Psychological. Economic. Cultural. Political. Environmental. Social.

I remember how quickly some of these trends became major topics in the industries I worked in and studied.

In engineering, autonomous vehicles became a major topic around 2016. At Mcity, researchers were exploring not only the vehicle itself, but also how infrastructure would need to change to support autonomous transportation.

In design, sustainability became a major influence. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, edited by Paul Hawken, introduced designers and students like me to a much broader way of thinking about how design could contribute to environmental solutions.

In healthcare, digital care has become increasingly important—from wearable devices and virtual care to redesigned physical environments and experiences that make care more accessible and convenient.

And now, across virtually every industry, there is one trend we cannot ignore:

AI.

AI is already in front of us, around us, and influencing how we work, design, engineer, and deliver healthcare. And unlike many previous trends, its pace of change continues to accelerate.

That raises an interesting question:

If the context is constantly changing, should the way we solve problems change with it?

At BraidBloom, we help organizations navigate complex challenges through human-centered design.

The perspectives shared in this series are based on my professional experience across engineering, design, and healthcare. They represent my personal perspective and are intended to spark conversation and exploration.