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In 2012, colors that mirror a sense of movement, evolution, and surprise—bright, lively, even quirky hues and special effects—can be expected to find a receptive public. So will soft, muted, earthy, and organic tones that convey introspection, stability, and personal responsibility. If these two trends seem at odds, that may be because confusion and contradiction is also an important element in some of the major societal trends identified in the latest edition of ColorForward. This trend analysis and color design tool from Clariant Masterbatches (www.clariant.masterbatches.com) is released annually to help plastic product designers and marketing professionals make more informed color choices.
“Economic, technological, political and philosophical changes are happening across the globe at an incredibly fast pace,” says Cristina Carrara, designer at ColorWorks in Merate, Italy, and a member of the Clariant Masterbatches global ColorForward team. “Technologies that enhance communication and social interaction push these changes along. This creates an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty, while, at the same time offering people a means to regain a measure of control over one’s personal environment.”
In 2012, Carrara says, people will be quite open to taking chances and risks and will want to bring back a strong sense of identity. A growing distrust of the status quo can be expected to lead consumers to reject mass-produced things and seek more product customization; dissatisfaction with current leadership will be expressed by taking personal responsibility to make the world a better place.
ColorForward 2012 presents four global societal trends, which can be expected to influence the way consumers respond to color. Through intensive research and consultation with other color experts and organizations in different industries, an international team of Clariant specialists selected five different colors—or combinations of colors, as well as visual and tactile effects—for each trend. While influences come from fashion, jewelry, interior design and other fields, the Clariant color predictions relate to plastics products and packaging. This valuable tool is intended to help designers and brand marketers make informed decisions for products that will be introduced over the next several years.
The ColorForward team includes representatives from Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America who bring an international perspective. Only trends that have truly global relevance are considered.
For 2012 trends, CLICK HERE.
For previous trend predictions, CLICK HERE.
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