In approaching this forecast, we acknowledge the difficulty in speaking of a global pandemic in terms of the future of consumer behaviour. But at the same time, we recognise that designers aren't going to be able to compartmentalise after this threat retreats, and there is no doubt that it will shape the future, so we do talk about Covid-19, and in some depth.
In producing this issue we owe huge thanks to our concept, industry and regional panellists and contributors who went above and beyond with their time, resources and expertise.
Thank you from the whole Colour Hive team.
With extraordinary speed, the Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how we view the world and interact with others; most significantly, crowds and gatherings are no longer welcoming but signify danger. Awkward looks at how social distancing and self-isolation will inform our collective consciousness in the future.
This story looks at one potential response; an overriding need to control our surroundings and mitigate for future disasters.
A series of complex interconnected drivers encapsulating isolation, protectionism and unease needs to be expressed with a visual metaphor. And, perhaps the most apposite driver here is a re-appreciation for the not so subtle tropes of suburbia.
Stark, empty streets around the world have been one of the most visually arresting images of the Covid-19 pandemic; a previously unimaginable reality where people no longer exist. Our second story, Wasteland looks at the power of nature to challenge our complacency and asks if there is an opportunity to learn from our mistakes.
While Awkward projects fatalism and a yearning for control, paradoxically, Wasteland reflects a more optimistic outcome post Covid-19.
Also in this issue
Image credits from top: Yruari @yruari | Jandrie Lombard | Colour Hive | Simón Ballen, Photo Femke Reijerman/Design Academy Eindhoven
