SPRING 2023 : trends

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1. CANDY DESIGNS

Resin art has become popular in the design industry due to its ability to produce vibrant, translucent designs that evoke a sense of playfulness and imagination. One designer who has helped popularize this trend is Sabine Marcelis, known for her use of resin in lighting and furniture design.

A STUDENT PROJECTMarcelis began using resin in her work during her studies at Design Academy Eindhoven, where she experimented with the material's transparency and light-warping qualities. Her "Voie Light" design, which features neon resin tubes wrapped around LED lights, has become a popular example of how resin can be used to create visually stunning and engaging designs.

Developments in plastic technology have made it easier to produce high-quality resin objects with greater UV stability and color mixing capabilities. This has allowed designers like Marcelis to push the boundaries of what is possible with resin, creating objects that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

DRIVING FACTORS

Societal pressures have also created a demand for this style of design, as people seek to surround themselves with objects that spark joy and inspire creativity. Resin art's playful, candy-colored designs tap into this desire, offering a sense of lightheartedness and whimsy that is particularly appealing in stressful times.

The resemblance of resin art to candy is not coincidental. Candy itself is an imitation of berries, which early humans consumed as a source of sugar. This connection to our hunter-gatherer instincts may help explain why candy-colored designs resonate with us on a deep level.

The UX/UI design of Candy Crush, a popular mobile game, is a testament to the power of candy's primal sensory appeal. The game's brightly colored candies and satisfying sound effects create a nostalgic, almost childlike experience that keeps players engaged for hours on end. Last year, Candy Crush's parent company, King Digital Entertainment, posted revenues of over $2 billion.

The trend of cult candy designs can be traced back to the Apple Mac G3, which featured a range of playful, candy-colored designs that helped establish Apple's reputation for innovation and creativity. Creating feelings of nostalgia can naturally and effortlessly create a sense of safety, making candy-colored designs a popular choice for those seeking a sense of comfort and familiarity in uncertain and changing times.

This trend is expected to peak in the spring, as the aesthetics associated with the season, such as bright colors and lightness, connect well with this design style. The increased daylight also drives interest in transparent and translucent designs, making resin art a natural fit for the season.