Julia Cubbedge
In the ever-evolving world of design, the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards stood as a testament to innovation and purpose-driven creativity. From socially-impactful designs that sought to make a meaningful difference, to sustainable design practices championing conscious solutions, design in 2023 brought necessary change to global challenges.
Reflecting on a fantastic year of good design fills us with anticipation for the exciting prospects that await us in the coming year. What’s ahead? We can never be sure, but we’re kicking off the year with some deliberation and predictions for the design space in 2024.
What is Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz and why does it matter? Will this affect the way we create? Minimalism or maximalism? Will AI deliver on the hype? Stay tuned to find out alongside Good Design Australia.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning technology
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology is becoming more prevalent in the design process, integrating projects with data-driven insights. These systems are analysing data to inform design decisions, automating tasks and testing designs. From afar, AI seems to offer the potential to enhance the efficiency and creativity of design work significantly.
Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler and 2023 Australia Good Design Awards Juror, weighs in
“But at the end of the day, a design is about judgement, human connection and human experience. So I don’t feel a tiny bit threatened by AI, I feel excited by it, because it allows me to make judgement from a wider set of opportunities.”
As designers navigate this evolving relationship in 2024, the industry will likely grapple with finding the delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and preserving the essential human touch in design.
An AI-generated image of an architect using AI to supplement their craft. Image:
Meaningful functionality
Pantone’s Colour of the Year
Pantone explains the pick as a “warm and cosy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others or for enjoying a moment of stillness and the feeling of sanctuary this creates… a fresh approach to a new softness.” This may suggest a hope for more meaningful consumption in 2024, prioritising functionality and authenticity in design.
Artist and public speaker Yiying Lu tells
Julien Sebban of French studio – Uchronia tells
Will 13-1023 be numbers to remember in 2024? Image:
Biomorphic design
The embrace of biomorphic design is set to make a significant impact in 2024. Rooted in the inherent human inclination to seek connection with nature, this form of design strives to integrate elements of the natural world into the built environment.
Experts say that as our societal awareness of the impact of nature on our wellness grows, designers will increasingly incorporate these principles into their work. It might see society taking more and more digital detoxes and encourage designers to create places, spaces and things that are not only organic in aesthetics, but also foster a sense of wellness, harmony with others and integration with nature. If 2023 was the year of biohacking
Keli Hogsett, founder of fine art marketplace – CoCollect told
This may see nature-related colours such as green, blue and brown come to the forefront, and organic shapes and textures be prioritised. In the home, floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights and strategically-placed mirrors to maximise the natural rhythms of the sun could become standard. We can anticipate more green spaces to meet on and open air concepts in community areas, encouraging organic interactions.
“Random Pak Twin” from
recipient – Marc Newson.
Middleism?
A battle as old as time itself, the minimalism/maximalism debate wages on, yet the totalist side of the coin has shot noticeably ahead in recent years. Peter Spalding, co-founder and CCO of Daniel House Club, reflects
This fusion approach will reflect a cleaner, more tailored look as people crave comfort and familiar style in these trying times. However, there’ll be an individualistic twist – one that encourages personal expression through the integration of vibrant colours, patterns and shapes. The best designs will skilfully achieve a sense of equilibrium even within its more opulent elements, inspiring audiences to take a second look, even if things seemed unassuming at first glance. This exploration of a timeless crossroads could capture the thin line between simplicity and extravagance.
Thematically chaotic – a woven feature wall by Argentinian artist
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Designing from the fruits of reflection
Our foresight into design trends for 2024 revolves around the theme of societal harmony. It challenges the chaos in the world and designs of yesteryear with a more nuanced, understanding approach. This may see the combination of nature, aesthetics, individuality, diversity and togetherness. Concurrently, we remain vigilant regarding the evolving role of AI in the design realm, actively seeking collaborative approaches to navigate this dynamic space collectively.
2024 Australian Good Design Awards update
Entries for the 2024 Good Design Australia Awards will be opening in late February. Will our predictions come to fruition? Or, will our ever-changing world of design continue to throw us curveballs? Sign up to the Good Design Australia email newsletter from our home page