interzum Trend Stage: A turning point in design

Katrin de Louw will be throwing light on the most important developments and future themes for furniture, materials and interior design on the Trend Stage at the upcoming edition of interzum. As an independent curator, she is responsible for putting together the programme for the knowledge platform.

The owner of the TRENDFILTER® agency is keen to outline a comprehensive scenario for the industry, from technical innovations and pioneering design to social transformation.

“The main topics are, of course, sustainability, in particular the circular economy and innovative materials, as well as digitalisation”, the trend expert explains.

Renowned experts in these fields have been invited to share their knowledge with visitors.

As the leading theme of interzum 2023, neo-ecology will feature as a thematic focus in the Trend Stage programme.

Young designers and start-ups aspiring to create a transparent, regional and sustainable circular economy are given a platform here. Social trends such as the shift towards vegan diets and voluntary simplicity are reflected in their product developments: new materials for furniture, for example, are derived from plants such as hemp or native hardwoods. And conserving resources leads to recycling waste materials and the simplification of products.

Since the majority of a product’s environmental impact is determined by its design, there is enormous potential there for a transformation towards circularity.

A number of presentations on the Trend Stage demonstrate how circular-economy products are designed and manufactured. However, circular design not only presents an opportunity for more sustainable product development, but also for new business models. In efforts to establish circular practices, more and more companies are re-examining how they work in order to realign themselves.

Experts presenting on the Trend Stage share insights into the methods of developing circular business models that will help manufacturers remain competitive in the future.

Design must adapt in uncertain times. Speakers presenting on the Trend Stage will explore how social trends are influencing our habits and how various lifestyles are having an impact on interior design. Psychological factors play a part here, as do the latest furnishing trends.

Some of the topics covered include the added benefits of colour in interior spaces, and combining colour and fragrance. Trend experts present a selection of design and colour trends that are expected to be popular over the coming years.

The digital transformation in the furniture industry is another primary focus of the Trend Stage programme. Sophisticated technologies open up new possibilities in design and in the production of furniture components. Through the use of 3D technology, high-quality surfaces can be produced without the use of chemical materials.

Digital processes automate the production of images and ensure that they can be made available for individual customer requirements and product variants. With augmented reality, furniture can be positioned three-dimensionally in the space without having to actually be there in reality.

The Trend Stage is the place to see the latest product innovations as well as visionary ideas for the future.

“We are putting together a varied programme to ensure that there is something for everyone”, says the stage’s curator Katrin de Louw.

Visitors can discover the most important trend topics for the sector, encounter new ideas, and get to know new industry contacts all in one place here. And after the event is over, it will be possible to watch the entire programme again on the digital platform interzum @home, further enhancing the efficiency of the trade fair visit.

Those wishing to discover and discuss the industry’s latest trends and topics at interzum can find the full programme for the interzum Trend Stage here .