While society grappled with unprecedented challenges, the product design industry was compelled to adapt to new realities, leading to innovations and shifts that have transformed the ways in which we work and products we produce. COVID-19 has influenced product design, from the acceleration of digital transformation and changes in consumer behaviour to the rise of remote collaboration and a renewed focus on sustainability and health.

Acceleration of digital transformation

From the moment the pandemic hit, society became increasingly dependent on the digital world in order to stay connected and live “life as normal”. From ordering food shopping via apps to Microsoft Teams becoming your eternal meeting room, new behaviours and technologies suddenly became the norm. 

The pandemic acted as a catalyst for digital transformation across industries, and product design was at the forefront of this shift. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, traditional in-person collaboration became impractical, if not impossible. As a result, organisations of all shapes and sizes rapidly adopted digital platforms to maintain productivity and innovation.

A desperate need for collaboration: Tools that had previously been seen as supplementary to business operations suddenly became vital. Bouncing creative ideas off one another is at the core of what empowers individuals within our team to excel. The pandemic threatened this. 

Our design team quickly adopted instant messaging through services such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams in order to recreate the studio environment they were used to. Clients interacted with the team in ways not seen before and, as a byproduct of embracing this technology fully, we became seamlessly embedded into our clients’ operations.

Digital prototypes, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Product visualisation through CGI imagery, video, AR and VR gained prominence as they allowed designers to create immersive experiences for stakeholders. These technologies enabled virtual walkthroughs, interactive prototyping, and real-time feedback, bridging the gap between digital designs and physical experiences.

Consumers wanted something new

The pandemic fundamentally altered consumer behaviour, influencing the types of products that were in demand and the criteria by which they were judged. Product design consultancies had to respond at a staggering rate to keep up with a rapidly changing marketplace.

“Is it hygienic?” That was the question asked by many. With health and hygiene becoming paramount concerns, products designed to mitigate the spread of the virus saw a surge in demand. A vast variety of products and features where affected. Touchless interfaces, antimicrobial materials, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitisation equipment (check out our Handi case study) all grew in popularity.

Remote working brought new needs: As remote work became the norm for many, there was a heightened demand for products that enhanced the home office experience. Ergonomic furniture, home office accessories, and productivity tools were reimagined to cater to a workforce that had shifted from office buildings to living rooms and kitchen tables.

Sustainable product design: The pandemic also accelerated the trend towards sustainability and ethical consumption. Our team has always been proud to develop products with a strong focus on sustainability. Since the break of COVID-19 we continue to work with clients who are looking to meet rising consumer demand for low impact products. 

Innovation needed to happen – fast!

The challenges posed by the pandemic spurred a wave of innovation in product design. Designers were called upon to solve new problems and create solutions that addressed the unique circumstances of the pandemic era.

PPE was needed everywhere: A leap in demand for PPE led to rapid innovation in this field. Comfort, adaptability, aesthetic and durability were all factors that shaped designs and brought to life new business models and solutions. Design agencies worldwide were called upon to conceptualise products that would solve problems and satisfy the end-users’ needs. 

Smart and connected Products: The rise of remote work and the need for social distancing accelerated the development of smart and connected products. Home automation systems, health monitoring devices, and smart fitness equipment saw increased interest as consumers sought ways to stay connected, healthy, and productive while staying at home. 

Business needed to be propped up: As business owners strived to carry out “business as usual”, amongst the midst of social-distancing and government enforced rules, new products were needed to support them. Restaurants needed new ordering systems, public transportation needed new ticketing devices, shops needed new sanitisation stations – the list goes on. 

Trends were changing faster than usual: The uncertainty of the pandemic highlighted the need for products that could adapt to changing circumstances. Modular furniture, multi-functional gadgets, and customisable solutions became more popular as they offered flexibility and versatility in an unpredictable world.

Consideration for sustainability is now standard practice

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of sustainability and ethical principles in product design. With consumers growing more aware of the consequences of their decisions, designers were encouraged to integrate these values into their designs.

Materials choice became far more considered: Designers delved into new materials like recycled plastics, biodegradable composites, and sustainable textiles to prioritize eco-friendliness while maintaining high performance and aesthetics.

Circular economy – the hot topic: The idea of a circular economy has become more popular, prompting designers to develop products that can be repaired, refurbished, or recycled with ease (see Haysteamer). This strategy is focused on reducing waste and prolonging the lifespan of products, which helps to build a more sustainable and robust economy.

Health and wellness markets continue to diversify

The increased attention to health and wellness brought about by the pandemic has affected the design of products in a range of industries. Product designers have found more opportunities to include health-related features in everyday products to cater to the concerns and requirements of consumers.

Consumer electronics with wellness built in: The consumer electronics industry experienced a surge in wellness-focused features, including stress tracking, sleep monitoring, and guided meditation. Smartwatches and fitness trackers saw a boost in sales as the desire to enhance overall well-being emerged. Industrial designers, R&D specialists and electronics engineers worked side-by-side to develop products in a growingly diverse market. 

Hygienic is more important than ever before: Increasing interest in hygienic and antimicrobial products has expanded from personal protective equipment to include a variety of everyday items. Product designers have begun to integrate antimicrobial coatings and materials that are easy to clean into products such as kitchen appliances and seating in public transport, all in response to the growing demand for improved cleanliness and safety.

Skill development took a new course

Remote working has shed light on the benefits of remote-learning – something many organisations have been slow to adopt. The shift to remote operations and the accelerated pace of change highlighted the importance of continuous learning and skill development in all industries, including product design. 

Teams are now broadening their skill sets with greater ease: Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning saw a significant increase in users as more people were encouraged to utilise these tools. These platforms provided a wide range of courses in design software, UX/UI design, 3D and CAD modeling, and other valuable skills. For design agencies this has allowed their teams to upskill in ways that were previously not commonplace. 

Staying connected to industry leaders: Industry events, workshops, and conferences transitioned to virtual formats, providing opportunities for designers to network, share knowledge, and learn from experts. By taking these events online, impact on team productivity is reduced while retaining the ability to stay connected and network effectively. 

Collaborative learning has been utilised: Designers increasingly turned to online communities and forums to share insights, seek feedback, and collaborate on projects. Platforms like Behance, LinkedIn, Reddit and industry-specific forums became primary resources for inspiration, critique, and professional growth. 

Clients recognised the need for resilience and adaptability in their products and services

The product design industry was put to the test by the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of designers, even while working in abnormal environments.

Rapid prototyping: The need for rapid solutions during the pandemic highlighted the importance of quick prototyping and iterative design processes. Many product design agencies worked closely with prototypers while others, 3fD included, invested in their in-house prototyping capabilities. 

Collaboration with diverse suppliers and stakeholders: The intricate effects of the pandemic necessitated teamwork among various stakeholders, such as healthcare experts, engineers, and policymakers. Designers were essential in converting complicated needs into effective and user-friendly solutions.

So what does the future hold for product design? 

As the world emerges from the pandemic, the changes it brought to the product design industry are likely to have lasting effects. Since the pandemic ended many of the beneficial technologies, processes and outcomes have remained in place. 

Hybrid working: The hybrid work model, combining remote and in-office work, is expected to persist. Product designers will continue to develop solutions that cater to this new way of working, both for themselves and others. There will be greater flexibility, connectivity, and productivity.

“Sustainable product design” will be a common term: Sustainability will remain a core principle in product design, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressures. Designers across the board will prioritise eco-friendly materials, circular economy principles, and ethical practices in their work.

Health and wellness prioritisation: Health and wellness considerations will keep shaping product design in multiple industries. Product designers are set to prioritise the development of items that enhance well-being, ranging from fitness gear for home use to devices aimed at alleviating stress.

Emphasis on resilience, flexibility and modularity: The global health crisis has highlighted the significance of resilience and flexibility in design. It has become clear that upcoming products will prioritize adaptability, being able to adjust and grow to address shifting requirements and situations.

Collaboration with co-workers, clients and industry leaders: Since the pandemic there has been a clear uplift in digital communication and remote operations. This change is undoubtedly here to stay. As design agencies invest in more remote working capabilities teams will diversify greatly and design teams will benefit from a more collaborative development process.