Futures Report 2025: The Promise of Technology is Connection Without Complexity

As the world becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the role of design is evolving. For decades, we’ve innovated to create more—more features, options, and products. It’s been a period of incredible creativity and growth, but one that has also left us with fragmented interactions and an overwhelming number of choices. We think the next wave of innovation isn’t about adding to this complexity. Instead, it’s about simplifying and elevating the ways we connect—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.

At the core of this shift is the idea of Connective Experiences: solutions that bridge physical, digital, and brand ecosystems to create something more cohesive and meaningful. It’s not just a design trend; it’s a necessary response to a world overwhelmed by choices, fragmented interactions, and fleeting connections.

‍

‍

The Drivers of Connection

Social, environmental, economic, and political forces are making connection a central theme in design:

• Loneliness as a Global Issue: Nearly a quarter of people worldwide report feeling lonely, highlighting the gaps in how we connect, despite digital advancements.
• Screen Fatigue and Digital Overload: A growing desire exists for less intrusive, more intuitive technology.
• Sustainability as an Expectation: Consumers now demand designs that last—both functionally and emotionally.

These shifts challenge businesses to go beyond aesthetics and usability, creating systems that resonate on a human level.

‍

‍What Connective Experiences Look Like‍

Imagine a home where technology anticipates your needs invisibly or a product that is both functional and joyful, designed to delight and endure. Connective Experiences harmonize physical, digital, and brand elements to prioritize seamlessness, emotional resonance, and durability.

‍

‍What This Means for Designers and Business Leaders‍

For designers, it’s about crafting meaningful, personal-yet-universal experiences. For business leaders, it’s about leading, not just reacting—creating ecosystems that foster loyalty, engagement, and long-term value.

‍

‍A Glimpse into the Future‍

As challenges grow more complex, connection will become even more essential. Designing for connection will set brands apart. Explore how this trend is shaping the future of design in our Future by Design Report 2025, offering insights into creating enduring, delightful, and meaningful solutions.

We’re building this future—and we want you to join us.

Explore the drivers of this shift, discover actionable insights, and learn how you can design solutions that endure, delight, and connect.