This document presents design themes for 2015 that were identified by analyzing notable designs from 2014. It summarizes 18 design themes across various disciplines including industrial design, transportation, music, color, materials, fashion, patterns, architecture, environmental design, typography, graphic design, information design, interaction design, interface design, eco design, and furniture design. Each theme is accompanied by 4-5 example images and descriptions to illustrate the theme. The document is intended to help design practitioners make connections between ideas and inform their design directions for 2015.

1. 2015 Design Themes 1
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
2015 DESIGN
THEMES
ANTHOLOGY, LA

2. 2015 Design Themes 2
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
FORWARD
2015 Design Themes are a result of a review of thousands of
designs published online during the past year; Notable designs are
archived on Anthology’s Tumblr blog at http://thisisanthology.
tumblr.com, and tagged with key words, which are used for
filtering and sorting among the various disciplines and elements
of design. The resulting clusters were then synthesized into design
themes.
The themes are intended to help design practitioners to make
connections between ideas and to help form their design directions
for 2015.
Special thanks to J.A.
Anthology, LA
anthology_la@icloud.com
http://thisisanthology.tumblr.com
https://twitter.com/thisisanthology

3. 2015 Design Themes 3
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
CONTENTS
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
CRAFTED PERFORMANCE 5
TRANSPORTATION
MULTI–MODAL 7
MUSIC
MATERIAL ACOUSTICS 9
COLOR
CHILD PLAY 11
MUTED MULTI 12
MATERIAL & FINISHING
NATURAL STATE 14
FASHION
PASSIVE SURVIVALIST 16
PATTERN
PROGRAMMATIC 18
SPATIAL 20
ARCHITECTURE
PUSH & PULL 22
SYMBIO 23
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
OPTICAL 25
REACTIVE SPACE 26
TYPOGRAPHY
MUTATIONS 28
GRAPHIC DESIGN
DIMENSIONAL 30
INFORMATION DESIGN
PROGRESSION 32
INTERACTION DESIGN
UBIQUITY OF TOUCH 34
INTERFACE DESIGN
RADIAL 36
ECO DESIGN
REDEFINED ECOLOGIES 38
FURNITURE DESIGN
DIY HYBRIDS 40
INDEX
INDEX 42

4. 2015 Design Themes 4
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INDUSTRIAL
DESIGN

5. 2015 Design Themes 5
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN THEME
CRAFTED PERFORMANCE
High performance and precision products are the result of high level of craft
and engineering. Examples in aeronautics and entertainment equipment design
demonstrate innovative vision matched by creative ingenuity.
Panasonic 64:9 ultra-wide sports
video system
2014
NASA asteroid capture system
concept
2014
Project Morpheus
2014
NASA Sunjammer, solar sail
2013
Online
Online
Online
Online

6. 2015 Design Themes 6
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
TRANSPORTATION

7. 2015 Design Themes 7
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN THEME
MULTI–MODAL
Movement in cities toward integrating multiple modes of transportation that includes
new types of electric vehicles, innovation in rail, and bicycles.
Lumen
2014
Splinster, ride renting
2014
TFL driver-less Tube train
2014
Toyota i-Road EV
2014
Online
Online
Online
Online

8. 2015 Design Themes 8
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
MUSIC

9. 2015 Design Themes 9
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
MUSIC THEME
MATERIAL ACOUSTICS
A response to low–quality, digital music, these products offer experiences that
focuses on materiality and physics of sound.
Loop wireless wall-mount speaker
system
2013
Unmonday Model 4.3
2014
Ulrimdock Ceramic Speakers
2014
Ototo, an experimental printed circuit board
2013
DIY musical instrument made with Ototo
Online
Online
Online
Online
Sound Pegs
2014
Online

10. 2015 Design Themes 10
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
COLOR

11. 2015 Design Themes 11
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
COLOR DESIGN THEME
CHILD PLAY
Adoption of bright palettes across product categories. Child-like and playful colors
communicate unadulterated honesty and simplicity, both in the meaning and quality
of the products.
Bell Bullitt Helmet
2014
Online
BleepBleeps
2014
Parenting devices such as such as a baby monitor, thermometer and fertility tester.
Online
Good Morning moka pot
2014
Online
Radius Series
2014
Online

12. 2015 Design Themes 12
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
COLOR DESIGN THEME
MUTED MULTI
Muted colors combined and applied in a semi-regular pattern to create an affect that
is unexpected.
London College of Fashion roof deck
2014
Online
Shanty storage
2014
Parenting devices such as such as a baby monitor, thermometer and fertility tester.
Online
Pinsofa 1
2014
Online

13. 2015 Design Themes 13
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
MATERIAL &
FINISHING

14. 2015 Design Themes 14
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
MATERIAL & FINISHING DESIGN THEME
NATURAL STATE
Use of minimally processed materials communicates a lifestyle of simplicity, and
supports an organic ecosystem by minimizing toxicity to the natural environment.
HI-LO SHELVING
2014
Easy pencil
2014
Sound Pegs
2014
Online
Online
Online
Craft adjustable bench
2014
Online
Round Square
2014
Online

15. 2015 Design Themes 15
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
FASHION

16. 2015 Design Themes 16
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
FASHION THEME
PASSIVE SURVIVALIST
Unexpected fashion objects with a focus on surviving the environment.
Capsule Collection
2014
Walking Shelter
2013
Sneakers with integrated shelter in the
fashion of a tent without a pole.
Online
Online
Vouwplaats
2014
Online
BB.Suit 0.2
2014
Clothing that cleans the air around the
wearer.
Online
Smog mask fashion, QIAODAN Yin
Peng S/S 15
2014
Online

17. 2015 Design Themes 17
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
PATTERN

18. 2015 Design Themes 18
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
PATTERN DESIGN THEME
PROGRAMMATIC
Use of digitally generated patterns are a reflection of the era. Patterns mimic digital
display glitches and technology. Designers are also using structural patterns that are
native to CAD software.
Lab coats
2014
Online
Technomimicry collection
2014
Melt
2014
FACETURE
2014
Knyttan
2014
Online
Online
Online
Online

19. 2015 Design Themes 19
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
PATTERN DESIGN THEME
PROGRAMMATIC
Patterns generated by data as well as by creative technologists.
Pine Island Glacier infographic
2014
Online
Forays/Optimism
2013
RGB circles
2014
Online
Online

20. 2015 Design Themes 20
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
PATTERN DESIGN THEME
SPATIAL
Creating amazing dimension by using deceptively simple geometry and visual effects.
Wall Shadows
2013
Online
Works on Reflection II
2013
Motion Matters exhibition
2013
Onion skin
2013
Online
Online
Online

21. 2015 Design Themes 21
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ARCHITECTURE

22. 2015 Design Themes 22
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ARCHITECTURE THEME
PUSH & PULL
Materials appear to be pushed and pulled to create gestural, curvilinear forms.
Dear Jingumae Building
2014
Online
Terminal 3 at Shenzhen Bao’an
International Airport
2013
Ecorium
2013
Heydar aliyev center
2013
Online
Online

23. 2015 Design Themes 23
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ARCHITECTURE THEME
SYMBIO
Nature integrated to human environment as the main design element.
Arbre blanc
2014
Online
Amazon headquarters
2013
Caravan
The Spur 2013
2013 Online
Online

24. 2015 Design Themes 24
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ENVIRONMENTAL
DESIGN

25. 2015 Design Themes 25
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN THEME
OPTICAL
Playful illusions in the physical space to attract and engage the viewer.
Hidden – Unveiling Japanese Design
2014
Online
Mirage Shelving
2013
Light onto a grey street
2013
Platform identity
2013
Play Cafe Installation
2013
Online

26. 2015 Design Themes 26
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN THEME
REACTIVE SPACE
For aesthetics and function, integration of technology in the built environment
continues to grow.
Box
2013
Online
Bao Bao Issey Miyake, Shinjuku
2013
Flow 5.0
2013
Online
Online

27. 2015 Design Themes 27
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
TYPOGRAPHY

28. 2015 Design Themes 28
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
TYPOGRAPHY THEME
MUTATIONS
Forms configured, generated, and reconsidered in a move towards distortion.
MIT Media Lab
2014
Online
ZXX, a disruptive typeface
2013
Whitney Graphic Identity
2014
Yale University Architecture
2014
Online Online
Online

29. 2015 Design Themes 29
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
GRAPHIC
DESIGN

30. 2015 Design Themes 30
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
GRAPHIC DESIGN THEME
DIMENSIONAL
The media space viewed in varied focal lengths.
Material Design Language, Google
2014
Online
MIT Architecture
2014
SOILED “Windowscrapers”
2013
Online

31. 2015 Design Themes 31
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INFORMATION
DESIGN

32. 2015 Design Themes 32
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INFORMATION DESIGN THEME
PROGRESSION
Information presented in a step-by–step progression, which is based on a well
considered sequence of actions for an activity.
Picture Cook: See. Make. Eat.
2013
Online
WalkNYC
2013
Rove
2013
Online
Online

33. 2015 Design Themes 33
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INTERACTION
DESIGN

34. 2015 Design Themes 34
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INTERACTION DESIGN THEME
UBIQUITY OF TOUCH
In the ubiquitous world of multi–touch devices, designers investigate touch and non–
touch materials, interfaces, and their potential behaviors.
@><#!!! – interactive metal surface
2013
Online
Online
Online
Chiaroscuro lamp
2014
A lamp that’s switched on and off by
touching it’s shadow.
Disney Research – paper generator
2013
UltraHaptics, Bristol University
2013

35. 2015 Design Themes 35
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INTERFACE
DESIGN

36. 2015 Design Themes 36
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INTERFACE DESIGN THEME
RADIAL
Radial style controls feels familiar and friendly, and differentiates brands within a
pool of homogeneously digital interfaces.
Sony QX lens cameras
2013
Online
Online
Pandora Android app
2013
Misfit Flash
2014
A sleep and activity tracker.
VW Play The Road iOS app
2013

37. 2015 Design Themes 37
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ECO DESIGN

38. 2015 Design Themes 38
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
ECO DESIGN THEME
REDEFINED ECOLOGIES
Integrate ecosystems into our daily environments, activities, and consumption.
Local River
2013
Online
Online
Online
Online
Short Circuit
2013
Upcycled electronics.
The Consortium for Slower
Internet’s ‘Cybernetic Meadow’
Collection
2013
Urban Farm
2013

39. 2015 Design Themes 39
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
FURNITURE
DESIGN

40. 2015 Design Themes 40
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
FURNITURE DESIGN THEME
DIY HYBRIDS
A combination of the IKEA–effect and upcycling, furniture is being modified to meet
personal needs and to support a smooth transition between activities and moments.
Integrated Workstation
2013
Online
Online
Online
Bikini Island furniture collection
2013
Loose Joints, a DIY furniture kit
2013

41. 2015 Design Themes 41
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
INDEX

42. 2015 Design Themes 42
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
Amazon headquarters, 2013 23
Arbre blanc, 2014 23
Bao Bao Issey Miyake, Shinjuku,
2013 26
BB.Suit 0.2, 2014 16
Bell Bullitt Helmet, 2014 11
Bikini Island furniture collection,
2013 40
BleepBleeps, 2014 11
Box, 2013 26
Capsule Collection, 2014 16
Caravan, 2013 23
Chiaroscuro lamp, 2014 34
Consortium for Slower Internet’s
‘Cybernetic Meadow’ Collection,
2013 38
Craft adjustable bench, 2014 14
Dear Jingumae Building, 2014 22
Disney Research – paper generator,
2013 34
Easy pencil, 2014 14
Ecorium, 2013 22
FACETURE, 2014 18
Flow 5.0, 2013 26
Good Morning moka pot, 2014 11
Heydar aliyev center, 2013 22
Hidden – Unveiling Japanese
Design, 2014 25
HI-LO SHELVING, 2014 14
Integrated Workstation, 2013 40
Knyttan, 2014 18
Lab coats, 2014 18
Light onto a grey street, 2013 25
Local River, 2013 38
London College of Fashion roof
deck, 2014 12
Loop wireless wall-mount speaker
system, 2013 9
Loose Joints, a DIY furniture kit ,
2013 40
Lumen, 2014 7
Material Design Language, Google,
2014 30
Melt, 2014 18
Mirage Shelving, 2013 25
Misfit Flash, 2014 36
MIT Architecture, 2014 30
MIT Media Lab, 2014 28
Motion Matters exhibition, 2013 20
NASA asteroid capture system
concept, 2014 5
NASA Sunjammer, solar sail,
2013 5
Onion skin, 2013 20
Ototo, an experimental printed
circuit board, 2013 9
Panasonic 64:9 ultra-wide sports
video system, 2014 5
Pandora Android app, 2013 36
Picture Cook: See. Make. Eat.,
2013 32
Pinsofa 1, 2014 12
Platform identity, 2013 25
Play Cafe Installation, 2013 25
Project Morpheus, 2014 5
Radius Series, 2014 11
Round Square, 2014 14
Rove, 2013 32
Shanty storage, 2014 12
Short Circuit, 2013 38
SOILED “Windowscrapers”,
2013 30
Sony QX lens cameras, 2013 36
Sound Pegs, 2014 9
Splinster, ride renting, 2014 7
Spur, 2013 23
Technomimicry collection, 2014 18
Terminal 3 at Shenzhen Bao’an
International Airport, 2013 22
TFL driver-less Tube train, 2014 7
Toyota i-Road EV, 2014 7
Ulrimdock Ceramic Speakers,
2014 9
UltraHaptics, Bristol University,
2013 34
Unmonday Model 4.3, 2014 9
Urban Farm, 2013 38
Vouwplaats, 2014 16
VW Play The Road iOS app, 2013 36
Walking Shelter, 2013 16
WalkNYC, 2013 32
Wall Shadows, 2013 20
Whitney Graphic Identity, 2014 28
Works on Reflection II, 2013 20
Yale University Architecture,
2014 28
ZXX, a disruptive typeface, 2013 28
@><#!!! – interactive metal surface,
2013 34
INDEX

43. 2015 Design Themes 43
December, 2014 Anthology, LA
CONTACT:
anthology_la@icloud.com