As we approach the year 2025, the creative industry is facing an intriguing crossroads with the rapid evolution of AI reshaping design thinking. Leading creative directors, agency founders, and industry visionaries have shared their insights on the trends that they believe will shape 2025. These insights highlight a complex landscape where technology and humanity intersect in unexpected ways, making them essential to pay attention to, even for those who typically ignore trends. This moment is expected to be pivotal in design history, according to Jan Eumann, executive creative director at Wolff Olins, who emphasizes the transformative shift in technology due to AI.
The conversation around AI has evolved significantly, with designers acknowledging its importance and exploring its practical applications as a tool. AI has become integrated into various design processes, and its influence is only expected to grow as we approach 2025. Designers like Michael Freimuth have welcomed AI cautiously, recognizing its potential and limitations. The emergence of new AI platforms and tools is making design more accessible and innovative, pushing the boundaries of creativity.
As we move towards 2025, AI is becoming increasingly integrated into design tools and processes, offering new possibilities for creating brand assets and content in real-time. Designers are exploring the potential of AI to not just assist in ideation but also in the execution of design projects. The year ahead is expected to see AI take center stage as a powerful tool in the design industry. AI’s role in design is evolving to have a more direct impact, moving from conceptualization to final production. However, there is a looming concern that AI may lead to job displacement for many designers. As technology continues to progress, the likelihood of AI replacing designers with one-person design agencies is increasing.
On the other hand, there is a growing movement towards returning to handcrafted, human-centered design as AI advances. This shift is seen as a response to the fast-paced technology environment, with a focus on creating more human connections through design work. The trend towards physical experiences is becoming more prominent, especially in retail, where a balance between virtual and physical experiences is sought.
In addition, there is a resurgence of appreciation for craft and heritage in design, driven by factors such as personalization, sustainability, and the blending of technology with traditional craftsmanship. As design tools become more accessible, there is a push for more experimentation in design, with a focus on moving away from template-driven content towards unique and innovative designs.
Moreover, writing text is expected to become a crucial design skill in the future, as AI advances to create final outputs based on text prompts. Embracing the written word in design is seen as a way to shift away from formulaic design and open up new creative possibilities. Work by Bedow
Neko’s logo is divided in half, with the lower part slightly ahead, reflecting their tagline, „Ahead of Your Health.“ Work by Bedow
6. Sound becomes a key design element
Another trend emerging for 2025 is the increased importance of audio in digital design. Simon Carr, design director at DesignUps, provides detailed insight into this.
„As audio becomes more accessible and popular with web tools, it makes sense that there will be more creative ways to utilize sound files on websites,“ he explains. „This could be implemented in many ways: from soundtracks to UI sounds as a user navigates and makes choices.“
And here’s something else that may be changing. „It’s long been felt that auto-play audio on a website should be avoided,“ says Simon. „But going forward, I expect websites with a focus on sound will implement options to play audio or not, based on stored user preferences.“
7. Sustainability takes center stage
Environmental consciousness continues to significantly influence design decisions, with positive results being seen in areas such as packaging. Brands are recognizing that this will get them much further with the public than anything that might be perceived as ‚greenwashing‘.
„Brands are looking to wear their ethics proudly, like a fine suit,“ says Simon Manchipp, founding partner at SomeOne. „In 2025, expect a visual language that whispers of environmental stewardship: natural textures, earthy palettes. But brands will not only look sustainable but ensure they’re rooted in ecological mindfulness. Packaging may move to be as minimal as a haiku, made of materials that leave barely a footprint, and designs will exude a sense of calm, as though the planet itself had taken a deep, contented breath.“
8. Minimalist maximalism
So what impact will all this have on what designs actually look like? „I’ve heard a lot of talk about ‚Minimalist Maximalism,'“ says Cat How, founder and executive creative director of How Studio. „Minimalism has been a dominant design trend for many years, but in 2025, this trend, I think, will 10x itself and blend the simplicity of minimalism with the boldness of maximalism. So, we are still embracing the clean lines and white space of minimalism with more expressive and unexpected elements, such as vibey colors, massive type, and other eclectic elements.“
Wild Thingz by How&How
Blum by How&How (Designers: Lina Aragon and María Alejandra Maya-Fresa)
Blum by How&How (Designers: Lina Aragon and María Alejandra Maya-Fresa)
9. Health becomes the new luxury
The wellness sector is experiencing unprecedented innovation and investment right now, and that’s having an impact on design. Because health is becoming inextricably linked with wearables and tech, but someone has to make sense of all that data, or it’s next to useless.
„Visualizing health data is becoming the ’new luxury,'“ stresses Sarah Williams, co-CEO of Beardwood&Co. „Apple is doubling down on Health in their latest Apple Watch release, and everyone from Spotify CEO Daniel Ek to health platform Equinox to motivational speaker Tony Robbins is getting in on the opportunity to offer high-end, data-driven health services at a premium. The key focus? Making the unseen visible and the future predictable.“
Choice Organics.