The minimalism trend – from fashion to organization to interior design – has taken off in the last few years, especially as the pandemic uprooted our everyday normal life and helped redefined our values.
As a leader in Lenovo's Experience Design Group, I've seen both consumers and businesses focus more on aesthetics in this new world. Whether the user is a tech or design enthusiast, or just someone whose office is now based out of their living room, monitors, the largest component of PCs, are something they're proud to display in their home.
Let's peek behind the curtain of the minimalist, sleek design gaining momentum worldwide and how it's shaping the future of monitors for the everyday consumer, worker or gamer.
Opportunity to enhance display capabilities
As our professional and personal lives were forced to adjust to the pandemic, so was our technology. With people spending more time at home, they sought out better display options – both in performance and in complementary devices such as webcams. Across the board, because people are spending more time on their computers at home and monitors are the centerpiece of the experience, people wanted a few key enhancements: a better screen experience, bigger screen real estate and broader connectivity.
Monitors served multiple purposes during the pandemic – serving as office centerpieces during the workday, then doubling as screen space when staying connected with loved ones or logging gaming hours. As we move more confidently into a hybrid world, users don't just want technology that gets the job done, they want it to fit into the design aesthetic of their home.
Demand for sleek but functional aesthetic
Our global design team is constantly inspired by how people are interacting with and using devices. We look at non-tech design trends such as furniture and interior design and try to understand the context that people make their design decisions within. For example, people are looking for sustainable products and packaging, but they also don't want anything that's too expensive or impractical.
We're seeing demand continue to grow for minimalist designs. Based on customer feedback, new product generations are focused on removing clutter, especially in the home and office and simplifying the experience. To us, minimalism means valuing straightforwardness and transparency in the design language. Clean, simple and minimalist silhouettes inherently create a premium and luxurious aesthetic that users want to incorporate into their space, without sacrificing function.
Future of aesthetics for technology at home
Looking ahead, monitors will not only evolve as a hub for tech use but also a statement piece within the home (and home office). Forget clumps of wires and matte black boxes – I see a future of distinct designs that catch the eye like a well-placed piece of art. You can expect monitors made of unique materials such as Italian Terrazzo, lighter color schemes to blend with modern home design and sleek metal features.
