Book-based designs put a novel spin on literature
Implications - The Millennial generation is reading much less relative to previous generations, with almost 50 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds in the U.S. never reading books for pleasure, according to a report by the National Endowment for the Arts. What's more, a shocking 42 percent of college grads will never read another book for the rest of their lives. However, designers are ensuring that books are showing up in our lives in different ways. While often bizarre, these novel approaches to reinterpreting the traditional book -- such as camping tents, gadget chargers and fashion accessories -- speak to one of society's most troublesome issues while allowing books to maintain a "presence" in our day-to-day lives.
Trend Themes
1. Book-based Designs - Designers are reinterpreting traditional books in novel ways, such as gadget chargers and fashion accessories.
2. Literary-inspired Fashion - Fashion designers are creating book-inspired apparel and accessories, such as book-bags and book clutches.
3. Literal Interpretation - Innovative designs create a presence for books in day-to-day life in response to declining interest in reading.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - Retailers can market book-based designs and literary-inspired fashion in response to consumers' changing interests.
2. Outdoor Industry - Designers can create unique camping shelters, such as the Fully Booked tent, to appeal to consumers who enjoy reading and the outdoors.
3. Technology Industry - Technology companies can create book-themed power sources and charging docks to appeal to book lovers who also use technology.
