Impact on culture
In a consumer-driven society, the desire to own the latest product, such as a smartphoneA mobile phone with a powerful processor that is capable of running applications and accessing the internet. or fashionable trainers, has become part of our culture. Without always realising it, the public are immersed in media that subconsciouslyThinking or doing something without really being aware of it. influences their taste in style.
Changes in fashion trends
Fashion trends continue to be influenced by changing technology. Wearable items embrace new technology, such as high-tech watches, while textile technology utilises electrically-conductive material or 3D printing technology. Embracing new technology allows products to remain popular with a modern market while creating new and innovative looks (see image of dress with 3D-printed panels). Trend forecastPredict or estimate. are able to predict the future patterns and colours two years before products come onto the market, and manufacturerA person or company that makes something from raw materials or from an assembly of component parts. can buy this information to influence their designs and enable them to keep ahead of their market competitorAnother producer who sells similar products..
Respecting faiths and beliefs
Many countries now have a diverse range of cultureDescribes the way of life, behaviours and beliefs of a particular group of people., so it has become important for designersSomebody responsible for planning the layout or structure of a piece of work, eg a poster, a website or a computer game. to consider a range of cultural beliefs when designing for the mass marketThe market for goods that are produced in large numbers.. For instance, clothes designers might incorporate designs into their collections that allow customers from other cultures to dress more modestly, or cosmetics manufacturers may choose not to use animal ingredients in their products because of people's beliefs.