Forecasting The Trends of 2021
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After a year that rewrote the rules, we turn to the Local Peoples team and ask – what are some trends we should be keeping our eyes on in 2021?
For all the hardship brought about in 2020, we saw many unexpected trends take shape, some that surprised, some that delighted.
Roads were transformed into outdoor dining spaces;
Baking became a global past time;
Toilet paper – for a moment – became more valuable than gold, and in some places, a rare currency.
Who would’ve thought?
Local Peoples founder Giuseppe Demaio believes that the challenges of COVID have helped us all develop our resilience and innovation muscles.
“This will continue to grow our capacity. We expect to see less conversation around whether we should or shouldn’t build this capacity and rather, much more attention and effort on how to best do this.”
Now facing a new year with the learnings from the year just gone, we turn to the team and ask them to look into their crystal balls to share with us what their trends for 2021 might be.
Farms, farms and more farms
First up is Ede Strong, our very own Digital Product Owner, who believes that urban farming will become more prevalent in the coming year.
“We’ll see an increase in inner-urban farming, I’d even predict that vacated corporate office space in the CBD will be turned into farming space.”
Bold prediction?
Well, Ede isn’t alone in this.
Urban farming grew – pardon the pun – in popularity during the pandemic. In an article published by The Conversation, urban farming has “much to offer in the wake of the pandemic.” The upwards trend of urban farming has the potential to create resilient and self-reliant communities, improve overall health outcomes and promote a more sustainable way of living.
An app for the great outdoors
Design Researcher Rebeka Fuge was one of the many Aussies who embraced the great outdoors once lockdowns ended and borders started opening up again. That’s why she believes the next app to keep your eyes on is Hipcamp.
Hipcamp is your comprehensive guide to any camping available around you, which means you won’t have to spend another moment inside again!
“Both the platform and the concept are exciting! Another trend I think will take off is nutella on olive sourdough, so you might even take some on your next Hipcamp adventure.”
Decrease in meat consumption
Andy Webb, our resident Designer, believes that there will be an ongoing decrease in meat (especially red meat) and dairy consumption in Australia with an increase in plant-based alternatives.
“Interestingly, I stumbled across a rural pub on my holiday break that listed their Parma as just ‘Parma and Chips’ and then had 3 options: Pork, Chicken or Vegetable and then 2 cheese options as Diary or Plant-Based. Usually it’s just a Pork or Chicken Parma (with dairy) and then the Vegan Parma as a separate thing.
“This is a really simple solution that illustrates the cultural shift towards being more accessible for everyone’s dietary requirements (especially in a rural/regional area!).”
Multifunctional furniture
Andy didn’t stop there! He also suggests that there will be an increase in multi-functional / adaptable furniture that goes beyond Ikea extendable tables.
“I think this was something on the rise even before COVID/WFH, but has definitely been pushed forward as people begin to spend more time at home.
“Designers seem to be creating products that can both be flexible and multifunctional (without being a gimmick) for space saving reasons, but also allowing the product to adapt with the user over time instead of being replaced.”
Trivia Toilet Paper
Finally, we end on the hot button topic of toilet paper.
After a year spent wrestling with logistical issues and bad PR that spanned supply chains to shelves, the team is certain that toilet paper is primed for a comeback like no other.
“Trivia printed on toilet paper. I reckon that has to happen. It’ll keep you entertained as we continue to run out of things to do at home.”
Well, you heard it here first.
Who Gives A Crap, I hope you’re listening…
