Integrating trends into the new product creation process
Identifying trends: the trend board tool

The third integration stage in the design process consists of transferring the harmonies selected from the palettes of form, color, use and texture attributes extracted from the ambiences into new design solutions. Integration takes place during concept generation. It first focuses on form, then on usage principles, through concept sketches, and finally on color and texture. The elements extracted from the palettes are integrated into the concepts, in accordance with global harmonies. Harmonies are compositions in which combinations of shapes, colors and textures create a coherent, balanced aesthetic and functional whole.

Formal inspirations can be integrated by interpolation or morphing. This is the case, for example, when automotive designers give an aggressive character to a sports car by working the silhouette of the front end to resemble a reptile's face. It...