MEGATREND DIGITALISATION & CONNECTIVITY
The digitalisation of our everyday lives is progressing and does not stop at our homes. This can be scary – who likes to feel monitored? The fact is, it’s here – whether we like it or not. Recently, I had the opportunity to train at the Zukunftsinstitut and am now a certified Future Manager. Our profession as interior designers requires us to be at the forefront of developments in society and to be aware of the trends of the future. You first have to know what’s coming… as a Future Manager, I am now familiar with the 12 megatrends of our society and also know where the sub-trends come from and how volatile the systems are.
Have you heard of the term IoT? At first it was new to me too, but it refers to technologies such as the smartphone, which has the ability to control home lighting or music – a prime example of the “Internet of Things”.
In a survey of the Swiss population in 2020, 61.8% of smart home users stated that they use smart lighting systems. 56.4% stated that they use smart music systems.
Survey on the use of smart home devices in Switzerland 2020
Published by Statista Research Department, 03.01.2024
OPERATE THE SAUNA FROM THE SKI SLOPE?
The possibilities of digitalisation are fuelling smart home concepts.
The benefit of this should not be the complex connectivity and associated control, but the added value for us residents. As health takes centre stage in buildings and urban planning, our living spaces and homes will also undergo a profound transformation to prioritise well-being. As a result, sales of private wellness facilities such as saunas and steam showers have exploded.
The Global Wellness Institute mentions in its Trend No.8 – Home as Highest-Tech Health Hub – that 95% of consumers believe that their home influences their health and 73% consider their health to be a decisive factor when choosing their next home.
GWS The future of Wellness / Trends 2024
DO YOU LIVE ACCORDING TO YOUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM?
The goal of circadian lighting design is to work in harmony with our internal clock, this is done by providing ample daylight or, when daylight is not available, modulating the intensity, spectrum and colour of electric light in symbiosis with the natural light cycle. This harmony should increase occupant comfort and productivity and create a healthier visual environment and experience. Changing the colour temperature also has a psychological benefit on a subconscious level because it strengthens the connection to nature.
TIP
The bluer and brighter the light, the more the romantic mood can be affected – all light colours above K3000 (K=Kelvin=light colour) are close to daylight and therefore not suitable for enchanting your home. Glare-free luminaires with a concealed light source are particularly attractive for sensuality. In the evening, several glare-free light sources with individual light intensity can be used as accent lighting to enhance well-being. White light during the day and NO blue light at night supports the circadian rhythm.
FRAGRANCE TOUCHES OUR SENSES
Even a subtle whiff of a fragrance in the air triggers our memories, directs our emotions and determines our well-being. Room fragrances significantly characterise the atmosphere of an environment and influence our state of mind and well-being. Essential oils have a wide range of effects. Depending on the plant, they can have a relaxing, revitalising or refreshing effect. They can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, fight colds, relieve cramps, increase concentration, stimulate sensuality and sexuality and much more. How about using a fragrance on your next date to positively influence the outcome of the date?
The effect of essential oils on emotion regulation is due to their chemical components, which penetrate the limbic system of the brain. This system regulates our moods, emotions and motivations as well as our behaviour. Aromas that enter the brain via our nose stimulate the nervous system and release hormones. Certain scents can lift our mood, while others leave us feeling gloomy.
DO YOU KNOW REVOLTAB?
The revoltab solution combines premium design, the latest Swiss technology, intelligent diffuser control, efficient maintenance methods, revolutionary “as a service” purchase models and inspiring room fragrances.
https://revoltab.com
TIP
Peppermint has a refreshing and memory-enhancing effect on mental exhaustion and lack of concentration and has a liberating and soothing effect on colds and migraines.
Rose has a calming, skin-caring effect and creates a warm and loving atmosphere. It is also said to have an aphrodisiac effect. Vanilla has an aphrodisiac, cheering and warming effect
( your date ! ).
Cinnamon has a stimulating, balancing and nerve-strengthening effect.
Lemon has a refreshing and revitalising effect. Helps with weakness, depression and lack of concentration.
INVISIBLE HELPERS?
TECH MEETS DESIGN – INVISIBLE HOME TECHNOLOGY
Our latest discovery is a company that produces lights but says of itself that it is a tech company…..
What has completely convinced me are the integrative possibilities of aesthetic problems, which probably every architect and interior designer knows.
Integrated exhaust air
Gone are the days of ugly exhaust air grilles in living rooms and especially wet rooms.
The exhaust air mechanism has been invisibly integrated into the luminaire – only the luminaire itself is visible; the noise level is also very low at < 25 dB(A).
Integrated motion detector
Do you know beautiful motion detectors? Prado has the perfect solution here too. The motion detectors can be mounted up to a height of 360cm and still achieve a radius of 100cm – perfect for corridors or guest areas that need to fit aesthetically into an upmarket environment.
www.prado.eu
We are delighted to be able to offer new solutions in the field of concealed components with Prado. Solutions for ventilation, motion detectors as well as integrated switches and cameras have convinced us. The material components fit convincingly into our interior design.
CONCLUSION
Connectivity and digitalisation are megatrends that will last for decades to come and will continue to develop in many dynamic sub-trends. For society, this means adapting and integrating new experiences from technology into everyday life. The human brain is so adaptable that our synapses will reconnect – a study has just been published showing that the use of smartphones does not make us dumber, but that memory performance is improved by digital memory aids ( University College London 2024 ).
Developments in industry will increasingly move towards total networking – people should see these achievements as a help in everyday life. The good thing is that human values, emotions and sensuality will become more valued in a digital world. Being human is characterised by sensory perceptions that cannot be faked by any AI. If we celebrate the exchange and connection with each other, we will strengthen our humanity and perhaps ‘rewired’ into completely new dimensions.
Nicole’s blog is published sporadically and provides you with useful tips for your personal feel-good world, the latest products and interesting facts from the everyday work of an interior designer.
Would you like to receive the latest blog? Then follow us on our social media channels.
Nicole Gottschall
Head of Design GO INTERIORS
Interior Architect VSI.ASAI / Owner
Copyright GO INTERIORS GmbH Seestrasse 344 CH-8038 Zurich
www.go-interiors.ch T 041 44 463 83 83
