Most of us have been around long enough to know the saying, “We strive for progress, not perfection.” In this ideology, the goal is to be YOUR best self, as opposed to chasing someone else's idea of what you should be. It’s a powerful motto to live by. Not worrying about what others think and instead embracing your own measurement of success. Let’s think about that in relation to product design. Below are the 3 reasons why it just might be the perfect time to embrace imperfections.
1) STRATEGIC MARKETPLACE DISSRUPTTION
There will always be a place for timeless product designs showcasing smooth, sleek, and polished forms. However, if everyone is timeless, then no one is unique. Look for that white space and fill it! Among the timeless, there is room for imperfect product designs too. Study the competition and zero in on your competitive advantage. Do you have a cutting-edge technology that should be celebrated? Do you offer customized options to form deeper brand connections with your target audiences? Adding organic-inspired textures to your name plate, decorative trim, or functional componentry results in consumers experiencing your brand or technology in a unique way setting you apart from competition.
2) SENSORY BRAND EXPERIENCES
The trend of perfect imperfections explores the idea of not only awakening the sense of touch but elevating it to the next level. Bring raw tactility to metals and plastics by incorporating textures that compel your consumers to interact. Suddenly, you went from evoking one of the five senses to two. They’re experiencing your brand both visually and tactilely. Create bespoke textures and patterns in our metal product lines like electroform, aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc for a “truth in materials” or “cool-to-the-touch" experience. If you’re looking for something lightweight and flexible, create unique texture and patterns in our plastic and rubber product lines.
3) HANDCRAFTED AESTHETICS
Hammered metal and chiseled aesthetics are not only tactile, they are purposefully irregular; like what occurs in nature. Develop striking contrasts by highlighting their incredible surface level changes with our vast offering of metallic finishes. Utilize our plating, PVD, antiqued, and anodized coatings to allow the metallic textures to shine through keeping the integrity of the irregularities that make it so unique. Generate compelling yet subtle aesthetics with our etching capabilities on stainless steel, electroform, and zinc.
This perfect imperfection trend can be seen within both automotive and home décor. Accent pieces within the kitchen suite and center vehicle consoles are becoming increasingly popular. Adding a ridged, knurled texture to range knobs, refrigerator handles, and user interface switches is a great way to complement the type of forms we’re starting to see in automobile front grills and areas of home décor like lighting fixtures.
Are you ready to embrace your perfect imperfections and create something unique in the marketplace? Please complete our form below. We can’t wait to hear from you!