At AWE 2025 we witnessed that the age of smart for smart's sake is fading.
But more importantly, what's rising? Keep on reading to find out.
Design simplified, experience amplified.
Interfaces are being stripped back - not of function, but of friction: fewer buttons, more intuition. CMF choices lean into soft tones, discreet surfaces, and multisensory materials. The goal? Harmony between product and home, user and experience.
Key shift: Control moves from the user's hand to their intent - with AI, gesture, and voice bridging the gap.
AI everywhere, but invisible.
AI is no longer a feature. It's the foundation. Embedded, anticipatory, self-optimizing. From kitchen appliances to laundry systems, AI guides better decisions, smoother experiences, and seamless routines.
But: The race for "smart" has created a sea of sameness. Many products now look and feel alike. The real challenge? Creating emotional differentiation through meaning, not just mechanics.
Kitchen as canvas.
Kitchen tech is stepping up - both in design ambition and sensory presence. Appliances like hoods and stovetops are blending into cabinetry, dissolving traditional forms. Nature is a key muse: organic shapes, warm–cool contrasts, and tactile finishes redefine the premium look.
Coffee machines split in two: One side goes digital-minimal. The other leans retro-emotional. Both speak to a desire for intuitive connection.
Air products with soul.
Purifiers and ACs are moving from utility to statement - doubling as design objects and wellness companions. Whether pet-specific filtration or voice-activated airflow, the goal is clear: environmental harmony that feels personal.
Reimagining laundry.
Simplicity dominates: one main dial, one clear interface. But underneath, ultra-precise AI-driven control systems quietly deliver tailored care.
Color, material & finish: the new language of emotion.
Three CMF trends emerged:
Ecological neutrals – grounding, warm, sustainable
Nature-digital fusion – color-shifting meets earth tones
Vivid saturation – bold expression as identity
Textures tell stories: matte vs. gloss, bamboo vs. aluminum, ceramic vs. digital sheen. Global heritage becomes a reinterpreted craft.
The future is sensorial & seamless.
Interaction evolves:
Invisible fusion – No knobs, no screens—just intent, recognized and acted upon
Motion & voice control – Contactless, contextual, confident
Ultra-precision control – Think ±0.1°C. Not just for performance, but for peace of mind.
