Photo credit: IFA Berlin

IFA, the largest hi-tech event in Europe, was held in Berlin early in September 2023. DM took a close look at the most interesting and significant technology and design trends that emerged at the show.

From 1 to 5 September, Berlin hosted the 99th edition of the IFA. Created in the early 1920s under the name of “Große Deutsche Funkausstellung”, i.e. “Great German radio and phonographic exhibition”, it was inaugurated by Albert Einstein in 1930, and since the end of WWII it regularly takes place on the first week of September.

Photo credit: IFA Berlin

Today, it is Europe’s largest innovation fair in the field of consumer electronics and home appliances. The 2023 edition saw the participation of over 2,000 exhibitors from 44 countries hosted in 26 pavilions over a total exhibition area of 130,000 square meters. The event attracted approximately 182,000 visitors from 130 countries, who came to discover the trends and must-haves that will influence the industry in the coming months. It was the first full edition after the pandemic without restrictions and it boasted some interesting innovations, starting with the new “experiential” spaces. These went, among others, from the Sustainability Village, which housed a repair shop and an exhibition area dedicated to green innovation, to a packed program of conferences on sharing best practices on sustainability from around the world, to the robotics hub at IFA Outdoors.

Overall, there’s a feeling that the thrill for completely novel and extremely innovative concepts was somewhat lacking. Nevertheless, the Berlin event provided a unique opportunity to uncover the most significant and relevant design and innovation trends. With contributions from Studio Volpi’s design team, we’ve attempted to summarise them in this article.

Design

TOTAL BLACK USER INTERFACE

The dark interface detaches seamlessly from the rest of the appliance’s surfaces to mark the separation between the two elements.

TOTAL WHITE

Almost a must in the SDA world, Total White is now also a trend in MDAs, for a minimalist, essential look.

Experience

FINISHINGS

The trend goes towards satin finishes and the use of backlit panels that can change colour according to personal preferences. The result is the offering of highly elegant, distinct and unique products, allowing for maximum customisation.

INTERACTIVE USABILITY

Product usability takes center stage, as the graphic interface gains fresh content. The new icons bring vibrant colours into the design, transforming surfaces into interactive, dynamic elements.

Sustainability

The proposal presented a comprehensive, cross-cutting approach, introducing smart solutions to bolster energy efficiency and reduce consumption by up to 20%. These eco- conscious electronic devices harmoniously integrate cutting- edge technology with sustainable materials, championing advanced environmental preservation and conservation practices for a more environmentally friendly approach.

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