Geberit | Trend Report for the chinese bathrooms market

Case Study about the start of extensive cooperation in brand and product design with the Swiss company Geberit in the chinese market.

Color and pattern development

China trend colors and decorations

Challenge

In April 2012, Geberit, a world leader in sanitary technology, launched their new WC system, The Monolith. This exposed cistern and matching ceramic appliance is specially developed for the Chinese market. Geberit was looking for a trend analysis to extend their product portfolio with additional colors to complement the existing black and white, while creating graphic patterns attractive to the Chinese consumer, since The Monolith’s front glass panel offers unlimited possibilities.

Approach

Our color trend analysis started with brand and market research, competitor mapping and target consumer definition. We used the market research to understand Chinese history, culture, and interior decoration, all the way to fashion design. Several bathroom trend themes were identified and defined, representing specific colors, materials and finishing examples. Colors were evaluated based on reoccurring appearance in the trend analysis and grouped based on suitability for bathroom interiors, and Pantone code availability. A graphic design process was then performed for the patterns and finishes, defining the final direction for uniquely designed patterns.

Results

We created an extensive trend report, including the design brief for four new color tones for The Monolith, along with four new graphic design applications created especially for Geberit. The final colors and pattern selection were based not only on trends, but also on feasibility in manufacturing, and the need to easily implement these new colors within existing and upcoming product lines in the Geberit family. Our new colors and graphic design applications for The Monolith have a 2013 market release date.