VIAVI’s 2024 Imagination Space Color Trends Palette
As someone who has spent 30 years immersed in the world of coatings, pigments, and color technology, I’ve witnessed the evolution of color design firsthand. My career began with a focus on color formulation and development, and became involved in coating science, and explored color trend forecasting. In 2022, I joined VIAVI Solutions where I work with advanced pigment technologies that bring coatings to life in new and exciting ways. VIAVI’s 2024 color trend palette, “Imagination Space,” blends technology and creativity, representing a step forward in the future of color design.
The Evolution of Automotive Color Trends
Automotive trends tend to evolve slowly and are influenced by numerous factors including technological advances, social changes, and shifting personal preferences. At VIAVI, we specialize in structural pigments that are created through vacuum coating technology. This technology allows us to deposit ultra-thin layers of colorless material on aluminum to form a glass-like layer that produces stunning visual effects. Our ChromaFlair pigments offer hue-shifting properties that create a sense of movement and captivate the viewer from all angles. Our SpectraFlair colors produce a rainbow-like light diffractive effect that is trending in multiple markets and adds a modern flair to any vehicle. These pigments are not only visually captivating but also create an experience that changes as you move around the vehicle.
I spoke with designer and trend consultant Kelly Slank, who has an impressive background in Color, Materials, and Finishes (CMF) design. She emphasized the importance of creativity in color design. As she said, “I start by stopping to look around me. I am always looking at design and into the trends around me. This approach is crucial in color design, as creativity continues to push boundaries despite the slow-moving trends.” At VIAVI, we were delighted to collaborate with Kelly on the Imagination Space trend forecast report.
The Future of Mobility
The Imagination Space palette responds to the growing need for more expressive and complex colors in the market. This palette was designed with the automotive sector in mind but its influence expands beyond cars. There is a significant overlap between automotive color trends and those in other markets like interior design, sports, and fashion. Today’s consumers are looking for options when it comes to car colors. They want custom palettes that reflect their personal preferences and styles, and they are turning to custom wraps and coatings to achieve this. Currently, consumers seem to be favoring rich jewel tones, soft pastel hues, and dynamic highly chromatic colors, all of which are addressed with our ChromaFlair and SpectraFlair pigments.
The Imagination Age
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift toward more versatile and bold color choices. VIAVI’s 2024 pigments, like ChromaFlair and SpectraFlair, are designed to meet this demand by offering dynamic, hue-shifting effects that engage viewers. These pigments are created using Color by Physics® technology which makes these finishes eye-catching and adaptable. Kelly emphasized that creativity “implies a sense of freedom and self-expression” that is likely to inspire more risk-taking and variety in color choices. The shift toward more expressive and complex colors is clear in the diverse shades of the Imagination Space palette.
Technological advancement, especially AI, is also a growing influence in color design. As Kelly notes, AI is influencing everything, and the ability to maintain a positive relationship with this technology will shape consumer attitudes across all segments. This outlook will influence how we approach sustainability, wellness, fashion, transportation, and will continue to play a crucial role in color design.
The Future of Color
At VIAVI, we are committed to incorporating creativity, innovation, and imagination to push the boundaries of what’s possible with pigments and coatings. Our 2024 Imagination Space color palette represents a bold step into the future of color design. With advanced pigment technology and a deep understanding of market trends, VIAVI is helping to shape the future of automotive coatings and more. This color palette is designed to captivate and inspire through the dynamic color-shifting effects of ChromaFlair and the light-diffractive properties of SpectraFlair. It reflects the expression and creativity of the Imagination Age. Together with our customers, VIAVI is helping to shape a future where color is not only seen but experienced.
