Designing Tailored Experiences for Gen Z

Image taken during Index Saudi at Art World Industries PVD ltd. Detail of metal work on decorative accessories.

The future of interior design is evolving rapidly, driven by the dynamic demands of Generation Z (Gen Z). This generation, born between the mid-'90s and early 2010s, has a unique set of preferences and expectations when it comes to interior spaces. At the recent Index Design Show Riyadh, a panel of interior design experts came together to explore the art of creating tailored experiences for Gen Z. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of interior design and its implications for real estate developers and hotel owners looking to cater to this influential demographic.

Understanding Gen Z: The Digital Natives

Gen Z is unlike any generation that has come before. They are digital natives, growing up in an era of rapid technological advancement. To effectively design spaces that resonate with Gen Z, it's crucial to grasp their distinctive characteristics and preferences.

Speaker 1: Shady Wanis - The Creative Visionary

Shady Wanis, an Interior Architect with nearly two decades of experience in hospitality and commercial design, shared invaluable insights into designing for Gen Z. He highlighted that approximately 40% of Saudi Arabia's population falls into the Gen Z category, emphasizing the need to cater to their preferences.

Wanis emphasized the importance of creating physical spaces that encourage face-to-face interactions. In an era dominated by social media, Gen Z craves authentic, in-person experiences. Wanis also noted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a new tool in interior design, supporting designers in creating spaces that resonate with Gen Z's values and preferences.

Speaker 2: Amani Al Ibrahim - The Authenticity Advocate

Amani Al Ibrahim, a partner at Christina Zanic design studio, provided further insights into Gen Z's expectations. She highlighted their tech-savvy nature and active presence on social media. For Gen Z, technology is a seamless part of their lives, and they expect numeric experiences, such as streamlined check-ins.

Authenticity is paramount for Gen Z. They seek tailored experiences and are conscious of sustainability. Al Ibrahim stressed the importance of using healthy materials and sustainable finishes in interior design to align with Gen Z's values. Furthermore, Gen Z is passionate about sustainability and actively spreads information about brands that align with their values.

Speaker 3: Justin Wells - The Storyteller

Justin Wells, a Global Hospitality Design Consultant with extensive experience, emphasized the need for interior designers to be as inventive as Gen Z themselves. He highlighted the responsibility of designers to prioritize sustainability and adapt to the rapid pace of change.

Wells encouraged designers to research thoroughly, understand their clients, and involve the local community in projects. Gen Z places high value on authentic, memorable experiences. He also emphasized that AI should complement, not replace, the emotional and philosophical aspects of interior design.

Speaker 4: Adam Al Hazmi - The Tech-Savvy Designer

Adam Al Hazmi, a Project Manager and Design Manager, shared insights into Gen Z's approach to technology. He pointed out that while smart homes were a significant trend a decade ago, Gen Z is now focused on the concept of smart cities.

Saudi Arabia, with its rich history, presents unique opportunities for interior design. However, the design industry in the region is still emerging. Al Hazmi stressed the importance of using technology, especially data-driven insights, to understand user behavior and create inclusive, authentic designs that resonate with the local community.

My conclusion:

Designing for Gen Z is a multifaceted challenge that requires a deep understanding of their values, preferences, and the role of technology in their lives. The insights shared by these interior design experts at the Index Design Show Riyadh underscore the need for authenticity, sustainability, and community involvement in creating spaces that cater to Gen Z's expectations. For real estate developers and hotel owners, embracing these principles and collaborating with forward-thinking interior designers will be key to attracting and retaining Gen Z customers in the evolving landscape of interior design.

In a world shaped by the digital age and driven by the preferences of Generation Z, interior design has become an art of creating spaces that not only captivate but also resonate with the unique demands of this influential demographic.

How can I help you ?

As an interior design consultant, I stand ready to assist real estate developers, hotel owners, and restaurant proprietors in navigating this dynamic landscape.

My experience and expertise enable me to help you establish a design brief that aligns seamlessly with the needs and desires of your target market. Take, for example, the project in Shanghai where I successfully catered to young professionals, Millennials, and Gen Z individuals seeking quality experiences. Understanding this generation's craving for authentic, healthy, and light dining experiences led to the creation of Hunter Gatherer, a concept store that blended a healthy food supermarket, coffee shop, restaurant, and cooking studio. By sourcing traceable organic ingredients from around the world and locally, translated demands and commitment to athentic experience quality.

Embracing any Generation or target customers values of authenticity, sustainability, and community engagement is essential. I can guide you in achieving these principles in your interior design projects, ensuring that your spaces cater to this burgeoning demographic.

By doing so, you not only meet their expectations but also position yourself at the forefront of the evolving interior design landscape.

So, whether you're embarking on a new real estate development, managing a hotel, or envisioning a restaurant concept, I invite you to collaborate with me. Together, we can create spaces that not only captivate but also resonate with clients and customers for years to come setting the stage for success in the ever-changing world of interior design. We need to design for the future users and predict consumer trends.

Let's transform your vision into reality and ensure that your spaces are truly generationally transcendent. Contact me today to embark on this exciting design journey together.