COLOUR IS RELATION. IIT stands for integrated colour research with social impact for designers, architects, agencies, the public sector and the industry.

Colour is relation.

We conduct integrated colour research with

social impact for designers, architects,

agencies, public clients and the industry.

RAL COLOUR FEELING 2027+ Live release (german)

Beyond the surface: colour as a meta-level of communication

The IIT method provides a comprehensive and robust framework for design and trend research in the field of colour and its application. By connecting the past, present and future, the IIT offers an in-depth understanding that enables strategic, high-quality and reliable decisions to be made in colour selection and design. Companies that use the expertise of this method benefit from a well-founded, analytically supported approach that enables them to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the social and design requirements of the future.

In the realm of design and human perception, colour is not a static entity to be resolved, but rather a dynamic, evolving dialogue between objects, environments and human consciousness.

This duality forms the basis for understanding colour not as an isolated issue, but as a complex process that unfolds through experience, context and cultural meaning. Since 2004 we at IIT research the interconnectivity between colour, perception and culture.

Colour acts as a meta-level of design that goes beyond basic visual perception. This meta-level communicates sensitively with our environment and bridges different sensory experiences. A colour can appear soft or hard, light or heavy, fragrant or smelly, sweet or sour at the same time. This synaesthetic quality shows that colour acts more as a process of multisensory integration than as a discrete visual stimulus.

THE INSTITUTE

The IIT Institute International Trendscouting at HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hildesheim is a unique research institute in Europe, dedicated to the field of Colour and Surface Design. Founded in 2004 by Prof. Markus Schlegel, the IIT explores forward-thinking trends in design, architecture, and product development—with a strong focus on color and material concepts for industry and commerce. At the core of our work is a simple yet complex question: How can we design for the future—when it hasn’t happened yet?

Through custom-developed models of design research, the IIT analyzes current and historical trends to formulate evidence-based forecasts and scenarios. Our mission: to turn insights into visionary yet tangible collections and concepts that inspire innovation.

We work within an international network of experts from science, industry, and the creative sector—positioning IIT as a think tank for future-oriented design strategies.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH

Introduction to the IIT method

The method of the Institute International Trendscouting (IIT) is concerned with the systematic research and analysis of colour and design trends that meet the needs of society and the requirements of modern design processes. The IIT pursues an interdisciplinary approach and relies on decades of experience and comprehensive data collections to not only recognise trends, but to actively make them usable for shaping the future.

Analytical basis and methodology

At the core of the method is a multi-layered analysis tool that is based on the processing and interpretation of large amounts of image data. Every year, around 20,000 images are reviewed, sorted and analysed to identify social and design trends. These images come from a wide range of sources, including magazines, digital media, social networks and trade fair reports.

Past and present analysis

The past analysis is an integral part of the method, which allows us to identify epochal cycles and understand how historical design styles influence current and future developments. Here, a rich archive of visual information is used to analyse cultural and technical developments. This analysis identifies significant social developments and their influence on colour and design. In the analysis of the present, current trends and design phenomena are examined. The method involves creating extensive image groups by sifting through and processing contemporary sources. These are then categorised into themes, patterns and colour phenomena to better understand market and style development.

Forecasting and developing future scenarios

A key aspect of the IIT method is the development of future scenarios. These are based on the analysis of long-term megatrends such as digitisation and individualisation. By combining historical data with current market developments and social changes, well-founded forecasts and future-oriented design possibilities can be developed.

Implementation and practical relevance

The IIT method is not only impressive in terms of its theoretical depth, but also in terms of its practical benefits. Companies can use the insights gained to design their products and designs in a targeted and market-oriented way. The IIT's semi-annual trend panels offer members the opportunity to actively participate in the creation and development of trends. In-depth analyses are carried out here to develop innovative and sustainable design solutions.

Strategic integration into business processes

A collaborative approach that involves the active participation of design partners in the research process ensures that the IIT's findings are specific and practical. This participation helps companies to align their product development with the latest trends and thus to act in line with global and regional developments.

Expertise in Colour, Design and Future Thinking

Fields of Expertise / Fields of Research

Trend Research & CMF Strategy

Interior Design, Style & Application

Creative Direction & Visualisation

Color, Material & Collection

Research & Methods

EXPLORE IDEAS TOGETHER

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IIT NETWORK

The IIT HAWK team brings together leading minds in color design, surface development, architecture, and future studies. We work across disciplines, institutions, and countries – united by our shared focus on shaping future-relevant design strategies. Our flexible project structure allows us to collaborate dynamically with partners from industry, academia, and cultural institutions.

The IIT operates as a flexible network, collaborating with experts from a wide range of fields. Our strength lies in combining academic research, design practice, and industry insights—always tailored to the needs of future-oriented partners. Whether in long-term studies, trend reports, or creative workshops: we work collaboratively, adaptively, and across disciplines.

Prof. Markus Schlegel – Founder and Director, expert in color trend research and strategic color planning for architecture and industry.

Prof. Timo Rieke – Co-Director, specialist in color, haptics, and surface design, leading the RAL Colour Feeling trend report.

Prof. Günter Weber – Interior architecture and sustainability expert, focusing on ecological design and spatial theory.

Hon. Prof. M. Weber – Architect and cultural strategist, connecting research with societal transformation and urban futures.

PROJECTS

IIT X RAL COLOURS (since 2019)

The annual RAL Colour Feeling Report, developed in close cooperation with IIT HAWK, presents 15 scientifically grounded trend colours and material palettes — designed to strategically conduct sustainable, inclusive and future-ready architecture, product design and interior design.

COLOUR VISUALISATION

We research new ways of visualizing colour and material in analogue and digital circumstances.

IIT X CAPAROL

A collaboration between IIT HAWK and Caparol, Trendshooting 21 explores future-oriented color and material trends through design-driven spatial concepts. The project merges trend research with creative application, offering impulses for architecture, interior design, and product development.

IIT X RENDERING CODES

An interdisciplinary study by IIT HAWK exploring aesthetic, social, and technical trends in plaster and facade design. By decoding past and present surface languages, rendering/CODES identifies future potentials—setting the stage for innovative design scenarios, further further developed in a collaborative WorkLab with experts from design, science, industry, and craftsmanship.

IIT X FAF FAIR COLOGNE

At the FAF trade fair, the Institute International Trendscouting (IIT) at HAWK Hildesheim showcased FAF Farbwerte 2024+, a curated palette of 15 colors inspired by five key themes: Vital Work, Sensory Recovery, Sustainable Design, Virtual Spaces, and Public Life. This immersive installation invited visitors to experience how color and materiality can create meaningful, future-oriented interior environments. Collaborating closely with industry partners, the project demonstrated how color serves not only as aesthetic expression but also as a driver for cultural and sustainable transformation in surface design.

we have been working for different clients from the fields of design, architecture, industry, fairs, like

CAPAROL, RAL COLOURS, SEDUS, KNAUF, OCCHIO, TOPS, HAIER, ZHAN CHEN, PARADOR, TRIFLEX, ...