Millennial Generation Gives Thumbs Up to Great Design

It’s the generation transfixed by the iPod, snazzy cell phone designs and suave coolness of Target’s consumer products designers. This so-called Millennial Generation, those in the 18 to 29 age group, places a greater emphasis on design in everything from workplace satisfaction to purchasing products to making key decisions like where to live.

That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 Americans completed by polling firm Kelton Research and commissioned by 3D CAD leader Autodesk Inc. for its 25th anniversary.

Here are some highlights from Autodesk’s Design for Living survey:

• Millennials are happier (74%), more motivated (64%) and more efficient (31%) in a well-designed workplace.
• They are willing to pay more for an appealing product design, whether it’s a car (67%), furniture (60%) or a video game system (31%).
• They give serious thought to public spaces (66%), beauty and architecture (42%) when considering relocation to a new city.
• Nine in 10 Millennials also care more than any other age group about sustainable design of new buildings for well-being and resource efficiency.

Another snippet from the survey: Nearly 55% believe that good design can actually improve a product’s functionality while also making it look better.