<NIO – Karuun>

We increasingly see real wood instead of plastic in car interiors. Notably, NIO's electric vehicles feature a change: the use of Karuun, a natural wood, on dashboards and door trims. NIO explains this wood "showcases not only a fresh aesthetic but also nature's sense of stability and tranquility." It's not a smooth, coated imitation wood grain. Still, the raw texture and warm tactility of real wood, preserved exactly as it is—the unique patterns of each piece, subtle color variations, even the small knots. What would have been considered imperfections in the past are now proof of authenticity. Similar attempts can be seen in products made with 3D printers. EconitWood created a printing material mixed with wood powder, deliberately leaving the wood particles visible. Even though they could have produced a perfectly smooth surface, they chose a rough texture instead.

Why have people suddenly started seeking out "imperfect" natural materials? It could be because we've lived surrounded by perfect plastic for far too long. Leather made from pineapple leaves and shoe materials crafted from mushroom roots are trending for the same reason. They proudly declare, 'It's a natural material, so it's a bit rough.' And consumers actually find trust in that roughness. We're shifting from an era of imitating nature to one of embracing it as it is. This is the most significant change in CMF design.

<Camper – ROKU>

Consider Camper's modular sneakers. The sole, upper, and side panels are all detachable and replaceable. Initially, it was a simple design for easier maintenance. But users found a different purpose. They created 'their own shoes' by swapping parts with each season or mood. Repair became customization, and replacement became creation. Replacing only worn parts extended the shoe's lifespan. More intriguingly, the shoes became more "themselves" over time. The unique combinations created by mixing new products with used parts became a signature reflecting the wearer's lifestyle. Here, CMF designs not completion but "progress." The very process of color fading and texture changing becomes part of the design. Brands don't sell products; they enable consumption of "the potential for change." Consumers don't buy finished goods; they buy into a journey of co-creation. The system of modules and replacements is forging a new consumer culture. CMF transcends mere exterior design to become a lifestyle platform.

<Jay Saejung Oh – Lighting>

KIDP's 2025-26 CMF Trend Report presents four key directions. First, 'Ethically Minded' brings ethical consumption to the surface. It doesn't hide the traces of recycled materials, reveals repairable structures, and prioritizes design honesty and health. Second, 'Phigital 2.0' bridges the physical and digital realms through CMF. Holographic finishes that shift with light angles and thermochromic inks that react to temperature breathe life into products. Third, 'Emotional Centric Design' pursues emotional stability. A fingerprint-resistant matte finish and stress-reducing soft-touch coating create small moments of peace in daily life. Fourth, 'Materials are Heroes' elevates materials themselves to protagonists. The grain of wood, the pattern of stone, and the luster of metal are preserved as-is to convey authenticity. These four trends are not separate but connected as one primary current: 'Value Delivery through CMF'. Color speaks to brand ethics, materials to sustainability, and finishes to user consideration. Companies now utilize CMF not merely as styling, but as a communication tool. In an era where surfaces become messages, we must reconsider what we should design.

Viewing CMF through the lens of Value Design, what we handle isn't material but relationships—connections between brand and consumer, product and user, present and future. Good CMF deepens and prolongs these relationships. Bubbles in recycled glass speak to environmental responsibility; modular structures propose sustainable consumption; finishes designed for aging convey the value of time. These small choices accumulate to create significant change. Consumer purchasing criteria shift, corporate manufacturing methods evolve, and ultimately, the entire industry's direction changes. CMF stands at the forefront of future value transformation. It is the first point of contact and the most enduring memory. The philosophy of CMF design will become increasingly important. As differences in function and price diminish, value and philosophy become the criteria for choice. What we need isn't more vibrant colors or newer materials. It's surfaces that convey our promises more precisely, finishes that preserve our values longer. When CMF becomes Value Design, design transcends mere form to become culture. Now, our task is to refine those surfaces with greater precision and authenticity.