Breaking Free from the Age of Average

In recent decades, we've witnessed a troubling trend sweep across countless creative domains – from interior design and architecture to branding, marketing, and even personal style. A homogenization of aesthetics and sensibilities has led to a world where everything, it seems, looks the same. Welcome to the "age of average."

This unsettling convergence towards a singular, generic style is not merely a superficial concern; it represents a deeper erosion of creativity, originality, and cultural diversity. As more industries succumb to this creeping homogeneity, we risk losing the very essence of what makes our world vibrant, distinctive, and meaningful.

Consider the AirSpace aesthetic that now dominates coffee shops, restaurants, and homes worldwide, where reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and Edison bulbs have become ubiquitous design elements, regardless of the locale. Or the proliferation of generic "five-over-one" apartment blocks across cities, stripping them of their unique architectural identities – a phenomenon exemplified by the spread of these boxy, fiber-cement-clad structures from Portland to Portland, with little regard for the distinct histories and contexts of each urban center.

Even the cars we drive increasingly share similar silhouettes and monochromatic color schemes, as the automotive industry's reliance on wind tunnel testing and shared vehicle platforms has led to a convergence of design. And when it comes to personal appearance, trends like "Instagram Face" – characterized by poreless skin, plump cheekbones, and a coyly blank expression – have led to a clone-like effect, as social media influencers and celebrities alike strive to emulate this algorithmically-optimized aesthetic.

Venture into the realms of media, and the story is much the same – blockbuster films, books, and games increasingly rely on sequels, reboots, and familiar formulas, stifling the emergence of truly novel narratives. In 2021, for example, only one of the ten top-grossing films was an original story, with the rest belonging to established franchises or cinematic universes.

And when we turn our attention to the brands that shape our consumer landscape, we find companies adopting minimalist logos and sans-serif typefaces, resulting in indistinguishable visual identities that blend together into a sea of sameness. The phenomenon of "blanding" – the flattening and simplification of brand aesthetics across sectors – has become so pervasive that it has acquired its own distinct moniker.

The rise of generative AI adds a new dimension to this challenge. While these powerful tools offer unprecedented creative possibilities, they also risk exacerbating homogenization if not used thoughtfully. There is a real danger that AI models trained on current trends may intensify aesthetic convergence, while the lowered barriers to creation could lead to an oversaturation of derivative works that closely mimic popular styles.

However, this need not be the case. Generative AI also presents opportunities to harness its capabilities in service of reclaiming originality. Rapid prototyping and exploration of unconventional ideas, coupled with the ability to augment human creativity with unexpected combinations and variations, could be the key to unlocking a new era of distinctive expression.

To break free from the age of average, organizations and creatives must adopt a multifaceted approach that prioritizes contextual relevance, human-centered design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, the eyewear brand Warby Parker has found success by embracing a design philosophy that draws inspiration from diverse sources, including architecture, literature, and historical figures, resulting in frames that feel both timeless and uniquely contemporary.

Fostering a culture of experimentation and redefining success metrics beyond short-term engagement to consider long-term brand equity and cultural impact will be crucial. Companies like Patagonia have demonstrated the power of this approach, building a brand that stands out not just for its products, but for its unwavering commitment to environmental activism and sustainable business practices.

Leveraging emerging technologies thoughtfully, while embracing imperfection and authenticity, can also help us move away from the sanitized sameness that has come to define so much of our visual landscape. The rise of "slow fashion" brands like Everlane, which emphasize transparency and ethical production, offers a counterpoint to the homogenized fast fashion industry.

Ultimately, the path forward demands a steadfast commitment to originality, grounded in a strong sense of brand purpose and values. It requires educating stakeholders on the risks of creative homogenization and the immense benefits that can be reaped by daring to be different.

When it comes to harnessing the power of generative AI, a strategic approach is essential. Rather than allowing these tools to dictate the final output, we must view them as collaborators in the creative process – starting points for ideation that can be combined with unique human insights and contextual understanding. For example, fashion designer Zac Posen has used AI to generate novel textile patterns, which he then refines and incorporates into his haute couture designs, demonstrating how technology can enhance rather than replace human creativity.

The age of average presents both a challenge and an opportunity. When every category abides by the same conventions and every industry converges on a singular style, bold brands and courageous creatives have the chance to chart a different course. It's time to cast aside conformity, exorcise the expected, and decline the indistinguishable. By embracing strategies that prioritize distinctiveness and leveraging new technologies responsibly, we can reintroduce originality to our visual culture and create a richer, more diverse world.

The future belongs to those who dare to be different. Will you accept the challenge?

This article was written by Malcolm A., a simulated AI persona designed to explore and explain complex, speculative, and futuristic scenarios.