| namespace | aiwg |
| name | color-trends |
| description | Research current color trends from Pantone, architecture, film, and design. Use when user asks about trending colors, popular palettes, or wants research-backed color inspiration. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| platforms | ["all"] |
Color Trends Skill
Purpose
Research and report on current color trends across Pantone selections, architecture, film color grading, web/brand design, and cultural context. Provides research-backed inspiration grounded in real-world sources.
When This Skill Applies
- User asks about "trending colors" or "popular palettes"
- User wants to know the "Pantone Color of the Year"
- User asks about "colors used in recent films"
- User wants "architecture color trends"
- User needs "design trend" color research
- User asks "what colors are popular right now?"
Trigger Phrases
| Natural Language | Action |
|---|
| "What are the trending colors right now?" | Research across all categories |
| "What's the Pantone Color of the Year?" | Pantone-specific research |
| "What colors are popular in architecture?" | Architecture trend research |
| "Show me film color palettes" | Film color grading research |
| "Current web design color trends" | Design trend research |
| "What colors are trending for 2025-2026?" | Year-specific trend research |
Parameters
--category <name> — Focus category: pantone, architecture, film, design, cultural, all. Default: all--year <YYYY> or --year <YYYY-YYYY> — Year or range. Default: current year--region <name> — Regional focus (optional): global, north-america, europe, asia, nordic, mediterranean
Research Process
1. Pantone Research
Search for:
- Pantone Color of the Year (current and recent 3 years)
- Pantone seasonal trend reports (Fashion, Home + Interiors)
- Pantone color palettes by season
Sources to query:
- Pantone official announcements
- Design press coverage of Pantone selections
- Industry analysis of Pantone trends
Output fields:
- Color name and code (e.g., "Peach Fuzz" Pantone 13-1023)
- Approximate HEX equivalent
- Context: why this color was selected
- How it appears in current design
2. Architecture Research
Search for:
- Contemporary architecture color palettes (last 12 months)
- Interior design color trends
- Notable building projects and their color choices
- Material color trends (concrete, wood, metal finishes)
Sources to query:
- Architectural Digest color features
- Dezeen color and material articles
- ArchDaily project color analysis
- Interior design trend reports
Output fields:
- Trending palette with HEX approximations
- Source projects or designers
- Material context (paint, tile, facade, furniture)
- Regional variations
3. Film Research
Search for:
- Notable color palettes from recent/acclaimed films
- Color grading trends in cinema
- Cinematographer color choices
Sources to query:
- Cinematography discussions and breakdowns
- StudioBinder color analysis articles
- Film color palette databases
- Award-season films with distinctive color work
Output fields:
- Film name, year, cinematographer
- Dominant palette (3-5 colors with HEX)
- Color grading style description
- Mood and narrative use of color
4. Design Trends Research
Search for:
- Current web design color trends
- Branding color trends
- UI/UX color patterns
- Print design color directions
Sources to query:
- Dribbble and Behance trend reports
- AIGA design trend articles
- Material Design and Apple HIG updates
- CSS/web design color trend articles
Output fields:
- Trending palettes with HEX values
- Usage context (web, mobile, print, branding)
- Style associations (glassmorphism, brutalism, soft UI)
5. Cultural Context Research
Search for:
- Regional color preferences
- Seasonal color associations
- Cultural color meanings (to avoid)
- Holiday and event color trends
Output fields:
- Regional palette preferences
- Cultural considerations for global audiences
- Seasonal appropriateness
Output Format
Uses templates/trend-report.md template. Summary format:
Color Trends Report — 2025-2026
PANTONE
Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse (17-1230)
≈ #A47764 ██████ Warm, comforting, indulgent
Recent: Peach Fuzz (2024), Viva Magenta (2023)
ARCHITECTURE
Trending: Warm earth tones, terracotta, sage green
#C67B5C ██████ Terracotta
#9CAF88 ██████ Sage
#DCD0C0 ██████ Warm Stone
Notable: [Project/source reference]
FILM
"Dune: Part Two" (2024) — Greig Fraser
#C4A35A ██████ Desert Gold
#2B2118 ██████ Shadow Brown
#8B7355 ██████ Sand
Style: Warm desaturated, golden-hour emphasis
DESIGN
Web/UI: Gradients returning, purple-blue dominance
#6C63FF ██████ Electric Indigo
#FF6B6B ██████ Coral Pop
#2D2B55 ██████ Deep Purple
Pattern: Bold gradients with dark mode priority
Sources: [list of URLs searched]
Important Notes
- All trend data comes from web search — results are as current as the search allows
- HEX values for Pantone colors are approximations (Pantone is a proprietary system)
- Film palettes are extracted from analysis, not official sources
- Always cite sources when reporting trends
- Acknowledge when information may be from a prior year vs. current
