The advent of GPS has brought the printed map to near extinction, but Rand McNally hopes to revive traditional hand-held navigation with the fabMAP. This map is printed on microfiber, so while it can be used like a regular paper map, it can also be used to wipe an LCD screen, clear smudges off of camera lenses or clean a cell phone.
Yes, apparently it's come to that. Naturally, there's a commemorative Inaugural Day version fit for framing with President Obama's smiling grill on the reverse side of the map.
Microfiber Maps
Rand McNally Waterproof 'fabMAP' Doubles as Handkerchief and Screen Cleaner
Trend Themes
1. Microfiber Maps - Microfiber maps are disrupting traditional hand-held navigation by offering dual functionality as screen cleaners.
2. Reviving Printed Maps - The fabMAP is bringing printed maps back into relevance by incorporating microfiber material for additional practical uses.
3. Multi-purpose Fabrics - The use of microfiber as a fabric is expanding beyond traditional applications to include navigation aids and screen cleaning.
Industry Implications
1. Navigation - The navigation industry can explore the incorporation of microfiber material in their products to add practical functionality, such as screen cleaning.
2. Printing - The printing industry can adapt to the shift towards multi-functional printed materials, like microfiber maps, to stay relevant in the digital age.
3. Digital Devices - Manufacturers and sellers of digital devices can consider partnering with microfiber map producers to offer added value to their customers through dual-functionality products.