In an endeavor to raise awareness about how phone addiction can put those around you in harm's way, Mlab created text walking lanes in Antwerp, Belgium. The city's sidewalks now have a designated area right down the middle where cell phones can be used. While at first glance it might seem like a public safety measure, it is actually a marketing campaign.
The text walking lanes for pedestrians are intended to make people think about what it means to send a text while walking and why it's important to pay attention to what's going on around you. In addition to collisions with pedestrians or poles, you could also be putting your own life at risk if you rely solely on peripheral vision and cross the street.
Awareness-Raising Text Lanes
Antwerp's Text Walking Lanes Inform Pedestrians About Public Safety
Trend Themes
1. Phone Addiction Awareness - The creation of designated text walking lanes in Antwerp could indicate a growing trend of raising awareness around the dangers of phone addiction.
2. Public Safety Marketing - The marketing campaign created by Mlab in Antwerp could signify a trend of companies using public safety initiatives as a way to market their products or services.
3. Pedestrian Safety Tech - The creation of text walking lanes could lead to an emerging trend of developing technology to improve pedestrian safety.
Industry Implications
1. Marketing - Companies could follow Mlab's lead by incorporating public safety initiatives into their marketing strategies to increase their brand visibility and social responsibility.
2. Smart Cities - The integration of technology and safety measures in cities like Antwerp could lead to a growing industry of smart city technology.
3. App Development - The development of apps that promote pedestrian safety and awareness could become a burgeoning industry with the creation of initiatives like text walking lanes in Antwerp.