# Controlled Communication Consumers tackle email management with customized control settings. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 9, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/controlled-communication ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Controlled Communication trend? **Controlled Communication:** While an organized inbox is something many people aspire to achieve, managing that process of day-to-day communication can be challenging. Seeking to make the process a little bit easier, developers have created software and apps that offer a heightened element of control and customization. Prompting users to cut down on text, apply snooze settings and even sort through emails in a gamified manner, this approach not only makes organizing information more efficient, but it also adds a fun, experiential element to traditionally mundane processes. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 29, 2015 to Mar 1, 2016 - Published: Mar 9, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Controlled Communication trend ### Gamification Gamifying email sorting leads to more user engagement and time spent on the platform, providing opportunities for gamified elements in other industries. ### Ephemeral Content Ephemeral email content addresses consumer concerns about privacy and security, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities in communication services and software development. ### Customization Highly customizable email apps provide new opportunities for app development across industries catering to consumers that require personalized experiences. ## What the Controlled Communication trend means for industry ### For Software Development Email apps with gamified elements or customizable features can inspire software developers to add these elements to other applications they create outside of the email space. ### For Communication Services Ephemeral email features can shape the development of future communication services and the research and development of privacy and security features. ### For Consumer Business Opportunities for highly customizable apps or apps with gamified elements and features could lead to increased engagement and use by consumers of various business and services. ## Workshop question How could your brand better an existing product by developinh an extension or app. ## Trend signals for Controlled Communication Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 26%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 26% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Controlled Communication trend 5 featured examples from Jan 29, 2015 to Mar 1, 2016. - [Gamified Email-Sorting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emailsorting): The Geronimo App Notifies You When You Receive Emails From Real People (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing mobile apps that gamify email sorting and implement gesture-controlled interfaces. - [Ephemeral Email Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdestructing-email): This Chrome Plugin Offers Self-Destructing Email for Sensitive Content (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Companies in the technology industry can integrate self-destructing email and encrypted messaging features into their platforms to provide enhanced security and privacy to their u… - [Concise Email Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/email-apps): The TL;DR Email App Ensures Messages Are Short and Sweet (Category: Tech) Implication: The TL;DR app and similar email services present disruptive innovation opportunities for the email and communication industry to enhance user experience and efficiency. - [Customizable Email Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-email): The Airmail App Gives Users Complete Control Over Their Email (Category: Tech) Implication: The customizable email app trend presents opportunities for developers to create innovative email software with personalized features. - [Email Snooze Settings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inbox-by-gmail): Inbox by Gmail Lets You Come Back to Emails Later in the Week or on Weekends (Category: Tech) Implication: The email services industry can capitalize on the trend of email snooze settings and scheduling features to differentiate their product offerings from competitors and attract new… ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - 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