The maker movement expands to include wellness technology innovations
Implications - As online tutorials and the need for customization become ubiquitous topics for consumers, a growing number of "makers" are taking healthcare into their own hands. Manufactured using readily available components, consumers have the ability to be increasingly independent from larger manufacturers.
Trend Themes
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Maker Movement — The trend of maker culture is influencing the healthcare industry towards personalization and independence from larger manufacturers.
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DIY Healthcare — The DIY trend is being applied to healthcare, with consumers creating homemade prosthetics, wands, hearing aids and even artificial hearts.
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Wearable Technology — The Samsung Simband introduces an open platform to encourage designers to embellish and improve wearable health tracking devices.
Industry Implications
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Healthcare — The healthcare industry can explore opportunities to incorporate a DIY ethos and personalization to attract customers.
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Wearable Technology — The wearable tech industry could provide affordable, user-friendly devices with open platforms for designers to expand functionality.
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Manufacturing — Manufacturers can develop technologies that enable and encourage consumers to create their own customizable solutions in healthcare and other industries.
