# Eclectic Tech The electronics market merges retro design with modern tech to focus on aesthetic. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jul 8, 2014 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/eclectic-tech ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Eclectic Tech trend? **Eclectic Tech:** Consumers are obsessive when it comes to tech specs, but a growing desire for eclectic form is resulting in products that are retro in design, but not function. The merging of classic designs with modern features is moving against traditional methods to create something familiar enough for Boomers yet fully featured enough for Millennials. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 22, 2013 to Sep 15, 2014 - Published: Jul 8, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Eclectic Tech trend ### Eclectic Design Modern technology merges with retro design to focus on making visually appealing products familiar enough for Boomers yet fully featured enough for Millennials. ### Retro-Inspired Tech Nostalgic design is infused with modern technology to create innovative products that appeal to consumers who desire an old-school aesthetic with up-to-date functionality. ### Hipster Nostalgia A growing desire for nostalgia, particularly amongst young adults, is inspiring a market for products that have a vintage feel with modern twists ## What the Eclectic Tech trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics In a crowded market, there is opportunity to create products with unique designs that stand out from competitors. ### For Fashion and Design Bringing retro aesthetics to modern products opens a new market for fashion and design industries to collaborate. ### For Technology Accessories Nostalgic designs for technology accessories such as smartphone docks and typewriter keyboards cater to consumers who want to stand out and differentiate their devices from the conventional. ## Trend signals for Eclectic Tech Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 64%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Eclectic Tech trend 6 featured examples from Sep 22, 2013 to Sep 15, 2014. - ['60s-Inspired Smartphone Docks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vaughan-dock-20): The Vaughan Dock 2.0 by Tronk Design has a Retro Vibe (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The Vaughan Dock 2.0 is a unique addition to the consumer electronics market with a retro aesthetic and modern features. - [Filtered Polaroid Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-cameras): The Lomo’Instant Cameras Bring Back Traditional Filters and Polaroids (Category: Tech) Implication: The introduction of filtered Polaroid cameras opens up new possibilities for companies in the photography industry to create innovative products that blend digital and analog feat… - [High Tech Retro Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-watches): Velox Brings Back the 70s with Its XC1 Watch (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation potential for watchmakers to blend retro aesthetics with modern technology to create unique timepieces. - [Bulky Retro Music Docks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irecorder): The iRecorder is a Retro Music Player for iPhones (Category: Tech) Implication: The iRecorder and similar retro music players offer potential for disruptive innovation in the consumer electronics industry, particularly in the audio device segment. - [Transformative Chic Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-desks): Pop Deska Turns Any Smartphone Into a Professional Desk Phone (Category: Tech) Implication: The Smartphone Accessories industry has the opportunity to innovate and create new products that enhance the functionality and ergonomic design of smartphones. - [Nostalgic Typewriter Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Typewriter-Keyboard): This Vintage Computer Keyboard Looks Like a Set of Typewriter Keys (Category: Tech) Implication: The growing interest in typewriter keyboards presents a unique market opportunity for consumer electronics companies seeking to cater to niche retro-loving customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)