# Elegant Assistance Products designed for the impaired take on a luxurious tone. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Mar 24, 2015 | Category: [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/luxury-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/elegant-assistance ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Elegant Assistance trend? **Elegant Assistance:** The post-credit crunch obsession with prestige and stature continues to take hold of multiple industries, with its reach evidenced by the wave of elegant assistance gear for those with impairments. This shift toward luxury in such a seemingly functional field signifies a shift in priorities toward identity and adornment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 31, 2013 to Feb 14, 2015 - Published: Mar 24, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Elegant Assistance trend ### Luxury in Functional Fields The shift toward luxury in functional fields signifies a shift in priorities toward identity and adornment. ### Innovative Assistive Technology Assistive technology is being innovated to improve the quality of life for people with impairments. ### Tactile Technology Tactile technology is being developed to assist the visually impaired to navigate their environment. ## What the Elegant Assistance trend means for industry ### For Assistive Technology Assistive technology is being improved with innovation to develop more products for people with impairments. ### For Luxury Goods Luxury goods are now expanding to functional industries, prioritizing identity and adornment. ### For Smart Wearables Smart wearables are being developed for people with impairments, using tactile technology to improve their quality of life. ## Trend signals for Elegant Assistance Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 32%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 32% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Elegant Assistance trend 4 featured examples from Dec 31, 2013 to Feb 14, 2015. - [Hearing Aid Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearing-aid-amplifier): EasyTek Turns Listening Assistance Devices into Quality Wireless Earbuds (Category: Tech) Implication: There is potential for disruptive innovation in the hearing aid industry through the development of wireless assistive devices and personalized sound control technology. - [Tactile Guiding Cuffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrating-wristband): Vibrating Wristband Helps Navigate the Visually Impaired Through the City (Category: Fashion) Implication: The healthcare industry could leverage vibrating wristbands to enhance navigation and independence for visually impaired patients. - [Chic Necklace Sound Boosters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wear-microphone-necklace): The Wear Microphone Necklace Makes Conversations Easier for the Deaf (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Assistive wearable technology has the potential to significantly disrupt the traditional healthcare industry, especially in the areas of hearing aids and communication devices. - [Touch-Sensitive Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchsensitive): The Bradley is a Stylish Touch-Sensitive Timepiece for the Blind (Category: Fashion) Implication: The development of touch-sensitive timepieces expands the potential market for wearable technology companies catering to individuals with visual impairments. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Luxury - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) - [Elegant Bookbinding-Inspired Shoulder Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boky-bag) - [Mangrove Diver Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mangrove-diver-watches) All articles: [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury)