# Elitist Analog The novelty of low-tech translates into prestige to establish individualism. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jan 27, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/elitist-analog ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Elitist Analog trend? **Elitist Analog:** Rarity has always been tied to exclusivity, and exclusivity to prestige. As society becomes wholly digitized, analog items -- such as notebooks or record players -- become symbols of elitism. Contemporary, high-end design drives this point home, adding fuel to the divergent fire of a tech backlash. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 30, 2015 to Aug 13, 2016 - Published: Jan 27, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Elitist Analog trend ### Analog Elitism As society becomes wholly digitized, analog items become symbols of elitism, creating opportunities for contemporary, high-end designs. ### Hyperconnectivity Reaction Consumers are reacting against hyperconnectivity and are seeking a balance between their digital and analog lives, leading to the creation of smart analog products. ### Return to Luxury Writing The backlash against impersonal digital communication has led to a resurgence of luxury writing items such as pens, typewriters, and pen holders. ## What the Elitist Analog trend means for industry ### For Luxury Stationery Luxury writing instruments, paper, and accessories offer opportunities for high-end, handcrafted designs that appeal to consumers seeking a return to the art of handwriting. ### For Smart Analog Technology Smart analog items, such as clocks and notebooks, that address the issues of hyperconnectivity offer opportunities for designers to create products that balance modern technology with traditional design. ### For Home Decor and Wellness Products that blend technology with the natural world, such as salt lamps and nature-inspired designs, offer opportunities for designers to create stylish and healthy home decor and wellness products. ## Workshop question What can you tweak about your product or experience to communicate more of a sense of prestige? ## Trend signals for Elitist Analog Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 49%, activity 57%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 49% - Activity: 57% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Elitist Analog trend 7 featured examples from Jun 30, 2015 to Aug 13, 2016. - [Soft Handmade Tablet Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/felt-and-leather): The DFRshop Felt and Leather iPad Cover Features Ample Storage Space (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies in the tech accessory industry can incorporate handmade and multi-faceted designs for their products. - [Vertical Vinyl Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-record): The Floating Record Aligns Vinyl Records Vertically (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The audio equipment manufacturing industry can explore new product designs and features to cater to the trend of vertical vinyl players. - [Rare Oak Pen Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pen-case): This Luxury Handcrafted Pen Case is Made Out of 5,300-Year-Old Bog Oak (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Luxury brands can capitalize on the trend towards personalized, exclusive desk accessories by offering high-end writing utensils, pen cases, and other luxury goods. - [Retro Coffee Grinders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-coffee-grinder): The Ceramic Burr Manual Coffee Grinder Provides Perfect Results Every Time (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The rise of manual coffee grinders has created opportunities for innovation in the coffee industry, particularly for businesses that are focused on offering a variety of coffee br… - [Notifying Smart Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wall-clock-design): This Smart Wall Clock Design Addresses Hyperconnectivity Problems in Users (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The integration of smart technology into traditional analog devices, such as wall clocks, offers disruptive innovation opportunities for the tech industry. - [Analog Dial Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analog-dial): The V02MKII Minimalist Watch Features an Unusual Square Shape (Category: Fashion) Implication: Traditional analog watch manufacturers can focus on creating aesthetically pleasing designs that prioritize form over tech features. - [App-Connected Salt Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thezencube): The 'Zencube' is a Stylish and Healthy Home Accessory (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce smart, aesthetically pleasing home decor items that offer functional benefits and integrate seamlessly with various interior design st… ## 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 - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)