# Experiential Empathy Brands raise awareness for disabilities by simulating the experience. By [Joey Haar](https://www.trendhunter.com/joeyisa), Research Writer | Published Oct 24, 2017 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/experiential-empathy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Experiential Empathy trend? **Experiential Empathy:** It can be difficult for someone without a disability to relate to the daily experience of someone with one, prompting brands and artists to create tech-laden experiences that simulate aspects of being disabled. Such experiences not only raise awareness for the disability in question, but also help consumers to connect in a truly empathetic way. Brands that harness technology to mimic a given experience stand to provide consumers with a more authentic connection to their offering. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 1, 2016 to May 18, 2017 - Published: Oct 24, 2017 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Experiential Empathy trend ### Simulated Experiences Brands and artists are using technology to simulate experiences such as memory loss or disabilities to raise awareness and create more empathy among consumers. ### Virtual Reality Empathy Virtual Reality tools and kits are being developed to help architects and designers to better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and design more inclusively. ### Creative Awareness Campaigns Businesses are using creative campaigns that disrupt the norm to raise awareness and funds for health issues such as Alzheimer's disease. ## What the Experiential Empathy trend means for industry ### For Architecture The architecture industry can benefit from trends such as virtual reality empathy to design long-term care homes, hospitals, or sheltered housing that accommodate people with disabilities. ### For Charity Charities can use creative campaigns to raise awareness and funds for health issues such as Alzheimer's disease, as seen in the Day Shazam Forgot campaign. ### For Technology The technology industry can use simulated experiences to create more authentic connections to their offerings, as well as develop tools such as dementia-focused VR to understand and address the challenges faced by people with disabilities. ## Workshop question If your brand had unlimited technological capabilities, what experience would you craft for your consumers? ## Trend signals for Experiential Empathy Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Experiential Empathy trend 5 featured examples from Jun 1, 2016 to May 18, 2017. - [Dementia-Focused VR Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-empathy-platform): The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform Helps Architects Design Inclusively (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Integrating virtual reality technology into the architectural design process to create more inclusive and dementia-friendly environments. - [Memory Loss Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-with-dementia): This VR Experience Shows What It's Like for People Living with Dementia (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunities for healthcare providers to improve patient care and training through the use of virtual reality technology. - [Alzheimer's Awareness Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alzheimers-awareness): This Floor Plan Changes to Show the Struggle of Memory Loss (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The architecture and design industry can explore innovative ways to create dementia-friendly spaces and buildings. - [Forgetful App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-day-shazam-forgot): The Day Shazam Forgot Campaign Sought to Raise Awareness for Alzheimer's (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: There is an opportunity for healthcare organizations to partner with brands to educate consumers about important health issues and drive donations towards relevant research organi… - [Disorienting Symptom Simulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/symptom-simulator): This Hi-Tech Helmet Enables People to Experience Dementia (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for healthcare providers and assistive technology companies to develop user-centric products and services for individuals with dementia. ## 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)