Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
Fetishized
Tech
Consumers have turned the forms of devices and tech into commodities.
3.9
Trend score
Trend
What is the Fetishized Tech trend?
Fetishized Tech: The stated purpose of most technology is to serve some sort of function (like accessing the internet or communicating an idea.) However, modern consumer obsession with technology has shifted to the point where the items themselves hold value as commodities and symbols. Savvy businesses can thus uncover ways to sell technology qua technology through presentation and aesthetic.
Trend themes
Themes within the Fetishized Tech trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Commoditization of Technology
Consumers are now more interested in the forms and aesthetics of tech products, leading to opportunities to sell technology not just for functionality but for its aesthetic value.
02
Tech Nostalgia
There is a growing trend of consumers collecting and selling old tech products and memorabilia, and preserving tech history through auctions, exhibits, and museum collections.
03
Aesthetically Attractive Product Designs
Manufacturers are focusing more on creating attractive technology products that make statements about the owner's style and are worth displaying, leading to opportunities for designs that combine functionality and aesthetics.
Industry implications
What the Fetishized Tech trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Technology and Consumer Electronics
The tech industry can capitalize on the commoditization of technology and trends toward tech nostalgia by creating aesthetic tech products and offering limited edition or rare items that appeal to collectors.
For
Museum and Exhibition
Museums and exhibitions can attract visitors and preserve tech history by displaying old tech products, hosting tech-themed events, and creating collections that showcase tech's evolution.
For
Design and Fashion
Designers and fashion brands can create products that combine functionality and aesthetics, incorporate technology into traditional products, and use technology to enhance the experience of their products.
Workshop question
How could you market your brand's offering as something purely aesthetic?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Fetishized Tech
Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 62%, freshness 8%.
Popularity47%
Activity62%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Fetishized Tech trend
5 featured examples from Dec 31, 2015 to Nov 16, 2016CategoryTech
Retrospective Apple Exhibitions
This Apple Museum Collection is Inspired by Steve Jobs
Disruptive innovation opportunity lies in creating experiential exhibitions that captivate visitors and offer unique insights into brands.
CategoryTech
Branded Tech Photography Books
'Designed by Apple in California' Photographs 20 Years of Products
Disruptive innovation opportunity for publishing companies to create niche photography books that cater to technology enthusiasts.
CategoryTech
High-End Headphone Charging Stands
Twelve South's 'Fermata' Both Charges and Displays Headphones
Opportunity for consumer electronics companies to create charging stands that cater to the stylish demands of the modern consumer.
CategoryArt & Design
Enshrined Emoji Art
MoMA Has Added Shigetaka Kurita's Original Emojis to Its Permanent Collection
As emojis are primarily used in digital communication, the mobile technology industry can explore ways to enhance emoji user experience and functionality.
CategoryTech
Historic Computer Auctions
The Iconic Tekserve Store is Selling Off Its Prized Old Apple Computers
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop an online marketplace specifically for auctioning off unique and collectible tech items.
