# Fetishized Tech Consumers have turned the forms of devices and tech into commodities. By [Joey Haar](https://www.trendhunter.com/joeyisa), Research Writer | Published Nov 16, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fetishized-tech ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 31, 2015 to Nov 16, 2016 - Published: Nov 16, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Fetishized Tech trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Fetishized Tech trend means for industry ### For 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 for Fetishized Tech Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 62%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 62% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Fetishized Tech trend 5 featured examples from Dec 31, 2015 to Nov 16, 2016. - [Retrospective Apple Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-museum-collection): This Apple Museum Collection is Inspired by Steve Jobs (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity lies in creating experiential exhibitions that captivate visitors and offer unique insights into brands. - [Branded Tech Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designed-by-apple): 'Designed by Apple in California' Photographs 20 Years of Products (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for publishing companies to create niche photography books that cater to technology enthusiasts. - [High-End Headphone Charging Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fermata): Twelve South's 'Fermata' Both Charges and Displays Headphones (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for consumer electronics companies to create charging stands that cater to the stylish demands of the modern consumer. - [Enshrined Emoji Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shigetaka-kurita): MoMA Has Added Shigetaka Kurita's Original Emojis to Its Permanent Collection (Category: Art & Design) Implication: As emojis are primarily used in digital communication, the mobile technology industry can explore ways to enhance emoji user experience and functionality. - [Historic Computer Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tekserve-store): The Iconic Tekserve Store is Selling Off Its Prized Old Apple Computers (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop an online marketplace specifically for auctioning off unique and collectible tech items. ## 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)