# Ocular Assistance 2.0 Technology advances to offer easier navigation for the visually impaired. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Feb 9, 2015 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hightech-navigation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Ocular Assistance 2.0 trend? **Ocular Assistance 2.0:** Navigation for the visually impaired is dramatically improving with the introduction of smart technology. More specifically, technology is being implemented to anticipate and forewarn users about obstacles and obstructions that are typically unaccounted for by traditional navigational products. These innovations reflect a consumer demand for more exhaustive methods that guarantee ease and simplicity in the lifestyles of those living with disabilities. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 19, 2015 to Sep 6, 2016 - Published: Feb 9, 2015 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Ocular Assistance 2.0 trend ### Smartphone Wayfinding Apps Developers can innovate designs for mobile apps capable of providing reliable navigation services for visually impaired individuals. ### Wearable Navigation Technology The use of technological wearables like headsets and vibrating boots creates innovative avenues for the development of tactile guides for guiding visually impaired individuals. ### Obstacle Detection There is a need for more hi-tech features that offer efficient object detection and scanning of the environment to provide an alert in order to avoid obstacles. ## What the Ocular Assistance 2.0 trend means for industry ### For Mobile Technology Mobile technology is at the forefront of technological innovation, and developers can leverage smartphone devices to create obstacle detection and wayfinding apps fitted for visually impaired people. ### For Wearable Technology Wearable technology presents an excellent opportunity for the design of navigation aids for visually impaired individuals by providing more efficient and tactile guides for navigation and obstacle avoidance. ### For Assistive Technology Assistive technology, in general, has a lot of untapped potentials that innovators can explore to provide beneficial technologies to people living with disabilities. ## Trend signals for Ocular Assistance 2.0 Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ocular Assistance 2.0 trend 7 featured examples from Jan 19, 2015 to Sep 6, 2016. - [Wheeled Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-walking-stick): 'Take Me Away' is a Smart Cane for Guiding the Visually Impaired (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare industry can benefit from the development and integration of smart-assistive technology like wheeled walking sticks. - [Vibrating Navigational Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigator-boots): Hi-Tec's Navigator Boots Use Bluetooth to Guide through Vibrations (Category: Fashion) Implication: The use of technology in creating footwear includes opportunities for companies to develop products with unique features to cater to niche markets and increase customer loyalty an… - [Sight-Sharing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-my-eyes): Be My Eyes is a Crowdsourced Video Chat that Helps Blind Individuals (Category: Tech) Implication: A growing market for assistive technology companies to develop innovative products that cater to individuals with disabilities. - [Wearable Navigation Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-navigation-device): This Horseshoe-Shaped Gadget Helps Visually Impaired People Get Around (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The development of wearable navigation devices presents disruptive innovation opportunities within the assistive technology industry to enhance accessibility for individuals with… - [Obstacle Alerting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerial-object-detection-app): Aerial Object Detection App Keeps the Blind from Experiencing Collisions (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use augmented reality technology to overlay visual information for the visually impaired, enhancing their situational awareness. - [Visually Impaired Wearable Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-headset): The Microsoft Headset Emits a 3D-Soundscape of Audio as a Guide (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in this industry can explore new opportunities to enhance the sensory experience of the visually impaired by creating wearable navigation devices similar to the Microsof… - [Wayfinding Phone Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linear-navigation-app): This Linear Navigation App Follows Lines on the Floor to Guide the Blind (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing indoor navigation software for the visually impaired and incorporating QR codes into the technology presents innovation opportunities in the technology industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) - [Autonomy Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomy-stacks) (Tech) - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)