# Ideogram Obsession The popularity of emoticon expression expands into retail goods. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 24, 2014, updated Mar 25, 2014 | Category: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-media-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ideogram-obsession ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Ideogram Obsession trend? **Ideogram Obsession:** In an age of mobile phones and online technology, methods of communication have transformed from verbal interactions to more digital and image-based approaches. Utilizing such things as emoticons, which are symbolic imagery used to express feelings, allow consumers to easily communicate their thoughts or emotions with the use of visual imagery. The popularity of emoticon usage has spilled into both fashion and retail goods, reflecting a need for more instantaneous forms of communication. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 4, 2013 to Mar 22, 2014 - Published: Mar 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Ideogram Obsession trend ### Visual Communication The popularity of emoticons reflects a need for more instantaneous forms of communication, creating opportunities for businesses to create products that incorporate visual communication. ### Customization Interactive and customizable emoticon-related products are in high-demand, creating opportunities for businesses to provide personalized experiences for their customers. ### Emoticon Branding The use of designer black and white emoticons by Karl Lagerfeld and emoticons themed around a particular brand, such as in the emotiKARL app, shows that emoticons can be used as a tool for branding and promotion. ## What the Ideogram Obsession trend means for industry ### For Technology Emoticons reflect the modern shift towards digital and image-based communication, creating opportunities for the technology industry to integrate more visual communication into their products. ### For Retail The popularity of emoticons in fashion and retail goods creates opportunities for businesses to create products that incorporate visual communication and personalization. ### For Food and Beverage The creation of emoticon-themed food products, such as smiling soup biscuits, demonstrates how companies in the food and beverage industry can incorporate visual communication into their products. ## Trend signals for Ideogram Obsession Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Ideogram Obsession trend 6 featured examples from May 4, 2013 to Mar 22, 2014. - [Lifesized Emoji Pillows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emoji-throw-pillows): Now You Can Make Your Sofa Happy with These Emoji Throw Pillows (Category: Special) Implication: The home decor industry can tap into the trend by incorporating emoji-themed products into their collections, attracting customers who enjoy adding a touch of playful emotion to t… - [Fashion Fanatic Emojis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-white-emoticons): Karl Lagerfeld Designed a Chic Set of Black and White Emoticons (Category: Marketing) Implication: The fashion industry can leverage unique digital branding opportunities such as emoticons, to engage with younger audiences and extend their brand presence beyond traditional mark… - [Interactive Emoji Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creative-paper-cups): The Creative Paper Cups from Up Mug are Both Adorable and Customizable (Category: Art & Design) Implication: This product provides disruption to the traditional paper cup industry and offers new opportunities for unique customization of disposable products. - [Feline Emoticon Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feline-emoticon): Turn an Average T-Shirt into a Symbolic Kitty Cat Design with This Tutorial (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The fashion and apparel industry can leverage the emoticon fashion trend to create unique and trendy clothing options. - [Emoticon Gadget Wipers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-cleaners): Undust Screen Cleaners are a Cute Way to Clean Dusty Tech (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies who offer screen-cleaning accessories, like Undust Wipes, have the potential for growth in a market with a large target audience of tech-savvy consumers. - [Smiling Soup Biscuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miso-soup): These Emoticon Crackers are Packed with Delicous Miso Soup (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Miso soup crackers become a potential product and gift innovation in the food and beverage industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Media - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Nostalgic Dating App Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hily-dating) - [Weekly People's Choice Cookie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choice-menu) All articles: [Social Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialmedia)