Category
Tech
Adaptive Controls
Trend cluster
Category
Invisible
Tech
The oversaturation of technology creates a consumer desire for subtlety.
5.5
Trend score
Trend
What is the Invisible Tech trend?
Invisible Tech: In the early stages of the technology age, when the novelty of connectivity was still intact, consumers sought conspicuous devices as a status symbol. Now that technology is more prevalent than ever, it no longer carries a sense of novelty or status. This calls for more subtle, undetectable technology. Ultimately, technology is now omnipresent and connectivity is a consumer expectation, as opposed to a feature.
Trend themes
Themes within the Invisible Tech trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Subtle Technology
Technology is now expected and calls for more subtle, undetectable technology.
02
Invisible Wearable Devices
Wearable technology that is more inconspicuous than current models on the market.
03
Non-Obstructive Activity Tracking
Activity trackers that are lightweight, sleek, and do not obstruct daily activities.
Industry implications
What the Invisible Tech trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Furniture Industry
Phone charging furniture represents a growing niche in the industry.
For
Healthcare Industry
Smart wearable devices that monitor heart physiology offers opportunities for disruption and innovation in the industry.
For
Technology Industry
The oversaturation of technology and the desire for subtlety creates opportunities for technology companies to create devices with a more subtle design.
Workshop question
What about your product or brand's design could be simplified?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Invisible Tech
Trend score 5.5 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 80%, freshness 8%.
Popularity77%
Activity80%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Invisible Tech trend
5 featured examples from May 27, 2015 to Jan 4, 2017CategoryTech
Undetectable Wireless Earphones
The Third Skin 'Hy' Wireless Ear Headphones Offer 18-Hours of Use
The Third Skin 'Hy' headphones disrupt the audio technology industry with their nearly undetectable design and exceptional user experience.
CategoryArt & Design
Digital Cooking Tables
The New Concept Table from IKEA Will Suggest Recipes Based on Leftovers
Smart home tech companies can explore incorporating image recognition technology into surfaces and furniture to create more interactive and personalized experiences.
CategoryArt & Design
Bed Phone Chargers
Phone-Charging Furniture Like This Thrive Global Bed are Very Convenient
Furniture industry can explore incorporating phone-charging capabilities into their designs.
CategoryLifestyle
Non-Obstructive Activity Trackers
CES 2017 Reveals the Sleek Yet Functional Motiv Ring
Potential for disruptive innovation in the fitness wearable industry with the development of discreet and comprehensive activity trackers.
CategoryLifestyle
Heart-Monitoring Bras
Bloomer Tech Created an Undergarment Integrated with Sensor Technology
Bloomer Tech's smart bra could be integrated with other clothing and positively impact the wearable technology industry with its washable and flexible circuits.
