# Invisible Tech The oversaturation of technology creates a consumer desire for subtlety. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Apr 27, 2017 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/invisible-tech ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: May 27, 2015 to Jan 4, 2017 - Published: Apr 27, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Invisible Tech trend ### Subtle Technology Technology is now expected and calls for more subtle, undetectable technology. ### Invisible Wearable Devices Wearable technology that is more inconspicuous than current models on the market. ### Non-Obstructive Activity Tracking Activity trackers that are lightweight, sleek, and do not obstruct daily activities. ## What the Invisible Tech trend means for industry ### For 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 for Invisible Tech Trend score 5.5 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 80%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 80% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Invisible Tech trend 5 featured examples from May 27, 2015 to Jan 4, 2017. - [Undetectable Wireless Earphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-ear-headphones): The Third Skin 'Hy' Wireless Ear Headphones Offer 18-Hours of Use (Category: Tech) Implication: The Third Skin 'Hy' headphones disrupt the audio technology industry with their nearly undetectable design and exceptional user experience. - [Digital Cooking Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-table): The New Concept Table from IKEA Will Suggest Recipes Based on Leftovers (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Smart home tech companies can explore incorporating image recognition technology into surfaces and furniture to create more interactive and personalized experiences. - [Bed Phone Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phonecharging-furniture): Phone-Charging Furniture Like This Thrive Global Bed are Very Convenient (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Furniture industry can explore incorporating phone-charging capabilities into their designs. - [Non-Obstructive Activity Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motiv-ring): CES 2017 Reveals the Sleek Yet Functional Motiv Ring (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Potential for disruptive innovation in the fitness wearable industry with the development of discreet and comprehensive activity trackers. - [Heart-Monitoring Bras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensor-technology): Bloomer Tech Created an Undergarment Integrated with Sensor Technology (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bloomer Tech's smart bra could be integrated with other clothing and positively impact the wearable technology industry with its washable and flexible circuits. ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Portable Power](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/portable-power1) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [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) - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)