# Complementary Product Innovation First the iPod and now the iMac demonstrate product inspiration. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Sep 25, 2008, updated Dec 10, 2009 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/macbook-airovations-apples-ability-to-create-must-have-products-branches-br ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 11 ## What is the Complementary Product Innovation trend? **Complementary Product Innovation:** has proven an ability to evoke desire. More interestingly, Apple has inspired designers to create complementary accessories, fashion items and similarly designed products. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 11 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 16 to Jun 18, 2008 - Published: Sep 25, 2008 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Complementary Product Innovation trend ### Complementary Product Innovation The trend of creating complementary accessories and products has been influenced by Apple's successful product design. ### Custom Color Jobs for Your Tech Color customization for gadgets and laptops has become a trend, with companies like ColorWare providing a variety of shades and types for personalization. ### Ultra Thin Notebooks The trend towards ultra-thin notebooks has influenced the design and release of products such as the MacBook Air, Lenovo X300, and Voodoo Envy 133. ## What the Complementary Product Innovation trend means for industry ### For Tech Industry The tech industry has been significantly impacted by the trend of complementary product innovation as companies design accessories and products inspired by successful technology products. ### For Design Industry The design industry has been influenced by the trend of custom colorization for technology, as companies offer various options for personalization. ### For Consumer Electronics Industry The consumer electronics industry has experienced an increase in demand for ultra-thin notebooks, influenced by the trend towards less bulky and more portable technology products. ## Trend signals for Complementary Product Innovation Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 64%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Complementary Product Innovation trend 11 featured examples from Jan 16 to Jun 18, 2008. - [MacBook Air](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-air): World's Thinnest Notebook + Hottest Laptop of 2008 (Category: Tech) Implication: With MacBook Air, Apple shook the computer hardware industry by introducing an ultra-thin laptop and it's still a thriving industry for innovation focused on offering unique lapto… - [Ultra Thin Notebooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/envy-133): Envy 133 (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with HP and Intel to create affordable carbon-fiber notebooks with similar features to the Envy 133. - [Custom Color Jobs For Your Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/want-a-pink-macbook-air-add-colours-to-your-gadgets): ColorWare (Category: Tech) Implication: Consumer electronics industry can capitalize on the demand for customizable color options, creating a competitive edge in the market. - [Tote Inspired by Manila Envelope](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspired-by-manila-envelope-new-mac-bag): Mac Bag for Macbook Air (Category: Tech) Implication: The tech accessory industry has the opportunity to innovate and create more thin and compact accessories that perfectly complement the design of modern devices, such as the Mac Ba… - [Apple Commercials Boost Artists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-yael-naim-macbook-air): Yael Naim Soars Thanks To MacBook Air Ad (Category: Marketing) Implication: The music industry can leverage the trend of featuring songs in commercials to promote artists and drive sales of their music. - [Laptop Condoms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boa-fashion-sleeve): Will This Actually Protect Your Macbook Air? (Category: Tech) Implication: The fashion accessories industry can tap into the trend of form-fitting sleeves and customizable laptop accessories to create laptop protection solutions that seamlessly blend sty… - [MacBook Air Sleeve](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-air-sleeve-manila-folder): Fleece-Lined Envelope (Category: Unique) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating innovative and stylish accessories for thin and lightweight laptops, like the MacBook Air. - [MacBook Air Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-air-shield): The Shield (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can benefit from the growing demand for protective MacBook Air accessories, as they can design and produce premium quality cases with distinct fe… - [Size Zero Wars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-air-vs-lenovo-x300): MacBook Air vs. Lenovo X300 (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative computer hardware components that enable compact designs without sacrificing essential functionalities. - [Leather Macbook Air Sleeve](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-manila): Kinky Air Manila (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Combine fashion and technology by creating stylish and functional accessories for electronic devices. - [Laptop Sleeping Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-sleeping-bag-for-your-laptops): The Mini Sleeping Bag Air (Category: Tech) Implication: There is potential for the fashion industry to expand its offerings into specialized laptop accessories. ## Recent trend clusters - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (Tech) - [Embedded Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-assistance) (Tech) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) - [Snap Utility](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/snap-utility) (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)