# Open-Source Accessibility Businesses ensure that their humanitarian-focused models are accessible. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 27, 2016 | Category: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/opensource-accessibility ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Open-Source Accessibility trend? **Open-Source Accessibility:** Open-source software and services that benefit the less fortunate are increasing in popularity. The ultimate benefit of open-source services is the variety of voices invited into conversations about quality of life. These platforms of accessibility satisfy the consumer desire for transparent business practices in a very literal sense. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 11 to Oct 26, 2016 - Published: Oct 27, 2016 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## 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 Open-Source Accessibility trend ### Open-Source Services for the Less Fortunate Increased popularity in open-source software and services that benefit the less fortunate satisfies the consumer desire for transparent business practices in a literal sense. ### Assistive and Accessible Technology The development of assistive and accessible technology such as the SoundSense and the Safariseat increases the quality of life and sense of security for those with disabilities. ### Community Building through Open-Source Platforms Open-source community projects such as Wikiblock provide accessible and affordable tools for neighborhoods to create functional and beneficial spaces. ## What the Open-Source Accessibility trend means for industry ### For Technology The development of open-source software and services can democratize the technology sector and create disruptive innovation opportunities. ### For Healthcare Assistive and accessible technology can improve the quality of life and sense of security for people with disabilities, creating a new market for products and solutions. ### For Non-profit/Charity Community building projects and humanitarian apps can benefit from open-source software, allowing for wider access and use of their tools and programs. ## Workshop question How can your brand make its products/services more available to those less likely to have access to them? ## Trend signals for Open-Source Accessibility Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 36%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 36% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Open-Source Accessibility trend 5 featured examples from Feb 11 to Oct 26, 2016. - [Open-Source Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safariseat): The 'Safariseat' is Designed for People in Developing Countries (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The Safariseat introduces a new innovation in the field of assistive technology, creating opportunities for further advancements in wheelchair designs. - [Open-Source Community Furniture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wikiblock): 'Wikiblock' Creates Furniture Fixtures for Neighborhoods (Category: Tech) Implication: Furniture manufacturers can explore the possibility of incorporating open-source 3D printing into their product offerings to provide customers with customizable and affordable fur… - [Hearing Impairment Safety Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundsense): The SoundSense Alerts the Hearing Impaired in Emergencies (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies that manufacture smart wearables, such as Fitbit and Apple, can benefit from creating similar products designed specifically for people with disabilities. - [International Innovation Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venture-fund): This New Venture Fund Helps Accelerate New Ideas Abroad (Category: Social Good) Implication: The UNICEF venture fund supports technological projects, creating disruptive innovation opportunities in various sectors. - [Open-Source Humanitarian Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medic-mobile): This Software Helps Health Workers Around the World Do Their Job (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare technology industry can leverage open-source apps like Medic Mobile to develop innovative solutions for healthcare workers in underserved areas. ## 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 Good - [Athlete-Partnership Charity Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-bosa) - [Pet Rescue Food Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badlands-ranch) - [Life Jacket Technology Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-jacket-technology) All articles: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood)