# Innovative Inconvenience Basic devices redefined in more interesting, less practical ways. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Sep 14, 2008, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/swank-tech-governors-the-range-of-remote-controls-on-the-market-that-defy-t ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Innovative Inconvenience trend? **Innovative Inconvenience:** The desire to create something better is resulting in unique, but often gimicky technology. Do these gesture based remotes really work better than a regular remote? Probably not, but the creativity generates interest and buzz. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 28 to Aug 11, 2008 - Published: Sep 14, 2008 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Innovative Inconvenience trend ### Gesture-based remote controls Creating gesture-based remote controls generates interest and buzz and disrupts the traditional button-based remote control market. ### Fashionable and minimalist remote controls Designing fashionable and sleek universal remote controls with few buttons and intuitive scrolling offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for traditional, clunky remotes. ### Eco-friendly and sustainable remote controls Designing sustainable and eco-friendly remote controls that can be charged manually or last an extended period with less power disrupts the leading battery-fueled remote control market. ## What the Innovative Inconvenience trend means for industry ### For Consumer electronics Consumer electronics companies can reference these trends to innovate and redesign traditional remote controls to create new markets and generate consumer interest. ### For Home automation Home automation companies can use these trends to create the most intuitive and efficient remote control experience for products in the home automation industry. ### For Sustainability focused companies can reference these trends to reduce environmental waste and design eco-friendly universal remote controls. ## Trend signals for Innovative Inconvenience Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 40%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 40% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Innovative Inconvenience trend 8 featured examples from Jan 28 to Aug 11, 2008. - [Remote Control via Eye Blinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kome-kami-switch): Kome Kami Switch (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities can be found in integrating eye-controlled technology into various consumer electronics to enhance user experience and accessibility. - [Gesture Activated Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/licentia): The Licentia Has No Buttons (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can leverage gesture-controlled remotes to provide users with more intuitive and seamless control options. - [Remote Control Pillows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remote-control-pillow-cases): TV Bedding (Category: Tech) Implication: Technology companies can integrate remote-control technology in everyday household items to provide more convenience and solve common problems. - [Wearable Universal Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-universal-remote-control-tobi-kims-multi-chalk): The Multi-Chalk (Category: Tech) Implication: The industry can explore opportunities to collaborate with technology companies and design electronic clothing for convenience and control. - [Remote Controlled Color](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remote-controlled-dimmable-multicolor-led-lightbulb-fits-in-standard-socket): Multi-Color LED Lightbulb (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate remote controlled lighting solutions into smart home ecosystems for seamless automation and energy management. - [Eco-Friendly Universal Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-battery-eco-remote-windup-remote): The Wind-Up Remote (Category: Eco) Implication: The Wind-Up Remote shows a market opportunity for entrepreneurs and established brands in the consumer electronics industry to innovate and create energy-saving, sustainable produ… - [Fashionable Remote controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spult): The Minimalist and Sleek 'sPult' (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can explore the trend of minimalist design in remote controls, creating sleek and stylish devices for enhanced user experience. - [Jumbo Remote Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jumbo-remote-control-you-cant-lose-this-one): You Can't Lose this One (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the consumer electronics industry by creating oversized remote controls with enhanced features. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [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) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)