Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
Tactile
Mobility
Smartphone manufacturers use simplicity and sensory experience to expand.
4.2
Trend score
Trend
What is the Tactile Mobility trend?
Tactile Mobility: Though the majority of media is digital, smartphone use still lags behind with certain groups who do not identify as tech-savvy. This typically includes Boomers and those from a lower income bracket. Smartphone manufacturers are easing these groups into mobility through tactile features that hearken back to more simple methods of communication, showing the value of cyclicality.
Trend themes
Themes within the Tactile Mobility trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Tactile Smartphones
Smartphone manufacturers are incorporating tactile features into their designs to appeal to seniors and those who are less tech-savvy.
02
Simplified Smartphone Accessories
Inventors are creating smartphone accessories with enlarged buttons and emergency call features to accommodate elderly or disabled individuals who lack the motor control for touch screens.
03
Square Smartphone Designs
Designers are reimagining the traditional smartphone design with square, two-piece models that incorporate a tactile keyboard and retractable hardware.
Industry implications
What the Tactile Mobility trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Consumer Electronics
The consumer electronics industry can leverage tactile smartphone designs to appeal to seniors and the less tech-savvy.
For
Assistive Technology
Simplified smartphone accessories can be marketed to caregivers or organizations that work with the elderly or disabled.
For
Handset Multi-Media Manufacturing
Manufacturers of smartphones can incorporate tactile features to create differentiated products for niche markets.
Workshop question
How could you make your product more accessible to older age groups?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Tactile Mobility
Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 57%, freshness 8%.
Popularity62%
Activity57%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z (not a primary audience)
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Evidence
Examples of the Tactile Mobility trend
4 featured examples from Mar 27, 2014 to Mar 27, 2016CategoryTech
Simplified Smartphone Cases
The 'EziSmart' Features Enlarged Buttons and an Emergency Function
The consumer electronics industry can explore the development of specialized smartphone accessories and devices that improve accessibility for individuals with specific needs.
CategoryTech
Square Smartphone Designs
The BlackBerry L Reimagines the Rotary Slider for a Retractable Keyboard
The smartphone manufacturing industry can capitalize on the trend of square smartphone designs by developing innovative devices that cater to users' preferences for both tactile k…
CategoryTech
Senior-Targeted Smartphones
This Fujitsu Smartphone is Providing Easier Access to Communication
The development of senior-targeted smartphones provides disruptive innovation opportunities in the technology industry, allowing for the creation of more inclusive and user-friend…
CategoryTech
Tactile Smartphone Designs
This Concept ASUS Diverges From the Minimalist Mobile Movement
The mobile phone industry can explore innovative designs to enhance user experience and functionality.
