# Tactile Mobility Smartphone manufacturers use simplicity and sensory experience to expand. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published May 19, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/tactile-mobility ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 27, 2014 to Mar 27, 2016 - Published: May 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Tactile Mobility trend ### Tactile Smartphones Smartphone manufacturers are incorporating tactile features into their designs to appeal to seniors and those who are less tech-savvy. ### 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. ### Square Smartphone Designs Designers are reimagining the traditional smartphone design with square, two-piece models that incorporate a tactile keyboard and retractable hardware. ## What the Tactile Mobility trend means for industry ### For 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 for Tactile Mobility Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 57%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 62% - Activity: 57% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tactile Mobility trend 4 featured examples from Mar 27, 2014 to Mar 27, 2016. - [Simplified Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ezismart): The 'EziSmart' Features Enlarged Buttons and an Emergency Function (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can explore the development of specialized smartphone accessories and devices that improve accessibility for individuals with specific needs. - [Square Smartphone Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/square-smartphone): The BlackBerry L Reimagines the Rotary Slider for a Retractable Keyboard (Category: Tech) Implication: 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… - [Senior-Targeted Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fujitsu-smartphone): This Fujitsu Smartphone is Providing Easier Access to Communication (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of senior-targeted smartphones provides disruptive innovation opportunities in the technology industry, allowing for the creation of more inclusive and user-friend… - [Tactile Smartphone Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactile-smartphone): This Concept ASUS Diverges From the Minimalist Mobile Movement (Category: Tech) Implication: The mobile phone industry can explore innovative designs to enhance user experience and functionality. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [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) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)