# Tactile Tech (UPDATE) Touch technology moves from phones & computers to everyday items. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jun 22, 2011, updated Jun 28, 2011 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/touch-technology ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.9/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Tactile Tech (UPDATE) trend? **Tactile Tech (UPDATE):** Phones, computers and tablets have been invaded by touch technology, but not until recently has this feature made its way into the design of other types of products. Offering convenience and sleek design, touch-activated watches, measuring tools and even vehicles are joining the tactile crusade. This rise in “touchnology” shows how new technological features and functions can never be discounted from other industries and products—no matter how far removed. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 14, 2010 to Jun 22, 2011 - Published: Jun 22, 2011 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Tactile Tech (UPDATE) trend ### Rise of Touchnology Touch technology is expanding beyond phones and computers, and making its way into everyday items such as watches and measuring tools. ### Interactive Touch Displays Innovative creations such as MIT Media Lab's Recompose are disrupting the conventional touchscreen technology by providing tactile feedback. ### Tactile Innovation for the Visually Impaired Innovators are enhancing the independence and mobility of the visually impaired by providing tactile clocks, watches, and other devices. ## What the Tactile Tech (UPDATE) trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics Tech companies can explore further expansion of touch technology in various products beyond smartphones and computers. ### For Assistive Technology Innovators can develop tactile devices and accessories to benefit the visually impaired and people with disabilities. ### For Fashion and Wearable Technology Designers can incorporate tactile technology into wearable accessories to create unique and interactive fashion pieces. ## Trend signals for Tactile Tech (UPDATE) Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 63%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 63% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tactile Tech (UPDATE) trend 7 featured examples from Sep 14, 2010 to Jun 22, 2011. - [Sensational Tactile Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rub-feel-know-watch): The Rub. Feel. Know Watch Gives You a Sense of the Hour (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Watchmakers can tap into the assistive technology trend by exploring tactile timepieces to create innovative and inclusive products. - [Pliable Film Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperphone): The PaperPhone Promotes a Different Twist on Tactile Tech Interaction (Category: Tech) Implication: The mobile technology industry could benefit from developments in pliable film displays and programmable bend gestures. - [Touchscreen Motor Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teo-song-wei): Habitat+ from Teo Song Wei is Perfect for Tech-Head Outdoorsmen (Category: Autos) Implication: Introducing touchscreen technology to vehicles is a possible disruptive innovation opportunity. - [Tactile Timekeepers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haptica-braille-watch): The Haptica Braille Watch Indicates the Hour to Your Fingertips (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for wearable tech companies to develop accessible products - [Magical Touch Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recompose-by-mit-media-lab): Recompose by Mit Media Lab Represents a Bold New Touchscreen Future (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can harness the potential of interactive display tiles, like the Recompose by MIT Media Lab, to create novel and immersive user experiences in th… - [Tactile Measuring Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-finger): The Smart Finger Measurement Device Digitizes Human Approximations (Category: Tech) Implication: The measurement tools industry can explore new market opportunities by incorporating smart finger measurement devices and digital approximation tools. - [Interactive Cranial Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midi-music-hats): Touch-Sensitive MIDI Music Hats Are a Bizarre Way to Play Songs (Category: Unique) Implication: The fashion industry can explore the disruptive innovation opportunity of integrating interactive and tactile elements into their designs. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) - [Autonomy Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomy-stacks) (Tech) - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (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)