# Visionovation (UPDATE) Inventions helping the visually impaired navigate the world around them. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jul 28, 2012, updated Jul 30, 2012 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/visionovation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Visionovation (UPDATE) trend? **Visionovation (UPDATE):** While the World Health Organization reports that there are 285 million visually impaired people around the world, until very recently this large consumer group has received only mild attention from innovators and brands. In the last few years tech companies have begun focusing on the development of electronics and gadgets, such as braille cellphones, for the visually impaired, and now, an increasing number of inventions are coming to the fore. Ranging from shopping aids to hi-tech walking sticks, these innovations are helping visually impaired people around the world perform everyday activities more easily and efficiently than ever before. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 4, 2011 to Jul 20, 2012 - Published: Jul 28, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Visionovation (UPDATE) trend ### Technology for the Visually Impaired Innovations are coming to the fore ranging from shopping aids to hi-tech walking sticks, making life easier and safer for visually impaired people. ### Haptic Feedback for the Blind Le Chal and Sonicane 2.0 are among the few innovations using haptic feedback to guide the visually impaired and improve their daily lives. ### Sensory-Based Innovations for the Blind EyeMusic and Navigation Blind Sunglasses are using sensors to map out their surroundings to accurately guide the visually impaired around obstacles and provide them with a better understanding of their environment. ## What the Visionovation (UPDATE) trend means for industry ### For Assistive Technology The technology for the visually impaired are an example of Assistive Technology that could open up a wide range of opportunities to innovate in this field. ### For Wearable Tech Le Chal and Sonicane 2.0 are examples of wearable technology that can improve the lives of the visually impaired and offer new opportunities for wearable tech companies. ### For Medical Technology EyeMusic and Navigation Blind Sunglasses are examples of medical technology that can improve the quality of life for the visually impaired. ## Trend signals for Visionovation (UPDATE) Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 39%, activity 24%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 39% - Activity: 24% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Visionovation (UPDATE) trend 7 featured examples from Dec 4, 2011 to Jul 20, 2012. - [Visually Impaired Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-blind-sunglasses): The Navigation Blind Sunglasses Help Guide the Handicap (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Integrating advanced sensors, communication devices, and software into visually impaired eyewear to enhance navigation capabilities. - [Vision-Enabling Bumpy Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-equipped-electronic-readers): Braille-Equipped Electronic Readers Let the Blind Use Smartphones (Category: Tech) Implication: The technology industry can capitalize on the disruptive innovation opportunities presented by advances in Braille-equipped electronic readers. - [GPS Walking Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonicane-2-0): The Sonicane 2.0 Lets the Blind Guide Themselves (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare technology industry has significant potential to leverage smart technology and design principles in the development of assistive devices for individuals with differ… - [Virtual Reality Sight-Improving Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intelligent-goggles): Intelligent Goggles Help the Visually Impaired Navigate (Category: Unique) Implication: Intelligent goggles and other assistive technology products have disrupted the assistive technology industry and present a growing market for manufacturers and developers. - [Melodic Interpretation Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyemusic): EyeMusic Translates Visual Stimuli Into Sounds for the Blind (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for the healthcare industry to invest in and develop assistive technologies that improve the well-being of visually impaired individuals. - [Visual Barcode Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/see-assistive-technology): See Assistive Techology Makes it Easier for the Blind to Shop (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Visual barcode scanning technology can transform the way that retail businesses cater to customers with additional needs and increase accessibility. - [Blind-Aiding Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-chal): Le Chal Aims to Help the Visually Impaired in a Ground-Breaking Way (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for footwear companies to incorporate haptic feedback and smart shoe technology into their products to cater to visually impaired consumers. ## 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)