Woodovation

Gadgets made of wood are a reflection of society's yen to go back to basics

Implications - A major new design movement is deriving inspiration from organic materials like wood. In our 2008 report we focused on bamboo, but ordinary wood is the new raw darling. Unpainted wood is being used in modern technologies too, demonstrating our ingrained tendency to want to surround ourselves with nature.

Trend Themes

  1. Natural and Organic Design — Design movements are deriving inspiration from organic materials like wood and bamboo, creating an opportunity for businesses that create personalized organic-themed tech products.
  2. Dual-purpose Items — As simple items, such as USBs, are being transformed into dual-purpose items, businesses can look to other technological accessories to transform into fashionable jewelry pieces.
  3. Luxurious Design — Luxurious design will drive product purchase, such as the Gresso White Diamonds Collection, which highlights the importance of design in product choice.

Industry Implications

  1. Technology — There is an opportunity for businesses to create unique and personalized tech items that cater to individual interests and personalities.
  2. Fashion and Jewelry — As the line between fashion and tech blurs, businesses can look to transform other technological accessories into other fashionable jewelry pieces.
  3. Luxury Goods — Businesses can focus on the importance of design in product choice, as consumers are looking for high-end, luxurious products like the Gresso White Diamonds Collection.
3.4
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Megatrends
12 Featured
80,592 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Oct 06 — Sep 08
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Wooden Memory Stick
Wooden Memory Stick
Check out the new wooden USM memory sticks, "USB memory sticks are always nice to have around when transferring files from computer to computer. These sticks are made to stand out against its natural environment… MORE
Wooden USB Necklace
Wooden USB Necklace
Fashion Meets Tech
Another take on making USB fashionable and wearable. This portable 2GB USB drive is embedded in a wood case that can be worn as fashion accessory around your neck. It comes with a leather neck strap. MORE
Wood Gadget Cases
Wood Gadget Cases
Wanxinda iPod Case
I'm liking this wood casing for the iPod. There is no real information available on the product, but I like the wood casing because it offers protection for the gadget in case of accidental dropping. "Wanxinda… MORE
Wooden PCs
Wooden PCs
Suissa Enlighten
If you're looking for a unique computer that throws away all the traditional PC design conventions, you might want to check out the Enlighten, a custom-made wooden PC from Suissa. The visually dynamic… MORE
Time-Controlled Aromatherapy
Time-Controlled Aromatherapy
Aroma Waker
Wake up to roses! Or jasmine. Or vanilla. Well, to any aroma you prefer. The 'Aroma Waker' by Abiogenesis incorporates an aroma diffuser into an alarm clock such that the diffuser automatically runs itself… MORE
Retro Plasma Televisions
Retro Plasma Televisions
Wilkerson Furniture
"Beaver... wash your hands. It's time for dinner." If you have to ask then your too young. Despite it's appearance, this is a very modern, 42" plasma television. Joe Wilkerson, the designer, wanted it… MORE
play_circle_filledWooden Orb Mouse
Wooden Orb Mouse
Jupiter PC Mouse
The Jupiter PC mouse is hand-made in Japan's Gunma Prefecture located in the northwest corner of the Kantō region on HonshÅ« island. The spheric mouse also comes in a stainless steel version for Mac users… MORE
$14,000 African Blackwood Cell Phones
$14,000 African Blackwood Cell Phones
Gresso White Diamonds Mobile
Gresso, a Russian phone maker, recently wowed the world with its luxurious new mobile phone models. The company just launched the White Diamonds Collection which includes two cell phones bejeweled with… MORE
Digital Photos Urns
Digital Photos Urns
Frame Holds Photos and Ashes
If you want to keep the memory of a loved one alive in your home, you'll likely have their photos up, and maybe even have their ashes stored in a nearby container. If that's true for you, why not combine… MORE
Olympus Wooden Camera
Olympus Wooden Camera
Stylish and Enduring
Isn’t it cool that a camera made from wood? This is a prototype wooden camera from Olympus. It’s made from Japanese cypress wood that grows between 100 -130 feet tall with a base diameter from two… MORE
Natural Wood TV
Natural Wood TV
Swedx LCD HDTV (CES 2008)
Ingenious design combines the ultra high tech with the ultra high touch. Swedx revealed its latest wood LCD HDTV entertainment system at CES 2008. Swedx says they are "the first company in the world to… MORE
Retro Radio Strikes Again
Retro Radio Strikes Again
MAGNA Wooden Radio with iPod Jack
If you are lover of things natural and organic, Designer Singgih Kartono has a radio for you. The MAGNA wooden radio has all the modern gimmicks: including an input for your iPod or other portables. The… MORE