# Sensory-Enabled Mobile Buttons The Alibaba 'Smart Touch' Aids the Visually Impaired By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-02-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alibaba-smart-touch References: [thenextweb](https://thenextweb.com/world/2018/11/12/alibabas-inexpensive-smart-display-tech-makes-shopping-easier-for-the-visually-impaired/) & [alibaba](https://www.alibaba.com/) [Alibaba’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alibaba-4) research and development arm, Damo Academy, collaborated with China’s [Tsinghua University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tsinghua-university) to introduce the 'Smart Touch' sheet to improve the use of mobile devices by those with [vision impairments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lighthouse-tech). The Smart Touch plastic sheet is sensory-enabled, which means that pressing its buttons triggers certain commands, such as "confirm" or "go back." With the Smart Touch sheet on one's mobile device, shopping becomes a simplified process. Although the Smart Touch is a valuable tool for reducing the amount of clicks needed to browse or make a purchase, it also allows users to text when a phone is held to the ear. This functionality, according to Alibaba, cuts the time needed to complete tasks like taking calls and shopping online by 50%. As the device is so inexpensive to produce, Alibaba plans to distribute its Smart Touch sheet for free through its brick-and-mortar outlets. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sensory-enabled Mobile Devices:** Incorporating sensory technology in mobile devices has the potential to revolutionize the way the visually impaired use technology and open new markets for low-cost assistive technology. - **Simplified User Interfaces:** Developing simplified user interfaces can improve the accessibility and ease-of-use for individuals with disabilities while also providing a better experience for all users. - **Low-cost Assistive Technology:** Producing low-cost assistive technology can make these tools more accessible to a wider range of individuals while also providing new market opportunities for businesses. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Mobile Devices Industry:** The mobile devices industry can create new product lines specifically designed for the visually impaired using sensory technology. - **Accessibility Technology Industry:** The accessibility technology industry can incorporate sensory technology and simplified user interfaces to create new, innovative tools for individuals with disabilities. - **Brick-and-mortar Retail Industry:** The brick-and-mortar retail industry can distribute low-cost, sensory-enabled assistive technology for individuals with disabilities through their physical stores to reach a wider audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology.md) - [Inclusive Smartphone Prototype Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onebuttonpin.md) - [Accessible Keyboard-Like Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidimensional-communication.md) - [Tactile Smart Home Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/from-design-concept.md) - [Tactile Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercards-touch-card.md) - [Impairment-Accessible Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dot-pad.md) - [Accessible Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touch-cards.md) - [Visually Impaired Payment Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shimmer.md) - [Accessible Home Device Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessble-home-device.md)