# Empowering Icon-Based Interfaces The Artisan Marketplace Helps Moroccans Reach More Customers By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-02-13 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisan-marketplace References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/language-free-interface-helps-moroccan-artisans-profit-sales/) & [theanou](http://www.theanou.com/) This [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ethical-commerce-platform)-style artisan marketplace uses a language-free interface to better enable enterprising Moroccans to sell their handmade products online. Designed to help artisans in Morocco to increase their profits, Anou allows them to appeal directly to consumers without having to worry about a language barrier. They simply take pictures of their products and upload them to the [icon-based platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nautical-commerce) under the appropriate category. By aiding Moroccans to appeal to consumers in the West, the [online artisan marketplace](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youtribe) allows them to improve their quality of life and grow their base of customers. This model is especially beneficial for women, who can use their skills to make unique pieces and make an alternative source of income, thus empowering them and their families. The artisans can access Anou using Internet cafes and smartphones, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Morocco. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Language-free Interfaces:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing intuitive icon-based interfaces for a variety of industries, eliminating language barriers and improving accessibility. - **Artisan Marketplaces:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating online marketplaces specifically tailored for artisans to reach a global customer base, enabling them to expand their businesses and increase profits. - **Empowering Marginalized Communities:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Building platforms that empower marginalized communities by providing opportunities for economic growth and financial independence. ### Sectors Adopting This - **E-commerce:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating language-free interfaces and intuitive platforms to enhance the online shopping experience, reaching a wider audience and improving customer engagement. - **Craft and Handmade Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing specialized marketplaces that connect artisans with niche consumer groups, showcasing unique handmade products and fostering a supportive community. - **Social Impact Entrepreneurship:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating platforms and resources that enable individuals in marginalized communities to start and scale their own businesses, promoting social and economic empowerment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-digital-tools.md) - [Third-Party Artisanal Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michaels.md) - [Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-entrepreneur.md) - [Global Digital Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/r-finds.md) - [Multilingual Trading Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/secondhand-trading.md) - [International Jewelry-Focused Digital Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeweler-collective.md) - [Online Sales Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samasemua1.md) - [Creator-Driven Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goods-hands.md) - [Accessible Home Services Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-services-marketplace.md)