# Inclusive Smartphone Control Devices The 'Matrix5' Assistive Key Device by Aerum Gu is Tactile By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2023-06-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-key-device References: [tuvie](https://www.tuvie.com/matrix5-assistive-key-device-for-the-blind/) & [g11design](https://g11design.com/)  The conceptual 'Matrix5' assistive key device has been designed by Aerum Gu as an alternative for smartphones that's both [tactile and inclusive](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-inclusive-essentials) to accommodate the needs of those with reduced or no vision. The device has a handheld construction that works by being held in a landscape orientation and navigated through a [series of buttons on the rear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communicator). Each of the buttons are paired with textural finishes to make them easily identifiable by a blind user via touch alone. The conceptual 'Matrix5' assistive key device has a curved, contoured construction that will fit comfortable in the hands during use and identifies what can be done to make mobile solutions for accessible. The device also features a [camera and touchscreen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camera-1) on the front to incorporate the functionalities of smartphones into the interface. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 16% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Tactile Assistive Key Devices:** There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating assistive key devices that offer tactile feedback for those with reduced or no vision. - **Tactile Navigation for Smartphones:** Disruptive innovation can be achieved by developing tactile navigation systems that allow blind users to easily navigate smartphones through touch alone. - **Accessible Mobile Solutions:** There is a potential for disruptive innovation in developing mobile solutions that are specifically designed to be accessible for individuals with visual impairments. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry has the opportunity to revolutionize the way individuals with visual impairments interact with smartphones through the development of tactile assistive key devices. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can explore disruptive innovation by incorporating tactile navigation systems into smartphones, making them more accessible for individuals with visual impairments. - **Accessories and Wearables:** The accessories and wearables industry can capitalize on the demand for inclusive smartphone control devices by developing innovative and ergonomic solutions that cater to individuals with visual impairments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Keyboard-Like Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidimensional-communication.md) - [Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology.md) - [Tactile Smart Home Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/from-design-concept.md) - [Inclusive Smartphone Prototype Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onebuttonpin.md) - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Accessible Home Device Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessble-home-device.md) - [Miniature Haptic Communicators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onecoms-fintin-v1.md) - [Miniature Braille Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tdot-braille-keyboard.md) - [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md)