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# Blind-Friendly Mobile Phones
The 3D-Printed OwnFone is Equipped with Braille Buttons

By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-23 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-mobile-phone
References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/ownfone-launches-3d-printed-braille-phone/32171/) & [ownfone.myownfone](https://ownfone.myownfone.com/)

British company OwnFone is releasing that it claims to be the world's first commercially available braille mobile phone. The OwnFone is a lightweight, low-cost and easy-to-use device that can be setup with braille buttons. It is customized by the user before being 3D-printed by OwnFone.

The OwnFone offers the most [basic functionality](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lofone), making it easier for users to access important functions and removing clutter. It has a few buttons on the front, each of which can be pre-programmed to execute specific functions. Users can customize up to four quick-dial braille buttons.

Once users design their custom braille mobile phone, the company [3D-prints the device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sidephone-sp01) and sends it to them. Quick-dial buttons can be updated and reprinted for just $17.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.5/10
- Popularity: 10% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Braille Mobile Phones:** The OwnFone is the first commercially available mobile phone with braille buttons, presenting opportunities for the development of more accessible and inclusive mobile devices.
- **3D Printing in Mobile Phone Manufacturing:** The use of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing of OwnFone enables customization and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for the adoption of this disruptive innovation in the mobile phone industry.
- **Simplified Mobile Phone Functionality:** The OwnFone's focus on basic functionality allows for easier access to important features, creating an opportunity for the development of streamlined and user-friendly mobile interfaces.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Mobile Devices:** The introduction of braille mobile phones creates a new market segment within the mobile devices industry, catering to the needs of visually impaired individuals.
- **3D Printing:** The adoption of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing of mobile phones presents new opportunities for growth and innovation within the 3D printing industry.
- **Accessibility Technology:** The development of braille mobile phones highlights the potential for advancements in accessibility technology, impacting industries such as assistive devices and inclusive design.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md)
- [Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot-printer.md)
- [On-Demand Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot.md)
- [Miniature Braille Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tdot-braille-keyboard.md)
- [Engaging Braille Education Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-learning-device.md)
- [Inclusive Smartphone Control Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-key-device.md)
- [Miniature Haptic Communicators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onecoms-fintin-v1.md)
- [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md)
- [Accessible Keyboard-Like Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidimensional-communication.md)