Buttons haven’t changed much for the last century, but Shapeways designer Egant has revolutionized the practical, but mundane design fastener in the Button 2.0.
Most buttons serve to secure clothing -- some more aesthetically appealing than others -- but the Button 2.0 adds an extra function to this conventional piece. At approximately 1.1cm wide, the button is created slightly thicker than traditional ones, but includes a divot on one end. This allows earphones to be clipped into the indent in the button and keeps the dangling cord from dipping into your food or coffee when you are reaching for something. By keeping the cord close to your body, it also prevents the annoying wire from hooking onto random items and being painfully yanked out of your ears.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Multi-use Buttons
- The trend of multi-use buttons presents an opportunity for designers to innovate and create buttons that serve more than one purpose or function.
- Integration of Technology with Everyday Objects
- The Button 2.0 showcases the potential for integrating technology with everyday objects, which presents disruptive innovation opportunities in various industries.
- Practical Product Design
- The Button 2.0 highlights the trend of practical product design, which presents an opportunity for designers to create functional products that serve practical everyday purposes.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion and Apparel Industry
- The multi-use button trend presents an opportunity for the fashion and apparel industry to add additional functionality to clothing and accessories.
- Consumer Electronics Industry
- The integration of technology with everyday objects presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the consumer electronics industry to create new products that are both functional and practical.
- Housewares Industry
- The trend of practical product design presents an opportunity for the housewares industry to create functional products that simplify everyday tasks and offer added convenience.
