# Paper-Thin Pen Drives DataSTICKIES Replace USB Sticks as Inexpensive and Compact Alternatives By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-11-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/datastickies References: [red-dot.sg](http://www.red-dot.sg/en/online-exhibition/concept/?code=1039&y=2013&c=17&a=0) Prepare to be suitably impressed by the ingenious invention of dataSTICKIES. They may have lengths, widths and capabilities that compare to those of thumbdrives, but take a close look at these [flash memory devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raspberry-pi-flash-drive) and you'll notice an incredible single-atom thickness and you'll enthusiastically wonder exactly how they work. Parag Anand and Aditi Singh definitely deserve the titles of 2013 Red Dot Design Award Winners for this concept. Made of graphene to mimic the look of [little sticky note tabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/m-note), these cutting-edge gizmos contain [two-dimensional honeycomb structures of carbon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-battery) that can store great quantities of information. To read the contents of the dataSTICKIES, and to move files on and off of them, you fix them to a computer's optical data transfer surface (ODTS). The reusable conductive adhesive helps to connect them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 97% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Graphene-based Data Storage:** Innovative use of graphene material to store large quantities of data in an incredibly thin and compact device. - **Single-atom Thickness Technology:** Revolutionary technology that can transform data storage by increasing storage capacity and decreasing device sizes. - **Reusable Conductive Adhesive:** Sustainable solution that can minimize waste and offer cost-effective alternatives to non-recyclable data storage devices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** Opportunities for tech companies to incorporate graphene-based and single-atom thickness technology into their product development and innovation strategies. - **Office Supplies:** Potential for office supplies providers to offer eco-friendly and space-saving alternatives to USB sticks and other data storage devices. - **Data Storage:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for data storage providers to explore the potential of graphene material and single-atom thickness technology in the development of new products and solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [Icon-Shaped USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folderdrive.md) - [Record-Setting Compact Storage Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/extreme-fit-usb-c.md) - [Sticky Note Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-gen-2.md) - [Digitized Browser-Based Notes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sticky.md) - [Playful Crayon USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-crayola-usbc.md) - [Charming Retro Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-inspired-sd-card.md) - [Digital Sticky Note Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-sticky-notes.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Storage Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-trek-discovery-flash-drives.md)