# Reinventing Retro Gadgets DIY iPod Cigarette Case By TrendHead | Published 2008-11-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/istoned-an-ipod-as-cigarette-case References: [boingboing.net](http://www.boingboing.net/2008/11/21/ipod-as-cigarette-ca.html) & [tulipsociety](http://tulipsociety.com/wordpress/?p=70) If you have an old [iPod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-wallpapers) lying about, why not turn it into a flashy cigarette case? That's exactly what UTT student Tara did after inadvertently dropping her iPod from an outdoor bench and breaking it. Perhaps this is a new market opening for [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod). The Apple tech geniuses are so friendly, they might help smokers out with an in-store cigarette case upgrade. Why not? **Implications** - One of the best ways a company can create a strong connection with its consumers is by soliciting user-submitted images that they can display on their social media pages. By displaying these contributions, the brand establishes itself as a company that values the opinions of its fan base. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro Gadget Revival:** Companies can tap into the nostalgia trend and invest in reviving retro gadgets, creating a new market for fans of vintage tech. - **DIY Upcycling:** The rise of DIY culture presents opportunities for businesses to provide tools and materials for consumers to upcycle and repurpose old gadgets. - **Collaborative Innovation:** Brands can engage with their customers and promote innovation by soliciting user-submitted designs for product upgrades and accessories. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Companies in the consumer electronics industry can explore new markets by reviving and repurposing old gadgets in creative ways. - **DIY and Craft:** Businesses in the DIY and craft industry can offer products and services to enable consumers to upcycle and customize their gadgets. - **Social Media Marketing:** Brands can establish strong connections with their customers and promote user-generated content by soliciting user-submitted designs for product upgrades and accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod.md) - [Tech-Infused Analog Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-aesthetics-and-modern-technology.md) - [MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-wallpapers.md) - [Nostalgic Watch-Fitting Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod-1.md) - [MP3 Player Tracker Protectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elago-w7-airtag-case.md) - [Nostalgic Web Browser Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-social.md) - [Baroque-Style Earbud Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-case.md) - [Retro Music Device-Inspired Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drought.md) - [Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-mixtape-kit.md)