# "Cute" Smart Phones The Kawaii Mobile By Michael Plishka | Published 2008-12-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kawaii-phone-cute-phone References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/12/01/yanko-welcomes-the-age-of-mobile-kawaii/) We want our phones to be smart for us. Now, it looks like we’re going to ask our phones to bring a little bit of cuteness into our lives. Featuring an [iPod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-sophistication)-esque thumb-wheel design and a full color screen, it also is overflowing with the [cute factor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonny-angel-1). It almost looks as if it could walk, and maybe in the next generation, it will hobble across the desk. Oh, and it would be nice if it was a little squishy as well. This *Cute* (which is what “kawaii” means in Japanese) phone was designed by Joseph Liang. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cute Smart Phones:** Opportunity for creating smart phones with a focus on cute design and features. - **Kawaii Mobile:** Potential for designing mobile devices inspired by the concept of kawaii, bringing cuteness to the forefront. - **Squishy Phones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to develop phones with a squishy texture, adding a unique tactile experience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** Opportunity for companies in the consumer electronics industry to cater to the demand for cute and kawaii-themed smart phones. - **Design and Fashion:** Potential for designers and fashion industry professionals to explore collaborations in creating visually appealing and cute mobile devices. - **Material Science:** Disruptive technology opportunity for the material science industry to develop innovative materials for creating phones with a squishy texture. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Screen-Free Toy-Like Child Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miku-kids-phone.md) - [Swappable Keypad Cellphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sidephone-sp01.md) - [Wacky Design Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-phone-experimentation.md) - [Mini Transparent Smartphone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-mini-phone.md) - [Posh Pill-Shaped Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-infinity-pro.md) - [Multifunctional Handheld Gaming Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unihertz-jelly-star.md) - [Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/young-entertainer.md) - [Adorable Pebble-Shaped Warmers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cellphone-hand-warmer.md) - [Pocket-Sized AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharp-poketomo.md)