# Microsoft Dance Pad is the New Mouse By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-03-02 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-dance-pad-is-the-new-mouse References: [cnn](http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/ptech/03/01/microsoft.dance.pad.ap/index.html) Ever feel like you're not making good enough use of your feet when you're catching up on your e-mail or sorting through all those digital pictures you took on that last vacation? Computer scientists in [Microsoft Corp.'s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-palm-mouse) research division have developed a [color-coded "dance pad"](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-windows-xp-x-crocs) with buttons you can tap with your feet -- or jump on -- to [scroll through electronic files](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mx-creative-console-1). "StepMail" may never make it to store shelves, but that's no concern to Microsoft, which spends billions of dollars a year researching far-out technologies without worrying about whether the gizmos will ever make it to store shelves ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Foot-based Computing:** Developing new user interfaces that utilize the feet for input offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in computing. - **Alternative Input Devices:** Exploring new ways to interact with computers beyond the traditional input devices allows for disruptive innovation in user experience. - **Gesture-based Computing:** Incorporating physical gestures into computing interfaces offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in human-computer interaction. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Computer Hardware Manufacturing:** Manufacturers have the opportunity to develop new hardware that supports foot-based computing as an alternative input device. - **Gaming Technology:** Gaming companies can explore new ways to incorporate foot-based input in game design. - **Healthcare Technology:** Using foot-based input in digital healthcare technologies can improve accessibility and ease of use for patients with limited mobility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ergonomic Digital Creative Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-palm-mouse.md) - [Wireless Tongue-Operated Trackpads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-tongueoperated-trackpad.md) - [Tech-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-crocs.md) - [Software-Inspired Clog Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windows-xp-crocs.md) - [Tongue-Controlled Digital Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-interfaces.md) - [Finger-Focused Dancing Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orb-finger-dance-machine.md) - [Screen-Equipped Computer Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-mouse-touch.md) - [Intuitive Gesture-Control Mouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tactigon-skin-wearable-mouse.md) - [Gaming Foot Pedal Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-foot-pedal.md)