# Modernizing Public Telephones The Reinvent Payphones Design Challenge Re-Imagines Outdated Booths By Meghan Young | Published 2013-03-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reinvent-payphones-design-challenge References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/03/nyc-payphone-design.html) & [nycdigital.tumblr](http://nycdigital.tumblr.com/) The Reinvent Payphones Design Challenge invited designers to modernize the once necessary urban staple in the city of New York. [Cellphones have become so prevalent](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-design-archives) nowadays people will soon need to have them either surgically removed or implanted into their hands. With this radical thought in mind, it is clear that payphones as people know them will never make a comeback. Nevertheless, the six winning prototypes from the Reinvent Payphones Design Challenge has a chance to resurrect them for the [tech-savvy individual](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sidephone-sp01). For instance, Sage and Coombe Architects envisions these relics returning as NYfi, "an interactive portal to public info, goods and services, a hub for [free wireless internet access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-friendly-beach-chair) and an open infrastructure for future apps," according to Psfk. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Smart Public Infrastructure:** As cities modernize, opportunities arise to create interactive portals for public information, goods and services via smart infrastructure. - **Internet of Things:** Innovative designs for public telephones provide potential opportunities for incorporating IoT technologies for smarter and more connected urban environments. - **Augmented Reality:** Modernized versions of public telephones could incorporate augmented reality to provide enhanced user experiences and information exchange. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Smart City:** As cities continue to invest in smart infrastructure, revamped public telephones could serve as integrated portals to smart public services and information. - **Telecommunications:** As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, there may be opportunities to leverage public telephone infrastructure to expand 5G networks and provide Wi-Fi access in public spaces. - **Architecture and Design:** As the reinvention of public telephones gains traction, opportunities exist for architects and designers to play a role in updating and modernizing urban infrastructure. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-boxes.md) - [Futuristic Interactive Retail Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espacio-movistar.md) - [Resurrected Used Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-afterlife.md) - [Tech-Infused Analog Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-aesthetics-and-modern-technology.md) - [Retro-Futuristic Cellphone Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noka-7610-5g.md) - [Recycled Phonecase Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journey-to-rebirth.md) - [Modernized Familial Landline Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wifi-home-phone.md) - [Industrial Cellphone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-n90-x-nothing-concept.md) - [Modernized Nostalgic Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tin-cans.md)