# Safety-Focused Earbuds These Sleek Earphones Focus on Safety as Well as Optimizing Audio By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleek-earphones References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2016/07/18/say-no-to-noise-cancellation/) & [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/andryu) While the popularity in [noise-cancelling headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaibo-flow) continues to rise, these sleek earphones go against the grain. The 'Focus' headphones where designed by Kwanjun Ryu and were created because the designer believes that noise-cancelling devices can be dangerous. In heavily populated or dangerous areas, not being able to hear what is going on around you could certainly have an impact on safety. These sleek earphones were designed to enable [external sounds through a simple switch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearvana-ai) when needed, all while the user's audio plays. The user can switch it back whenever they wish for the noise-cancelling feature of the headphones to be turned on. In order to ensure safety in populated areas with traffic, headphones that allow the option for both noise-cancellation and to [hear surroundings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundcore-aerofit-2-pro) can be crucial. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Dual Function Earphones:** Opportunity to develop earphones that offer both noise-cancelling and ambient sound options. - **Safety-focused Headphone Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in creating accessories that enhance safety while using headphones. - **Situational Awareness Audio Devices:** Developing audio devices that can dynamically adjust sound levels to enhance situational awareness. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Consumer Electronics:** Opportunity for consumer electronics companies to create innovative earphone products. - **Safety Equipment:** Disruptive innovation potential in the safety equipment industry by incorporating audio technology. - **Wearable Technology:** Developing wearable devices that prioritize safety and user awareness through audio functionalities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid Open-Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oleap-pilot.md) - [Industrial Open-Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-ear-open.md) - [Ambient Noise-Filtering Wireless Earphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noisefiltering-wireless-earphone.md) - [Helmet-Friendly Open Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/detachable-open-ear-headphones.md) - [Open-Style Air Conduction Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jbl-soundgear-sense.md) - [Fashion-Forward Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openear-earbud-concept.md) - [Hybrid Overear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oscene-ear.md) - [Detachable Dual-Mode Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streamline-hybrid-earphones.md) - [Noise-Filtering Earbud Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earbud-accessory.md)