# Affordable Touchscreen Tabletops The Templeman Automation Playsurface is Interactive By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-05-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/templeman-automation-playsurface References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/playsurface-touchscreen-tabletop/22564/) & [kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/472263971/playsurface-the-affordable-multi-touch-computing-t) While there have been touch surfaces created by companies such as [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylight-cal-max), the Templeman Automation Playsurface works in much the same way as these high-end versions without being too hard on one's wallet. The transparent screen is built into the top of a table and can be hooked up to a computer if desired, which would sit in a special space inside. This would allow for several users to play games or surf the web simultaneously. It doesn't work in the quite the same way as traditional touchscreens, relying instead on the use of optical sensors and mirrors, yet it functions in the same way -- and at a fraction of the cost of similar designs, which is always a plus. The table comes delivered in flat-packed style and is assembled in the same way as a set of [IKEA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaleidoscopic-home) furniture. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Affordable Touchscreen Tabletops:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop low-cost touchscreen tabletops that utilize optical sensors and mirrors instead of traditional touchscreens. - **Interactive Playsurfaces:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Explore the creation of tabletops equipped with transparent screens that can be connected to computers, allowing multiple users to engage in gaming and web surfing simultaneously. - **Flat-packed Interactive Furniture:** Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Design and produce interactive tabletops that are delivered as flat-packed furniture, providing cost advantages and easy assembly. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** Explore the development of affordable touchscreen tabletops for consumer use, opening up new market opportunities. - **Gaming:** Integrate interactive playsurfaces into the gaming industry to enhance multi-user gaming experiences and attract a broader audience. - **Furniture:** Incorporate interactive, flat-packed tabletops into the furniture industry, offering innovative and convenient solutions for home and office spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Interaction Coffee Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmasurface.md) - [Subtly Smart Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etto-table.md) - [Digital Board Game Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-arena.md) - [Interactive Multipurpose Touchscreen Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hkmlc-smart-boards.md) - [Interactive Projection Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abusizz.md) - [Touchscreen Projector Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchscreen-projector.md) - [Dynamic Sculptural Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-transformation-table.md) - [OLED Screen-Equipped Smart Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumina-desk.md) - [Touchless Interaction Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantomy-software.md)