# Affordable Earthquake Detectors The Terra Earthquake Detector Warns of Tremors Before they Hit By Justin Lam | Published 2018-10-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-earthquake-detector References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/10/23/terra-earthquake-alarm-umea-institute-of-design-technology/) & [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/66808089/terra) Designed by students from Sweden's Umeå Institute of Design, the [Terra](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-compass) earthquake detector is a [minimal, low-cost earthquake alarm](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protechme) that serves as a source of calm during non-destructive incidents. Crafted with residents of the Ring of Fire in mind, the device expertly blends into people's homes and is affordable enough for lower income communities to access. According to the makers, the Terra earthquake detector "increases awareness and [reduces panic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arc-alarm-clock) in countries vulnerable to earthquakes." The device works by responding to an earthquake's non-destructive primary waves, which generally travel at a higher velocity and can be detected a minute before the destructive secondary waves. After these waves are detected and sent out by seismographic institutions, the Terra earthquake detector will warn people of its estimated arrival and anticipated strength. Image Credit: Umeå Institute of Design ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Low-cost Earthquake Detectors:** There is a growing need for low-cost and accessible earthquake detectors to increase awareness and reduce panic in vulnerable communities. - **Minimalistic and Blending Designs:** Consumers are looking for earthquake detectors that blend seamlessly into their homes and are visually appealing. - **Early Earthquake Warnings:** There is a need for earthquake detectors that can provide early warnings and help save lives and reduce damages. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Home Security Industry:** The home security industry has the opportunity to integrate low-cost earthquake detectors into their product portfolio and offer a comprehensive solution to homeowners. - **Construction Industry:** The construction industry can incorporate earthquake-resistant designs and constructions into buildings, in tandem with early warning systems, to help mitigate damages during an earthquake. - **Iot Industry:** The IoT industry has the opportunity to provide early warning earthquake detectors and solutions to vulnerable communities, as part of their smart city initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Comprehensive Earthquake Alerts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quakeinfo.md) - [Protective Earthquake Response Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/testudo-shield-and-helmet.md) - [Disaster-Preparation Sleek Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4rq002003.md) - [Thermal Camera Fire Detectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/early-fire-detection-sensor.md) - [Ruggedly Intuitive Geiger Counters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radiation-detector.md) - [Haptic Stone-Like Compasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-compass.md) - [Portable Soil Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-soil-monitor.md) - [AI-Enhanced Phone-Free Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-ai.md) - [Screen-Free Wandering Navigation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screenfree-wandering.md)