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# Magnified Rulers
Product Tank Designs 'The New Rule' for the Visually Impaired

By Matt Ho | Published 2011-01-25 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-new-rule
References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/01/24/no-ordinary-ruler/) & [producttank.squarespace](http://producttank.squarespace.com/)

The millimeters on a ruler are always difficult to see, which is why the 'New Rule' is here to help.

Product Tank designed a ruler called the 'New Rule' to help the [visually-impaired](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier) read measurements easier. The measuring tool displays larger numbers on the top and inside a sliding bar specifically for [measuring millimeters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archiscale). Each time the bar moves, it clicks to provide [audible feedback](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakshar-braille) on the measurement. The 'New Rule' is a well-thought out concept that will benefit those with vision problems.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.0/10
- Popularity: 41% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Assistive Technology:** The development of magnified rulers for the visually impaired demonstrates a trend towards assistive technology that enhances accessibility for people with disabilities.
- **Inclusive Design:** The 'New Rule' ruler exemplifies the trend of inclusive design, where products are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of a diverse range of users.
- **Accessible Measurement Tools:** The creation of the 'New Rule' indicates a growing trend in the development of accessible measurement tools that provide easier visual and auditory feedback for accurate measurements.

### Where This Applies

- **Product Design:** The 'New Rule' ruler highlights an innovation opportunity in the product design industry to create inclusive and accessible tools for individuals with disabilities.
- **Assistive Technology:** The development of magnified rulers presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the assistive technology industry to improve the lives of visually impaired individuals through enhanced measurement tools.
- **Education and Learning Aids:** The 'New Rule' ruler opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the education and learning aids industry, where visually impaired students can benefit from more accessible measurement tools.

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- [Haute Hybrid Designer Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rotio-compass-and-ruler.md)
