# Auditory-Only Timekeepers The USMA Clock Functions Solely on Sound By Hugo Tornelo | Published 2012-02-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usma-is-a-clock-without-visual-interface References: [cabracega.co](http://cabracega.co/#project/2/0/27/) Imagine what it would be if your perception of time could change, making it seem as though seconds don't count; this is the aim of the USMA clock. USMA, created by Cabracega Experience Design Studio and the designer André Gonçalves, is a [clock without visual interface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taoclock). It uses only sound to create a time reference; similar to church bells, the "hands" of the clock are replaced by auditory cues. In a world where desertification of rural areas is increasing, this is a nice way of introducing the pace of countryside into the city, where according to some, a slow pace is desperately needed. Ultimately, USMA is a [great visual piece for the home](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-desk-clock), but not for keeping time. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Auditory-only Timekeeping:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sound-based timekeeping devices that offer an alternative to traditional visual interfaces. - **Countryside-inspired Urban Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create products and services that bring elements of the countryside into urban areas to promote a slower and more relaxed pace of life. - **Alternative Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design visually appealing home decor items that serve alternative functions, such as the USMA clock's focus on auditory cues rather than traditional timekeeping. ### Where This Applies - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative design concepts for home decor, incorporating unique functionalities and sensory experiences. - **Urban Planning:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop urban planning strategies that integrate elements of the countryside to create more balanced and relaxed urban environments. - **Timekeeping Devices:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink the design and functionality of timekeeping devices, incorporating immersive auditory experiences for an alternative perception of time. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intentionally Foggy Clock Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kehai-clock.md) - [Kinetic Pattern Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moir-clock.md) - [Celestially Inspired Desk Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astral-desk-clock.md) - [Unique Timekeeping Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-timekeeping-device.md) - [Minimal Global Desk-Side Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-clock-1.md) - [Half-Hour Timepiece Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arrowatch.md) - [Concentric Timezone Wall Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analog-wall-clock.md) - [Alternative Time Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dozen-clock.md) - [Tape Measurable Time Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/setime-clock.md)