You can't actually "watch" the time with the Time-Touching Watch, for the hour and minute hands are neither conventional, nor particularly visible. Rather than the familiar dial, this futuristic concept chronograph incorporates raised bumps into its design, turning the entire interior surface into a 12-hour scale.
A notch in the side of this wristwatch is visible and tangible, indicating the 12 o'clock position. The pair of little revolving bulges inside are barely detectable, and certainly not uncomfortable, and they are discernible by touch when you want to know the time. Dreamed up by He Zhengbiao, Li Zeyuan, Guan Xiaolei and Huang Yao, the Time-Touching Watch won a 2013 Red Dot Design Award as a brilliantly informative accessory for the visually impaired especially.
Modern Tactile Timepieces
The Time-Touching Watch Has You Read the Hour by Feel
Trend Themes
1. Tactile Timepieces - The development of watches that can be read by touch rather than sight presents an opportunity for the visually impaired community to have access to stylish and functional accessories.
2. Innovative Chronographs - Designing chronographs with unconventional dial designs and raised bumps provides an opportunity for watch brands to create unique and futuristic timepieces.
3. Assistive Wearable Technology - The integration of tactile features in wearable devices opens up possibilities for creating innovative and inclusive technology that serves diverse user needs.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Accessories - The trend of tactile timepieces creates opportunities for fashion accessory brands to cater to the visually impaired market segment while offering stylish and trendy designs.
2. Watchmaking - Incorporating raised bumps and unconventional dial designs presents an opportunity for watchmakers to differentiate themselves in the market and attract consumers looking for unique timepieces.
3. Assistive Technology - The development of wearable technology with tactile features can disrupt the assistive technology industry by providing innovative solutions for the visually impaired and other user groups.