The maker movement expands to include wellness technology innovations
Implications - As online tutorials and the need for customization become ubiquitous topics for consumers, a growing number of "makers" are taking healthcare into their own hands. Manufactured using readily available components, consumers have the ability to be increasingly independent from larger manufacturers.
Trend Themes
1. Maker Movement - The trend of maker culture is influencing the healthcare industry towards personalization and independence from larger manufacturers.
2. DIY Healthcare - The DIY trend is being applied to healthcare, with consumers creating homemade prosthetics, wands, hearing aids and even artificial hearts.
3. Wearable Technology - The Samsung Simband introduces an open platform to encourage designers to embellish and improve wearable health tracking devices.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can explore opportunities to incorporate a DIY ethos and personalization to attract customers.
2. Wearable Technology - The wearable tech industry could provide affordable, user-friendly devices with open platforms for designers to expand functionality.
3. Manufacturing - Manufacturers can develop technologies that enable and encourage consumers to create their own customizable solutions in healthcare and other industries.
