Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 478,988 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,288 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 104,725 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,288 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 104,725 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,232 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 478,988 cutting edge ideas.

Ocular Assistance 2.0

Technology advances to offer easier navigation for the visually impaired

Implications - Navigation for the visually impaired is dramatically improving with the introduction of smart technology. More specifically, technology is being implemented to anticipate and forewarn users about obstacles and obstructions that are typically unaccounted for by traditional navigational products. These innovations reflect a consumer demand for more exhaustive methods that guarantee ease and simplicity in the lifestyles of those living with disabilities.
Trend Themes
1. Smartphone Wayfinding Apps - Developers can innovate designs for mobile apps capable of providing reliable navigation services for visually impaired individuals.
2. Wearable Navigation Technology - The use of technological wearables like headsets and vibrating boots creates innovative avenues for the development of tactile guides for guiding visually impaired individuals.
3. Obstacle Detection - There is a need for more hi-tech features that offer efficient object detection and scanning of the environment to provide an alert in order to avoid obstacles.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Technology - Mobile technology is at the forefront of technological innovation, and developers can leverage smartphone devices to create obstacle detection and wayfinding apps fitted for visually impaired people.
2. Wearable Technology - Wearable technology presents an excellent opportunity for the design of navigation aids for visually impaired individuals by providing more efficient and tactile guides for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
3. Assistive Technology - Assistive technology, in general, has a lot of untapped potentials that innovators can explore to provide beneficial technologies to people living with disabilities.
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
7 Featured, 50 Examples:
382,588 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Jan 15 — Sep 16
Trending:
Average
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Wheeled Walking Sticks
Wheeled Walking Sticks
'Take Me Away' is a Smart Cane for Guiding the Visually Impaired
The majority of canes for the blind tend to receive some friction from the ground below, making the idea behind this wheeled walking stick seem like an obvious solution. Despite that, the... MORE
Vibrating Navigational Boots
Vibrating Navigational Boots
Hi-Tec's Navigator Boots Use Bluetooth to Guide through Vibrations
The Navigator boots from Dutch apparel company Hi-Tec feel like they have a mind of their own. That’s because the boots are equipped with Bluetooth technology that causes them to vibrate while... MORE
Sight-Sharing Apps
Sight-Sharing Apps
Be My Eyes is a Crowdsourced Video Chat that Helps Blind Individuals
The Be My Eyes app is a great tool for visual impaired individuals as well as those who believe they can help make a difference in their lives. It is a crowdsourced video chat service that allows... MORE
Wearable Navigation Devices
Wearable Navigation Devices
This Horseshoe-Shaped Gadget Helps Visually Impaired People Get Around
Toyota is in the process of developing a futuristic and high-tech wearable navigation device that is designed to make it a lot easier for visually impaired and blind people to get around.... MORE
play_circle_filledObstacle Alerting Apps
Obstacle Alerting Apps
Aerial Object Detection App Keeps the Blind from Experiencing Collisions
The Aerial Object Detection app addresses the fact that standard low-tech apparatuses for the visually impaired are seriously lacking in functionality and the facility of safety. A walking stick or... MORE
Visually Impaired Wearable Tech
Visually Impaired Wearable Tech
The Microsoft Headset Emits a 3D-Soundscape of Audio as a Guide
Addressing the safety and freedom of the visually impaired is at the heart of this Microsoft headset. It is an exciting piece of wearable technology that creates a 3D-soundscape of audio to guide... MORE
Wayfinding Phone Apps
Wayfinding Phone Apps
This Linear Navigation App Follows Lines on the Floor to Guide the Blind
The common white stick cane could be cast aside if this linear navigation app becomes widely available. Designed to help guide the visually impaired through interior environments, the software can... MORE

Related Examples

Modernized Combat Boots
Modernized Combat Boots
John Elliott Offers a Refined Variation of a Classic Footwear Staple
Dual-Branded Snakeskin Shoes
Dual-Branded Snakeskin Shoes
The Timberland Boots Were Revitalized with Supreme's Creative Input
Luxe Onyx Boots
Luxe Onyx Boots
Sacai & Hender Scheme's Military-Style Boots Have a Price Tag of $1,395 USD
Military-Inspired High-Tops
Military-Inspired High-Tops
These Shoes Were Inspired by Vintage Sneakers from the 20th Century
Modular Hybrid Sneakers
Modular Hybrid Sneakers
This Sleek adidas Boot is Combined with the Flexibility of a Sneaker
Adaptive Grip Boots
Adaptive Grip Boots
Danner's Mountain 600 Shoes Provide Cushioned Support For Long Hike Treks
Futuristic Boot Sneakers
Futuristic Boot Sneakers
These Reebok High-Top Athletic Boots Creatively Celebrate Alien Day
Cobranded Functionalist Boots
Cobranded Functionalist Boots
The OFF-WHITE Dr Martens BRAUN Collaboration Will Yield New Kicks
Bespoke Bodily Devices
Bespoke Bodily Devices
This Orthosis is Designed For Paresis' Patients Rehabilitation
Deep Sleep Headsets
Deep Sleep Headsets
The 'Rhythm Dreem' Wearable Encourages You to Stay in the Deep Sleep Phase
Connective Canine Bracelets
Connective Canine Bracelets
The Ally Trackers Connect Pets and Owners for a Closer Connection
Wearable Heart Monitors
Wearable Heart Monitors
The Phillips Wearable Biosensor Can Warn About Impending Heartattacks
Monitoring Fitness Systems
Monitoring Fitness Systems
The HTC + Under Armour Health Box Includes Three Exercise Wearables
Incentivized Insurance Wearables
Incentivized Insurance Wearables
UnitedHealthcare Motion Encourages Action and Healthy Living
Fitness Tracker College Credit
Fitness Tracker College Credit
The Fitness Curriculum Requires Students to Walk 10,000 Steps Daily
Athletic Training Resistance Suits
Athletic Training Resistance Suits
The Bas Rutten Mass Suit Provides Exercise Resistance
Wearable Health Monitor Devices
Wearable Health Monitor Devices
The Updated 'Vigo' Stimulating Headset Monitors Blink Patterns
Industrial Adventure Sneakers
Industrial Adventure Sneakers
The Christopher Shannon x CAT Shoes Offer Atheletic-Style Boots
play_circle_filledSmart Walking Aids
Smart Walking Aids
SmartCane Uses Vibrations to Notify Blind People of Approaching Obstacles
Revolutionary Vision Correction
Revolutionary Vision Correction
Oxford University's Smart Glasses Enhance Vision Among Impaired
Audio-Visual Walking Aids
Audio-Visual Walking Aids
Hi-Tech Cane Attachment Helps the Blind Navigate Through Indian Streets
play_circle_filledComprehensive Home Controllers
Comprehensive Home Controllers
The NEEO Universal Remote Can Manage the Majority of Your Home
Blind-Directing Multi-Sensory Maps
Blind-Directing Multi-Sensory Maps
These Interactive Maps for the Blind are Installed at Schools
play_circle_filledIntoxicating Dating Stunts
Intoxicating Dating Stunts
Primus' Mobile Marketing Stunt Targets Guys on Tinder
Urban Photo Curator Apps
Urban Photo Curator Apps
The Citygram App Streamlines One's Feed to Feature Urban Photography
Effortless Beer-Ordering Apps
Effortless Beer-Ordering Apps
The Bud Light Button App Helps to Order Beer in Just One Click
Rewarding Hotel Apps
Rewarding Hotel Apps
The Marriott Uses Hotel Beacon Technology to Personalize Experiences
Mockup Smartwatch Apps
Mockup Smartwatch Apps
Huge Inc. Envisions What Apple Watch Apps Will Look Like
Game-Previewing Apps
Game-Previewing Apps
The AdPlay App Lets You Run a Trial of a Gaming App Before Downloading
Real-Time Translation Apps (UPDATE)
Real-Time Translation Apps (UPDATE)
The Improved Google Translate App Works Instantaneously
Unique Fingerprint Packaging
Unique Fingerprint Packaging
Intelligo Living Aids Provide Support for the Newly Visually Impaired
Delivering Disposable Camera Apps
Delivering Disposable Camera Apps
The Nostalgic WhiteAlbum App Stands Out Among Other Camera Apps
Blind Buying Assistants
Blind Buying Assistants
This Braille Barcode Scanner Helps the Visually Impaired Choose Products
Call-Tagging Apps
Call-Tagging Apps
This Calling App Applies Hashtags to Incoming Calls
Connected Home Consoles
Connected Home Consoles
The Wink Relay Brings All Your Devices to One Interface for Ease
Braille Smartphones
Braille Smartphones
This Braille Phone is Designed By An Indian Start-Up
3D Printed Online Maps
3D Printed Online Maps
GSI is Developing Software for Blind People to Print Out Tactile Maps
Light Up White Canes
Light Up White Canes
Sign by Shruti Nivas Glows Green or Red Depending on Actions
Sightless Transit Guides
Sightless Transit Guides
The Station Reported Device Directs the Blind to Their Desired Buses
Leg-Secured Walking Sticks
Leg-Secured Walking Sticks
Sit & Stand Crutch Facilitates Hands-Free Movement and Physical Relief
Shape-Shifting Cellphones
Shape-Shifting Cellphones
CAE Blind Smartphone is Accessible, Evolving for the Needs of the User
Lifesaving Walking Sticks
Lifesaving Walking Sticks
The Survival Crutch Equips Climbers with Vitals for Health and Safety
Literal Digital Scanners
Literal Digital Scanners
The FINGear Brings Object Identification to the Fingertips of the Blind
Location-Mapping Virtual Games
Location-Mapping Virtual Games
This Virtual Game Helps the Visually Impaired Experience Seeing
Sightless Shopping Assistants
Sightless Shopping Assistants
The See by Dinard da Mata Gives the Blind Eyes to Help them Shop
Transport-Savvy Braille Watches
Transport-Savvy Braille Watches
'Metro Dot' Helps the Visually Impaired Ride the Subway with Ease
GPS Cane Attachments
GPS Cane Attachments
The Viio Travel Aid Turns the Walking Stick into a Turn-By-Turn Nav Unit
Motion Sensor Walkers
Motion Sensor Walkers
The Light Stick Helps the Blind
GPS Walking Sticks
GPS Walking Sticks
The Sonicane 2.0 Lets the Blind Guide Themselves
Hi-Tech Walking Sticks
Hi-Tech Walking Sticks
The Aid Cane is a Virtual Nurse for the Elderly and the Injured