Cell phones have gone from sending text messages to being messages themselves
Implications - Just like cars reveal characteristics of their owners, cell phones are becoming indicators of their users too. From green to Buddhist phones, combining heightened technology with new designs, mobile phones are answering the consumer desire to differentiate themselves from the masses.
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendliness - Designers need to innovate to answer the same functional demands while incorporating greener ways and not sacrificing on design.
2. Specialization - Customized mobile phones are becoming more specialized to cater to niche markets like religious groups, seniors, and people with disabilities.
3. Luxury - Design is becoming the focal point of cellphones targeted at consumers interested in upscale fashion and luxury products.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainability - Businesses involved in eco-friendly materials and processes can capitalize on the increasing demand for green technology in the cellphone industry.
2. Healthcare - The development of diabetes management systems integrated into cellphones presents opportunities for healthcare providers and medical tech companies.
3. Fashion and Luxury Goods - Fashion designers and luxury brands can collaborate with cellphone manufacturers to create high-end customized cellphones that appeal to their target market.
