Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 477,692 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,285 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 107,665 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 1,285 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 107,665 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 477,692 cutting edge ideas.

Shape-Shifting Wheelchairs

Clean the Sky - Positive Eco Trends & Breakthroughs

Pressure-Sensing Wheels Improve Mobility

— September 19, 2008 — Lifestyle
Wheelchairs are survival for those who need them, but innovation often comes slowly. This wheelchair concept is made of plastic and adapts to the situation to change the center of gravity.

Vertical pressure on the handle bar changes the round wheel to an ellipse in order to traverse steps and barriers easier. It’s a pretty awesome looking device with some very practical reasons to come to market.

Implications - As manufacturing and industrial design become more technologically advanced, designers are able to create more sensible product-facing creations such as these shape-shifting wheelchairs. Such advancements allow the disabled more independence and the ability to maneuver in today's able-bodied world just as well as anyone else.
Trend Themes
1. Shape-shifting Wheelchairs - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and commercialize wheelchairs that can adapt to different terrains and improve mobility for individuals with disabilities.
2. Pressure-sensing Wheels - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create pressure-sensing wheels that can automatically adjust and optimize wheelchair performance based on terrain conditions.
3. Manufacturing and Industrial Design Advancements - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize advanced manufacturing techniques and industrial design to develop more inclusive and practical products for individuals with disabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the wheelchair industry by introducing innovative products and tools that improve accessibility and mobility for patients.
2. Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine sensors and robotics to create smart wheelchairs that offer enhanced maneuverability and adaptability for users.
3. Assistive Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cutting-edge assistive technologies that empower individuals with disabilities to navigate the world with greater ease and independence.
4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness