opinion

Innovation in Sex Toy Design, Tech Give People What They Want

Innovation in Sex Toy Design, Tech Give People What They Want

Often people are taught that sex is a bad thing; nevertheless it is the one thing that almost everyone has in common. It doesn’t matter what race, nationality or religion, we all like to explore what will bring us sexual pleasure — and that means something differently for every body.

In order to cater to consumers’ wide-ranging preferences for pleasure, the industry has come a long way in creating an incredibly diverse landscape. There are so many intimacy products to choose from — offering everything from the softest of sensations to high-tech, long-distance play, and items that can mimic a lifelike experience with realistic textures and movements.

The pleasure product industry surely has been listening to feedback from consumers and has developed these innovative products that can help everyone obtain the orgasms of their fantasies. The more advanced we become, the more choices consumers have for experiencing pleasure. For so long, people have looked at sexual products as novel or intimidating — if you find one that really worked, it is a treasure that you don’t want to stray away from. In my experience working in adult retail, customers would come to the shop not really looking for a new product, but really what they wanted was more of the same product that had given them their desired orgasms.

I listened to customers tell me about what they were looking for in a toy, but I would come to find that a lot of them just wanted their old trusty “BOB” (battery-operated boyfriend). I had to convince them that there are so many better options now. There are toys that stimulate with air pulsation, as well as toys for couples to use together, and sexual health products. Most of them didn’t know that some men like vibration or prostate play; and that if you open the door, there are so many possibilities to experience pleasure.

Times have changed and so have intimate relationships. Partners are not always together in person anymore, with long-distance relationships becoming the norm. The pleasure products industry responded to growing trend of online romances with Bluetooth-connected toys. The internet is now a typical way to get intimate without physical touch, and through the use of interactive products to further immerse oneself in the sensations of sex.

The sexual awakening of modern consumers has also revealed that men like vibration as much as women. Couples’ toys play an integral role in helping men realize the pleasure that vibration can offer them and their partner. These items also help to bring openness to relationships, and it allows couples to explore without feeling intimidated.

I feel the sexual health and wellness movement is making it easier and less intimidating to explore how to find new and fun ways to bring pleasure to the bedroom. Product education is essential in order for retail staff to make consumers aware of the benefits of the items that they’re selling them. We are not only selling a product, we sell experiences that will make someone’s life that much better. Everyone enjoys the intense release of pulsating pleasure you feel when you’re having an orgasm. It’s like having your system rebooted!

The sexual health revolution is such an amazing cause to support. There is still so much shame associated with pleasure that we as a society have to overcome. With the internet and new technologies being better received by mainstream, couples and singles can now experience and explore sexual pleasure and not feel bad about it.

Nanci Smith is the owner of Nanciland Innovations, and the inventor of the Stealth Shaft Support

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

A Look at the Growing Market for Pleasure-Enhancing Consumables

For decades, the sexual enhancement aisle consisted mainly of pills promising stamina, with bottles and blister packs leaning heavily into themes of masculinity, urgency and performance. The sales pitch was rarely subtle: Take this, and something bigger, harder, longer or more intense would follow.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
opinion

5 Ways Pleasure Brands Can Maintain Social Media Visibility Beyond the Algorithm

The most difficult part of managing social media for pleasure brands is my archnemesis: the algorithm. I am sure most people who work in sexual wellness would agree. We are constantly navigating reduced reach, content removal and, in some cases, account bans. That can make connecting with customers feel impossible, but it is not.

Taylor Maness ·
profile

Verifymy's Emma Robert-Tissot on Putting People at the Heart of Online Safety

Warm, friendly and always happy to help, Emma Robert-Tissot has a gift for making even the most complex corners of online safety feel approachable.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

How Sexual Wellness Brands Can Use Emotional Marketing to Build Loyalty

Adult businesses have never had access to every marketing tool available to mainstream brands. Platform rules, advertising restrictions and content policies can limit the options for sex toy manufacturers and retailers. Add a difficult economy and more cautious consumers, and relying on tactics that worked a few years ago may no longer be enough.

Kate Kozlova ·
profile

WIA: Kristin Zuri-Godskind Draws on Deep Expertise to Elevate Sportsheets

After 18 years in the pleasure products industry, Kristin Zuri-Godskind has experienced the business from nearly every angle. Her career has taken her through retail, merchandising, management, distribution, sales, product education and manufacturing, giving her a perspective shaped as much by the sales floor as by the relationships she has built along the way.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
trends

Why Adult Retailers Need Better Training on Disability, Chronic Health

Every customer who walks into an adult store brings a different body, comfort level and set of needs. Retail staff already know how to ask the basics: Do you prefer vibration or suction? Are you using water-based or silicone lubricant? Do you have a latex allergy? What size are you comfortable with?

Mersy Love ·
profile

Anastasia's Bedroom Founder Chelsea Mani Bridges Ecommerce With Local Events

Chelsea Mani spends her weekends at local markets, where she displays an assortment of lingerie ranging from new lace bodysuits and silky robes to carefully sourced, cleaned and pressed vintage pieces. Passersby stop to examine the fabrics, ask questions and sometimes find themselves opening up unexpectedly.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Staying Power: Justin Ross on Two Decades of Building Screaming O

Ironically, it was a single-use, disposable vibrating ring that became the foundation of The Screaming O, transforming a basic foil pouch into the launchpad for a pleasure-product brand that has endured for over two decades.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA: Nasstoys' Suzy Contreras Drives Sales With Personal Connection

Suzy Contreras' journey into the pleasure products industry has been steady and carefully cultivated. Across departments, accounts and nurtured relationships, Contreras has demonstrated commitment and passion at each step.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

Hannah Tyer Reveals the Inspiration Behind 'Touch Therapy' Couples Card Game

Relationship therapist Hannah Tyer believes there's a better way to get to the heart and soul of your sexual differences, and she's crafted a deck of cards to show couples the way.

Colleen Godin ·
Show More