By Amanda Lay

When it comes to the world of sex and sex toys, it all seems fairly straightforward and easy; at least you’d think. I mean, how hard can it be to get someone off with a bit of silicone that vibrates accordingly? Turns out, there’s much more to it, and there’s much more to the sex industry, as well, according to LELO’s Global Brand Manager, Stuart Nugent.

The Changing Landscape of Sexuality

“The landscape of sexuality has changed so drastically,” explained Nugent. “The relationship between sex and communication has evolved.”

But why listen to ol’ Stu about anything related to sex at all? Well, for starters, he’s spent the better part of the past 17 years in the adult industry. No, not in front of the camera, but behind enemy lines for sure. Stuart began as a scriptwriter for phone sex lines, and from that point, he was hooked. Now, working for LELO, who are going into their 19th year as sex-toy creators and sellers, Stuart is still very much involved in the adult industry world, but instead of creating conversations over telephone lines, he’s creating sexual communications between partners in the bedroom (or really, anywhere they want to have a little fun).

“Today, people have a willingness to explore new things,” Nugent said of technology and sex and how thanks to the entire world being accessible in our pockets, essentially, that the world of sexuality has also shrunk significantly in its accessibility.

“The interaction between technology and sex is on the rise.” From Bluetooth remote-controlled vibrators you manage via your smartphone to widely available free porn online, the world of sexuality is becoming as high-tech as any other aspect of our lives. However, the basics of pleasure still need to be there. The notion that each partner needs to feel satisfied by this technological advance or at least interested in it in some way needs to be addressed. Technology is one thing, but feeling satisfied from cold and disconnected tech is a whole other story. 

So, what does that mean for sex toys in particular? Can you really reinvent the wheel over and over again?

When you think of a vibrator or sex toy, certain shapes and features come to mind for sure. From phallic to finger-sized, maybe rounded or peanut-shaped; and for men a ring of varying size and texture — there’s really only so many ways you can create a functioning, satisfying dildo. At least, that’s what you might think…

“Eventually, you run up against a wall. There are only so many ways to design the same thing,” agreed Stuart. “So, instead, we search out new ways for stimulation, new ways to interact with people.”

And that’s precisely what LELO has created with their sonic wave technology that not only ditches the old-school vibration method for a more intense pulsation but also features a bit of A.I. in that it “learns” how you use it and will adjust its sonic waves based on the rigorousness of use. Yes, you read that correctly: Your vibrator (or do we have to call it sonic waver now?) will learn how you play with it and adjust itself to pleasure you even more accurately and intensely.

That's an incredibly huge step in the direction of technology in sex toys and one that opens up a whole new world to users, either solo or partnered.

And that means the world of sex toys and how we interact with them is evolving just as our openness to sexuality and sexual exploration is. What a glorious time to be in the adult industry (either working in it or exploring it for the first time as a consumer). And with companies like LELO exploring all-new ways to bring people pleasure, it makes it even more enticing.

Advice for Sex Toy Buyers

When you think of a vibrator or sex toy, certain shapes and features come to mind for sure. From phallic to finger-sized, maybe rounded or peanut-shaped; and for men a ring of varying size and texture — there’s really only so many ways you can create a functioning, satisfying dildo. At least, that’s what you might think…

“Eventually, you run up against a wall. There are only so many ways to design the same thing,” agreed Stuart. “So, instead, we search out new ways for stimulation, new ways to interact with people.”

And that’s precisely what LELO has created with their sonic wave technology that not only ditches the old-school vibration method for a more intense pulsation but also features a bit of A.I. in that it “learns” how you use it and will adjust its sonic waves based on the rigorousness of use.

So, that means the world of sex toys and how we interact with them is evolving just as our openness to sexuality and sexual exploration is. What a glorious time to be in the adult industry (either working in it or exploring it for the first time as a consumer). And with companies like LELO exploring all-new ways to bring people pleasure, it makes it even more exciting.

Now is the time to explore and experience!

And for those of you who are a little vanilla when it comes to the world of sex toys, don’t worry, Stuart has some sage advice for first-time sex toy buyers, too:

“Don’t go cheap. Speak to the community. Ask questions.”

It’s a common mistake most first-time sex toy buyers make: they purchase the cheapest one they can find because they “aren’t sure” and don’t want to invest, however, it often sours the experience. Imagine any other appliance you might buy (toaster, microwave, fridge) and imagine buying a dud because it was a quarter the price of the brand-name appliance. You’d be a bit annoyed with all toasters in the end, wouldn’t you?

The same goes for sex toys. Investing in a good one means you are paying for the right kind of experience, and you want your first time to be as right as possible.

How do you find out which ones are worth it? Well, that’s where the whole technology-plus-sex thing comes into play. There are so many online communities (SDC being one of them, obviously!) that are easily accessible and full of people willing to help and answer any questions you might have, whether you’re brand new to the game or a veteran looking to change things up.  

The internet truly changed sexuality; it opened up a willingness to explore a willingness to express and a willingness to embrace any and all kinds of sexual experiences and preferences. And with that, the world of sex toys has grown with the willingness to explore and experience.

LELO is definitely not the only sex toy company out there trying to “reinvent the wheel,” but they are taking a rather unique approach in focusing on their user’s stimulation and how that experience can change as their products evolve to meet the changing landscape of sexuality the world over.

“As people are more and more willing to explore and communicate their needs and wants… this is an incredibly exciting time for us all.”