Do the near future needs of mobile users call for more than a device?
We are exploring the communication needs of ‘people to people’ rather than ‘people to device’ .
We are trying to interpret the device as a lens rather than container for communication needs i.e how can the
notion of a device become a way to reach your network and beyond, how can it offer insight and connections,
how can it bring people closer etc.
Nokia are interested in not just creating seamless experiences but also beautiful seams – i.e. how can we
design experiences that evolve with the users and proves a good balance over automation and control?
CONCEPT / How it works
You know it because you made it.’
What if you can design your own mobile phone as choosing the features you need?
Our projection focuses on the self-design of the mobile phone as a personalised product.
We would like the user to design both the physical characteristics and the menu features / interface of
the device. In this way we would like to ensure a longer and more meaningful relationship with the mobile phone.
Nokia website / physical features: design your own mobile phone choosing just the features needed
(camera, voice recorder, mp3 reader…), y
You get a preview of your self designed mobile phone, purchase it and have it shipped by mail or you can pick
it up at Nokia retail stores.
Nokia website / menu features: connect your mobile phone to a laptop and visit the Nokia website.
You can enter a personalised dashboard where you can modify the existing menu interface choosing just the
items that you use. You can also assign functions to buttons. It is possible to upload the personalised menu
interface to any Nokia mobile phone. If the user’s needs change the interface can be updated adding or
removing features (calendar, internet connection…).
PROCESS
We started our process with a consideration: we wanted to explore the theme of mobile phone as a seamless
tool that will allow people-to-people interaction. Even though we are keen on emerging technology we are
concerned that this can be misused. Interacting with “misused” technology is often so complex that you have to
focus most of your attention on the device rather then on the person you want to communicate to. We would like to
lower the complexity of the device, designing an interaction that is more intuitive and also more personal.
We conducted two rounds of interviews: the first one with young users
(four people - a student, a designer, a translator and a young manager) and the second one with adults with
more mature needs (two people - a ceramist with her own studio and family, a managing director).
After finding out the main insights and users’ desires, we brainstormed on different concepts and scenarios.
