Concept
Showcasing a sleek metal body and a 2.8” screen, the Nokia 230 stands out as a premium feature phone that seamlessly combines design and affordability. This project represents one of the last-generation feature phones to incorporate metal as a primary material. The undertaking posed the challenge of seamlessly integrating metal and plastic components while maximizing perceived quality, positioning it as a premium choice within the feature phone category.
CMF Exploration
In keeping with a unified and cohesive narrative that aligns with the broader Nokia portfolio, the Nokia 230 journeyed through the exploration of an array of colors drawn from the CMF palette. This included combinations like slate gray metal paired with black plastic, silver with white, and gold with metallic paint beige, all of which aimed to pay homage to the innate sophistication of metal in its purest form.
Achieving an optimal balance between aesthetics, cost, and antenna performance, the final Industrial Design featured two plastic components bordering a metal back inlay. Throughout the design process, we contemplated the possibility of applying metallic coatings to the plastic parts to mimic the appearance of metal. However, in alignment with Nokia’s design philosophy, we firmly believe that materials shine most authentically when presented in their true quality. Coated plastic parts could never replicate the genuine look of metal, ultimately compromising the product’s perceived quality.
In the end, the color scheme was narrowed down to Dark Silver complemented by darker plastic accents, and Silver paired with white plastic accents.
Production
Following the confirmed design directions, Nokia 230 was ready for production! The essence of this project was to highlight the refinement and sophistication of the metal material. Extensive rounds of trials involving sandblasting and anodizing were undertaken to pinpoint the highest quality outcome.
In addition to metal surfacing, via progressive stamping and spin milling, the branding detail and the camera bump were seamlessly integrated into a single piece along with the back inlay. This approach was instrumental in achieving the desired blend of premium quality and affordability.
Launch
Deliverable: From concept to launch
Industry: Consumer tech
Company: Nokia (a Microsoft company)
Team: Rina Shin, Danny Lee, Xiaoming Qiang, Go Osaki
Year: 2015