Kazi Najib Ashraf: design in mobile

Lorinada Mamo of Gama Palawan fame said that “Every great design begins with even a better story”. That a good design is a visual symphony for the enlightened. Although beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, there’s a universal pattern of appreciation that persists in every good definition of artistic formulation. From clothing, jewellery and other apparel, humans have been accustomed to carrying objects that signified their positions in society. One in an enviable position in possession of wealth, such as owning a mansion and a supercar. But once one i was away from these possessions, there’s still a need to fill the void again with their needed ornaments. This makes one feel and stand apart from the crowd. Writing and time instruments took a long time to create. Thanks to the love, dedication and attention the tools were given. Another opportunity arises to give the ordinary day to day instruments a higher chain position of power. Those same instruments were utilized to create masterpieces from Rolex, Chopard, BVLGARI, Montblanc and many more.

I am personally attracted to either watches or pens. For writing, I prefer to go straight to the laptop and use the mobile to track time. But there are aspects of design that always excites my creative genes. Architecture and Auto design has always inspired me and helped me understand the unlimited boundaries that exist within the human domain. For me, the “Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai” and the “Land Rover Defender – Old Design” have been the hallmark of simplicity and practicality and a legend for beauty. But then again, it’s me and once again, I can always disagree.

Moving along, humans suddenly found a new item for the extension of their exuberance when mobile phones became commonplace in the early 1990’s. A display, antenna, keypad and materials were all there to play with. Designers experimented with the thickness and size of the devices. The fascinating ideas that realmed from fantasy later became a reality. By the late 2000’s, the smartphone had already made its entry to the world. Mobile had already become flat. Now almost 10 years later with the introduction of flexible display technology, a new opportunity has been provided to the young breed of engineers to go back in time and adapt the great designs of the masters. Samsung Z Flip, Motorola razr and the Huawei Mate XS are all examples of innovations in the smart phone arena with larger displays as well as a differentiator to the standard flat design.

This brings me back to the icons that defined the mobile phone industry and created designs that still reverberate with the masses who had encountered these gems. Here is a list of my personal favourites of all times.