richard clarkson: rotary mechanical

‘rotary mechanical’ concept smartphone by richard clarkson

designed by richard clarkson, the ‘rotary mechanical’ concept adapts physical mechanics to the functionality of a smartphone, incorporating an interchangeable rotary or button dial to the back of the device.

the phone body is electroplated copper, overlain with paint to provide a worn effect as it scratches or fades over time. the brass dials can be easily swapped out for one another to provide either true rotary or button-push dialing.

clarkson reflects: ‘the rotary mechanical smartphone is based on the idea of incorporating more feeling and life into our everyday digital objects. in modern times these objects have come to define us, but who and what defines these objects? are we happy with the generic rectangles of a touchscreen or do we want something with more tangibility, something with more life, something with more aura? ‘rotary mechanical’ is a question not only about the ever increasing ‘digital take-over’ of everything in our lives but also what is lost when this happens.‘

3/4 rear view, with interchangeable button dial at right

3/4 front view

full view of the device with button dial

full view of the rotary dial

detail view

rotary dial with differently coloured inserts

different colour models

construction diagram

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.