smartphone sizes seem to be on the rise as of late. they continue to grow physically, as their stimulations grow in significance to modern life. but is this growth intrusive? some would suggest that these big screens are interfering with our ability to live healthy lifestyles.

minima
images © pierrick romeuf 

 

 

french designer pierrick romeuf asks the timeless question for smart phone designers — does size really matter? perhaps a phone doesn’t require such a large part of our attention, nor such a large amount of space in our pockets. romeuf designed ‘minima’. as the name suggests, it’s a miniature smart phone that makes the nokia look cumbersome. it has a screen size of just 3 inches and rethinks a smartphone’s use — yet, the size isn’t just symbolic. ‘minima’ is too small for netflix binging, or obsessive social media scrolling. the smartphone becomes a tool for the user, rather than a portal to a virtual reality or a detrimental distraction. 

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the phone’s discreet minimalist design makes it an effective communication tool in 2018 and perhaps marks a trend for the next decade. minima works with a hybrid OS, a mix between a smartwatch OS and a smartphone OS in order to fit any apps available on the market, thanks to its 18:9 ratio screen. it reintroduces buttons as part of its intention to turn the phone back into a tool. there are three buttons on the side of the design, each representing an essential function (back, home and camera). on this platform, you’re not required to do any fancy tricks or navigations, it simply requires a click of the button. we’ll see if romeuf’s design comes to fruition.  

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rob reuland I designboom
jun 08, 2018

  • YEP! That’s all I need!!!

    bilbobggins says:
    Jun 14, 2018
    Reply

  • The design looks beautiful!
    Unihertz showed with their Jelly smartphone, that “up to date” technology fits inside a small body!
    I really hope, that this design will be realized!

    Andreas Plassmeier says:
    Aug 05, 2018
    Reply

  • I think instead of having hardware buttons on the side for navigation (or perhaps as well as the buttons) there should just be some specific gesture controls. Swipe left from the side to go back, swipe up to go home, that sort of thing. I don’t know the logistics of that on such a small phone but idk, it just feels like buttons on the side for navigation wouldnt be as good as some screen integrated navigation. Just a thought, love the whole idea regardless.

    Jonathan says:
    Aug 11, 2018
    Reply

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