Steampunk rotary smartphone

by 3d_admin · Published February 22, 2014 · Updated August 18, 2014

Rotary mechanical smartphone by Richard Clarkson

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 generic rectangles of a touchscreen or do we want something with more tangibility, something with more life, something with more aura?

Rotary mechanical smartphone by Richard Clarkson

“I have looked at where industrial design has come from, and where it might be going to, and by doing so have tried to create an object that is true to both, a harmonious combination of mechanical parts and digital technologies”. 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.

Rotary mechanical smartphone by Richard Clarkson

There are two interchangeable brass dials, a true rotary dial and a button dial, the act of changing these is inspired from changing the lenses on a camera. The body is electroplated copper which is then painted and designed to improve aesthetically as is wears. The design of the phone references both steampunk and minimalistic genres to combine and contrast the different forms and surface finishes.

Rotary mechanical smartphone by Richard Clarkson

The phone is designed to have its electronics modularly replaced as new technology becomes available, thus helping to reduce or even eliminate digital rot.