Smile Phone
Ergonomic smartphone
Designed for comfort and durability, Smile Phone offers a streamlined smartphone experience that prioritizes how it feels in the hand—without sacrificing performance.
Role: Industrial Designer
Studio project
skills - research, ideation, Adobe CC, Solidworks, Keyshot, prototyping
Every smartphone on the market is the same, prioritizing screen size and UX while neglecting ergonomics—resulting in devices that are uncomfortable to hold and easily damaged.
The other alternatives are so called “dumb” phones which offer way better ergonomic consideration & durability but lack functionality. Smile phone aims to bridge this gap - an ergonomically focused and durable phone which offers all the features of the smartphone market.
Interview insights
Phone awkward to hold
People with small hands struggle
Thumb strained from reaching
Forced pinky support tires hand
Easy to drop phone
Pop socket helps users
Explored various shapes and profiles focusing on comfort and ease of use.
Tested various shapes, sizes, thicknesses and profiles with MDF models. Trial subjects unanimously agreed curved bottom and rounded edges increased comfort of use and significantly reduced the pain points mentioned above. Squared top maximizes screen space.
Next steps
Design and 3d print phone case with curved bottom to test usability at scale.
Compact size with rounded edges easy to hold, carry, and use.
Curved bottom fits nicely in palm and eases strain on pinky.
Idealy recycled polycarbonate body - no case required.
To ensure app compatibility, rounded screen bottom can be used for proprietary UX - displaying the time, utility icons, and shortcuts.
Capacitive touch screen on side for scrolling & swiping.