Helsinki-based Aalto University, which is a renowned research school has just launched the Nokia Design Archives to maintain a series of 20,000 items from the brand. This draws inspiration from the time of the mid-90s to 2017. It features a secret Nokie concept design along with specific materials that were maintained in a digital format.
Users will also be given the chance to access the various ideations, sketches, and designer interviews next year. As noted by Kaisu Savola, a post-doctoral researcher at Aalto University, he shares "Technology doesn’t just shape us; we shape technology. When we started the project, the focus was on objects. As we began going through the material, we soon realized that it was about people."
Nostalgic Cellphone Digital Devices
Aalto University Launched the Nokia Design Archives
Trend Themes
1. Retro-tech Revival - Digital archives of iconic cellphone designs evoke nostalgia, presenting opportunities to refresh classic designs with modern features.
2. Digital Preservation - The digitalization of design archives highlights opportunities for preserving and monetizing historical content through virtual access and interaction.
3. User-driven Innovation - Increased access to historical ideations and sketches empowers tech enthusiasts to contribute to future innovations by understanding past design philosophies.
Industry Implications
1. Heritage Technology - Reliving historic cellphone eras opens avenues for developing products that balance nostalgia with current technological advancements.
2. Digital Archiving Services - The project exemplifies a growing need for digital solutions dedicated to preserving and accessing vast collections of historical data.
3. Creative Design Education - Offering a window into past design processes provides educational institutions and professionals a unique resource for developing new design methodologies.