Essential Phone Design
October 2017 - February 2020
A large portion of my efforts at Essential had been spent working on all things smart mobile devices, with a strong concentration on mechanical design and working within engineering requirements/manufacturing processes. Despite most of the work being canceled (a commonality when pushing new technologies in a competitive market), it was a GREAT experience working with the talented team that made Essential. Please see brief descriptions of my mobile device design journey below.
Essential Ph3
September 2019 - January 2020
Essential PH3 was a project I led as a designer in an effort to create an inclusive phone with contemporary tech & aesthetic, at a low price point. The design was constrained to low BOM costs using a preexisting OLED display with defined dimensions, bead-blasted machined aluminum, and 2.5D cover glass. Unfortunately, this project was cancelled with the Essential company closing on February 2020…
A flat, bead-blasted aluminum sidewall treatment pays homage to the original PH1 Essential phone design language, accompanied by a chemical etched back cover glass that creates further contrast with the tri-camera housing.
The polished stainless steel, tri-camera housing is an exaggerated, bold treatment that accentuates the high performing camera capabilities of the phone.
Essential GEM
October 2017 - February 2020
Although I was not design lead, Essential GEM was a project that I followed and contributed to during the entire process… Including early conceptualization/product definition, traveling overseas for EVT builds, collaborating for solutions that impacted design intent, CMF decision making, and so on. Unfortunately, this project was cancelled with the Essential company closing on February 2020.…..
Utilizing AI, GEM implements simplified software for faster, direct interactions… Contributing to the user being in a present-minded state with less destructive digital distractions.
GEM was the first molded glass unibody mobile device ever, creating an almost seamless form.
Essential Ph2
October 2017 - February 2018
PH2 was a project I overtook as lead designer during a team reorganization. I contributed to early conceptualization, form & detail iteration, creating visual presentations, collaborating with Chinese vendors and meeting for product builds, CMF/PRD documentation for manufacturing, CMF approvals, etc. Unfortunately, this project was cancelled to prioritize other favorable projects.
Serving as am improvement to Essentials first phone, PH2 had a semi-round side profile for considered ergonomics and “slim border” look. It included a dual camera system, SUS321ultra-fine bead blasted frame, 2.5D front cover glass, matte chemical etched back cover glass, IP68 waterproof rating, 84% screen to body ratio, and supported the “Essential click connect” system
Considered craft and contemporary features contributed to an extremely competitive mobile device for rebellious tech lovers.
