rotary mechanical
other work by Richard Clarkson flickr photostream
twitter.com/clarkson_rich:
Hey to all those following this Rotary Mechanical Project Blog my main blog is the above link richardclarkson.com, since the Rotary Mechanical Project is finsished for now if you want to keep an eye on my work click the link and follow that one too.
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Unfortunately the phone is just a concept/prototype, if it ever does become commercially available I’ll let you know. Good to see people enjoying the design!
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The model was printed on one of two resin 3D printers at Victoria University of Wellington, that I believe are similar to the Objet Eden 350 or 350V, I will find out exactly what type of machine when I return in the next few weeks.
After recent popularity of rotary mechanical I would like to reinforce my thanks to Victoria University of Wellington - New Zealand, and also Ross Stevens and Tim Miller, as the electroplated 3D printing process was done under their research guidance.
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Thanks, good to see people like it.
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Sorry its not available at the moment as is currently still at prototype stage. If it does become commercially available I’ll let you know straight away.
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?
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.
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.
The phone is designed to have its electronics modularly replaced as new technology becomes available, thus helping to reduce or even eliminate digital rot.
