This is a hybrid phone, combining the best of both worlds: Cloud Phone Service, video calls and voice messaging and a touchscreen.
Context
This compact hybrid smartphone, recently launched by HMD for the Indian and African markets, combines both touchscreen and physical keyboard functionality. Designing the UI interface for a small-screen device that supports dual input was a unique challenge. Through multiple iterations, testing, and design optimizations, we created an intuitive and responsive mobile user experience that works seamlessly across touch and keypad interactions.
Details
Time Frame: Nov 2024 – Mar 2025
Role: UI Design of Key pages, Icon Design,
* Customising an existing UI Design Kit from a previous older mobile device to fit new device specification. Adding new UX and pages for missing flows. Improve old UX but keep inline with very strict tech guidelines. Strong cooperation with the production team in China and Taiwan.
Involvement
I designed the User Interface for a large amount of key screens along with the main navigation icons and functional icons used throughout the phone interface. With extremely limited screen space and screen resolution, creating a user-friendly and visually balanced layout was a significant challenge. Every element – from font sizes to margins and spacing – was rigorously tested to ensure optimal readability and usability on a compact display.
The icon design reflected HMD’s brand identity while introducing a visual language tailored to users in the Indian and African markets, ensuring both cultural relevance and design consistency across the product.
- Design of bespoke user interface icons (Main menu)
- Design of bespoke functional icons
- Design of bespoke key screens
Insight
This video showcases my Figma working file, including UX documentation, content audits, user flows, and high-fidelity interface designs created throughout the project. Designing a native mobile phone interface requires balancing user experience with strict technical constraints and platform requirements.
Working from an existing mobile platform selected by the lead developer, I conducted a comprehensive UX audit to identify reusable screens and components, define what could be white-labelled, and design new user interfaces where required. My role was to create a cohesive, scalable mobile experience that met business goals, technical requirements, and established a distinctive visual identity for the new device.