Peek Inside Aalto University’s Nokia Design Archive
Nokia is gradually unveiling its glorious past with the announced release of a series of sketches, ideas, and prototypes of various devices under the name Nokia Design Archive.
Aalto University in Helsinki has unveiled the Nokia Design Archive, an online platform that offers a deep dive into two decades of the company’s design history. It celebrates Nokia’s rich history of design innovations, chronicling the evolution of one of Finland’s most iconic brands. The archive features a wealth of previously unseen sketches, concepts, and marketing materials, alongside iconic handsets that remain legendary for their durability and nostalgic appeal. Spanning from the early 1990s to 2017, the collection includes over 700 exhibits, charting Nokia’s evolution as a pioneer in mobile design. The initiative highlights the intersection of technology, culture, and design, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts, researchers, and designers alike.
The official release is scheduled for January, but until then, Wallpaper magazine has shared snippets and teasers in a post—an exciting development for those who grew up with Nokia devices.
Just take a look at the image showcasing a selection of Nokia handsets, including some previously unseen prototypes. If I had the chance to peek into the drawer where these prototypes were kept, I’d be in tech heaven! Once a Nokia dude told us that there is a Facebook group of ex-Nokia folks where they shared some details about projects they worked on, photos of prototype devices, and great memories Nokia gave them… Man, that is a Facebook group worth being a member of.
The fascinating shapes Nokia explored through its designers are truly inspiring. While the hardware was often similar, Nokia excelled in experimenting with design, materials, and form factors. For example, check out the concept for the Third Generation Mobile Concept Rendering from 1998. The designer remains unknown, but if you’re reading this, leave a comment below!
The article also revealed sketches and notes for a clamshell phone created by Dale Frye back in 1996. Additionally, there’s a photo of the Nokia 7600—a device with a strikingly unusual design, even by today’s standards—surrounded by sketches of ideas from designer Tej Chauhan.
All in all, January 2025 promises to be an exciting day for fans of Nokia’s innovative legacy.
