A design student from Middlesex University in the UK will see his unique mobile phone made from bamboo hit the UK market in 2012.
The new smartphone – called ‘ADzero’ - is made from four year old organically grown bamboo specially treated for durability. Like many phones it will include a camera, but ADzero features technology called a ‘ring flash’ not available on any current mobile phone. A circular photographic flash around the camera’s lens ensures very even illumination and minimises shadows. The unique handset is made from as many materials from sustainable sources as possible.
The sleek new phone is approximately half the weight of an Apple iPhone, while boasting a larger screen and runs on the Android system.
The phone is designed by Kieron-Scott Woodhouse, a 23-year-old Middlesex University student from Shepherds Bush, who designed a mobile phone in his spare time after getting frustrated with the lack of variety in the mobile phone market. After posting his creations on forums and websites, he was contacted by a technology entrepreneur who wanted to bring his ideas to life.
The pair joined forces with a hardware engineer and within weeks had set up a company to manufacture the phone.
Kieron-Scott’s smartphone was initially intended for the Chinese market, but after receiving an enthusiastic reception at a design show in London during London Design Week 2011, his company ‘A.D.’ plan on launching the phone in the UK first and then open up to other markets. The company will target ‘design aware’ retailers and boutiques in the UK.
Despite still studying full time on his product design degree course, the talented student is also designing his new company’s branding and website, using skills he picked up at university. Kieron-Scott said: “Bamboo may seem like a strange material to use for a phone, but it’s actually extremely strong and very durable, perfect qualities for this kind of application.”
“The whole experience so far has been incredible and completely unexpected. Completing my final year and working has been challenging, but my course and the project complement each other well and it’s a great start of my career. I can’t wait to see my mobile phone in shops this year,” added Kieron-Scott.
Dr Andy Bardill, Kieron-Scott’s tutor and Middlesex University’s product design and engineering director of programmes, said: “The web has opened up the highly competitive design sphere and enabled those with talent to get noticed more easily. Kieron-Scott’s is a remarkable designer and has made the most of the opportunities Middlesex has provided, which put him in good stead to make his new company a real success.”
Kieron-Scott’s company ‘A.D’ had been set up alongside the Operational Director, Jerry Lao, and Hardware Engineer Leo Qu.
A video about the new smartphone and Kieron-Scott can be viewed at: http://www.play.mdx.ac.uk/videos/kw74/private
More information, visit www.justadzero.com
