Nokia: single design facility, new design head

Details: Alec Barton; Category: Devices & Platforms; 06 March 2006; 8145 views

Nokia intends to strengthen its multidisciplinary design unit by forming a single company-wide design organisation...

Nokia intends to strengthen its multidisciplinary design unit by forming a single company-wide design organisation. The new global team will be responsible for the entire design process, from strategy and concept to product development, for Nokia's complete portfolio of devices.

The global unit will combine teams in industrial design, user interface and interaction design, ergonomics, communications design, packaging design, colours, materials, sensorial technologies, consumer insight and design management.

Commenting on the changes, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Nokia President and Chief Operating Officer, said: "Design is at the core of Nokia's heritage... This new organisation will strengthen our ability to design innovative products. Our talented design team is focused on driving exciting new trends and meeting the future needs of Nokia's customers."

Nokia also announced that its current head of design, Frank Nuovo, has decided to pursue his own design interests after more than 16 years with the company and over a decade as its design head. Mr Nuovo will remain in position until April 1, 2006, after which he will continue as Principal Designer for Vertu, Nokia's luxury brand, and will also work with Nokia in a consulting role.

Effective April 1, 2006, new Nokia Head of Design will be Alastair Curtis, currently responsible for design at Nokia's Mobile Phones business group. Mr Curtis, who joined Nokia in 1993, has a strong track record in bringing many award-winning designs to market.

Speaking on the leadership transition, Mr Nuovo said: "Nokia has been a tremendous experience...Working with the fabulous talent of Nokia both in design and all the other disciplines has been a rewarding journey. Now I very much look forward to amplif yi ng my own creative capacity while working closely with the exclusive Vertu team."

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