Henry Smallbone
Industrial Design
Final year project
FLANEUR - a camera that slows down the way we interact… [Read more]
FLANEUR - physical interaction
each physical interaction has been carefully considered and designed in a way that makes you feel as if you are not using a digital device. The viewfinder is rotated to open the lens, 90 degrees for landscape, 180 degrees for portrait. The lack of a power button creates a more natural and intuitive operation.
FLANEUR - refined functionality
the functionality of the camera has been stripped back to its core; refining the experience of capturing memories, not distracting you from the world around you. Each setting on the camera has its own physical interaction point. A large wheel controls flash intensity, whilst positional switches give the option to change between colour and mono, and photo and video.
FLANEUR - processing memory
to be able to access the memories they must be processed. Physically opening and going inside the camera body is a ceremonial process that builds a connection with the memories and camera.
FLANEUR - details
the body is milled out of a single block of aluminium, finished by bead blasting the exterior. Combined with soft-touch plastic panels, this creates strong visual and physical signifiers when handling.
FLANEUR - limited consumption
content overload leaves people feeling visually saturated. Being limited to 37 photos per cycle means that every individual photo holds deeper value. The inability to review photos until they have been processed allows breathing space for organic memories to form. Delayed gratification builds greater excitement, and satisfaction when the memories are revealed.
FLANEUR - brand story
the philosophy of tortoi is about mindful consumption and interaction with the digital world. FLANEUR sits within a family of products, extending into the way we listen to music, communicate with each other, make coffee and so on. It’s about slowing down and being more considered in our lifestyles without compromising on technology.
FLANEUR - storage box
storage box made from mycelium, derived from fungus roots and bio waste, the roots create a network of wire-like cells that act as a natural adhesive.
FLANEUR - design process
throughout the design process, the focus was on refining each interaction point and how these worked as a wider service together, making sure to never overcomplicate the overall vision.
Henry Smallbone
As a designer I like to think about more abstract problems and how can be solved in a holistic way to have sustained impact on us.
I have always been fascinated by objects and the effect they have on our lifestyle. I push myself creatively through my intrigue into the bridge between art and design. Looking back and reflecting on myself as a person and as a designer, I have come to realise that I am obsessed with unfussy honest design. Another core element to my design thinking is focused on human interaction with everything around us, and as designers the part we play in these systems.
Final year project
FLANEUR - a camera that slows down the way we interact with the digital world, creating a more mindful experience.
Work Experience
Junior Designer, morph Creative Consultancy, 9 month period