For children of the 1990s who love technology, there is now an easy way to revisit the past. The Nokia Design Archive, curated by Finland’s Aalto University, contains tens of thousands of entries and 959 GB of digitally created files. These files do more than just remind us of the first portable phones.
Professor Anna Valtonen, the lead researcher, explained that the archive aims to help people understand the development of technology. In the early years of Nokia, there was a genuine desire to understand how people live and what drives them. Looking at the past opens the door to the future.
Today, as artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role, we find ourselves at a similar point of societal transformation. People need to consider what this might mean for the future.
The archive demonstrates how designers have turned visions into reality, allowing them to be thoroughly explored long before they materialized. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our world by revealing the work of many who have done just that.
The archive is set to grow. On the free platform, users can explore four themes: Products, Aesthetics, Design Strategy, and Design Process. For example, you can view entire presentations on your favorite product, including concept designs and mood boards.
Another topic that might interest many is gaming and mobile games like the popular Snake, along with its detailed history. The team hopes to expand the archive further in the future.
It is no coincidence that Aalto University took on this comprehensive topic. Located in Espoo, Finland’s second-largest city, it is home to Nokia’s headquarters.
In summary, the Nokia Design Archive offers a fascinating journey into the evolution of technology. By examining the past, we can better understand our present and consider the possibilities of our future. This archive is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and future of technology.