As design has evolved, the overarching trend toward simplicity as the dominant principle is clear, particularly in the West.
The general consensus is that “less is more” thinking has led to designs that are easier to understand and more timeless. However, many would argue that this approach has minimized opportunities for individuality and character, resulting in a design landscape that feels increasingly repetitive and uninspired—whether in architecture, technology, or software.
As with all things in life, there must be balance.
Bringing excitement back to the consumer tech industry is one of Nothing’s founding principles, and with the emergence of AI in recent years, new and unique dedicated hardware is springing up everywhere. Even Apple seems to have slowed down with its rumoured plans for a completely buttonless iPhone, adding two new buttons in the last two years.
One of the most important aspects of a product for most people is how it looks: the aesthetics, the colours, the vibes. This is followed closely by how it feels to use, from both a physical and an emotional standpoint. The materials, forms, and even sounds are crucial in ensuring an enjoyable user experience.
My Nothing Phone (3) Concept introduces three new features, which all help to improve the user’s experience on a daily basis.
[ ➀ | Quick Trigger ] - A Customisable Button with a New Dimension
Nothing beats the tactile feel of pressing a button, and customisable buttons on smartphones are not a new idea. Quick Trigger is exactly that—a mappable button that can activate a quick setting of the user’s choice.
Designed for quick settings that operate in a simple on/off state—like most do—rather than those that function like shortcuts.
Such as:
⛔ Do Not Disturb
🔄 Auto-rotate
🪫 Battery Saver
🔦 Torch / Glyph Torch
✈️ Aeroplane Mode
➕ and many more…
What sets Quick Trigger apart is that both physical and visual feedback remain even after pressing it.
When inactive, Quick Trigger protrudes, ready for activation. A red ring provides a clear visual indicator that the assigned feature is off. Once pressed, it stays recessed, hiding the red ring and signalling that the feature is now active.
[ YouTube Video ]
This unique design lets the user quickly determine the Quick Trigger status at a glance—either by spotting the protruding button or the red ring. Even when the phone is out of sight, simply feeling for the dimple left behind allows the user to determine the current state of their chosen setting.
Feel free to leave any opinions below.
Stay tuned for the next feature breakdown.
