The future of smartphones is here, and it's not just about the latest tech specs. It's about a new way of thinking about what a phone can be, and Samsung's executive vice-president and head of mobile experience design, Hubert Lee, is at the forefront of this revolution. In an exclusive interview with Monocle, Lee, who joined Samsung in 2023, revealed the secrets behind the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the smartphone of the future.
A New Take on Foldables
Lee's vision for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a fresh interpretation of the future of foldable phones. He wanted to bring a "little bit of change" to the design, and the result is a device that's shorter and wider than most foldables when closed. But it's the open form factor that's truly revolutionary. With a 4:3 screen size, it's like a smaller version of the iPad mini, offering a tablet-like experience in a phone.
"We looked at familiar objects that we live with," Lee explains. "In this case, the passport. Its utility is based on one-handed usage and this is inspiring. We like that proportion. The natural way is so important because if you force something, if it's unnatural, then people don't like using it."
This new format is a bold move, and it's not just about aesthetics. Lee points out that people are consuming more media content on their devices, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is designed to cater to this need. "People are spending more time with their devices because of AI and most of that usage is coming from our mobile phones," he says.
The Challenges of Designing a Foldable Phone
Designing a foldable phone comes with its own set of challenges. The ease of opening the two halves is a key consideration. "We asked, 'What would be easier to open?'" Lee explains. "When the gap is bigger, it's easier to put your fingers in between and open. But at the same time, if the gap is too big, it becomes visually awkward because then you have this huge gap."
The solution is a design that strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. "Some brands have much rounder sections but if you go too round, it reminds you of a baby's butt cheek," Lee notes. "We tend to go flatter on the sections."
The Future of Smartphones
Lee sees a diverse future for smartphones, where one size doesn't fit all. "The ways people use the devices are so different," he says. "To cater to all of these different needs is going to be a bit of a challenge in the future."
He also sees a future where the display is still a key component, despite the rise of voice-based interfaces. "We believe the display will stick around because whether you have glasses, watches or all these new AI wearables, we believe the phone will still be the mainframe," he says.
AI and the Future of Smartphones
AI is a key focus for Samsung, and Lee sees it as a way to enhance the user experience without being intrusive. "A designer's responsibility is to ensure that AI is seamlessly integrated into our devices," he says. "Why would you want to see AI? It should be embedded so that it's there when you need it. But you don't really need to be aware of it."
Lee believes that AI should be a behind-the-scenes player, enhancing the user experience without taking center stage. "In the early stages, a lot of designers contemplated putting an AI button in a phone but, as it becomes more generalised, seamless integration is more important," he says.
The Creative Tension Between Designers and Engineers
The development of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a testament to the creative tension between designers and engineers. "It’s in a designer’s basic nature to design something that is inspiring, something that stands out, something that can make a huge impact," Lee explains. "Designers are like artists, they’re visionary people. At the same time, engineers make things work. And it’s always about the solution. If we want to make something happen, we have to make sure that the solution is there."
This collaboration is what drives innovation, and Lee sees it as a key to Samsung's success. "We want our devices to look clean, simple and, ultimately, modern, which also applies to the opening of a folding phone," he says. "We believe the biggest factor is weight. The lighter it is, the more comfortable it is to use and carry around."
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a bold statement from Samsung, and it's a sign of the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a phone can be. Lee's vision for the future of smartphones is a diverse and personalized one, where AI enhances the user experience without taking over. As we move forward, it's clear that Samsung is at the forefront of this revolution, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is just the beginning.
