KDDI
Infobar

This iconic phone emerged from a concept project established by Japanese mobile phone operator, KDDI in 2001. Frustrated by the fact that all mobile phones were looking increasingly similar, KDDI asked well-known designers to create a concept device with a radical design each year. The KDDI Infobar was designed by Naoto Fukasawa. When originally designing the phone, Fukasawa had the idea that the buttons could be interchangeable enabling owners to personalise the device, but this did not make it into the final design. At launch, it was apparently sold in a wrapper reminiscent of a chocolate bar. This is the Nishikigoi version which was inspired by a Japanese Koi pond with the blue keys denoting water and the red keys representing the fish. Sadly, this phone was only ever available in Japan. Although the phone is remembered for its stunning design, it also featured a camera for photos and video and was constructed around a magnesium alloy chassis.