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This is an image of yellow S Pen come out from Blue Galaxy Note9.

Samsung Galaxy Note9 Design Story

From the Note, Beyond the Note
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This is an image of yellow S Pen.
There was a moment when you first pulled out a pen
from a smartphone to write on screen. That immediately made us
acknowledge in awe of the advancement in technology and
the values of change. Now, the unique values of the Samsung Galaxy
Note Series take another leap of expansion through the Galaxy Note9.
The eighth evolution is about sharing experiences, and is
dedicated to the new generation that abides by their own ways
and virtues rather than following strict rules. While remembering
the foundations of the Galaxy Note, we’re once again
introducing a finely refined user experience.

This is an image of two womes strike a pose.

Cover Story

A design that emphasizes practicality and focuses productivity was the strongest
advantage that the Galaxy Note Series had during its early days. The Galaxy Note
has gone through eight evolutions since then for the Note to become more like
a Note. Now, the Galaxy Note9 has gone through a complete makeover to share
its unique originality to a broader, multi-generational audience.

Millennials are the forerunners of new culture,
spearheading change all around the world.
They do not walk a predetermined path, but
rather follow rules and values they set
themselves. Millennials do not hesitate to
express themselves and focus on ways to
stand out more than others. The Galaxy Note9
found its answer for the Note to become more
like a Note by being an item of unique
self-expression that embraces a mix and
match style of different materials, colors, and
textures to create a new kind of aesthetic look.
We started with the combination of the two
key components that make up the Galaxy
Note; the product itself and the S Pen. Once
you pull out the S Pen from the Ocean Blue
Galaxy Note9 that exudes a youthful energy
and rational level-headedness, you are
greeted with the pleasant surprise of a bright,
cheery yellow-colored S Pen. The two colors
serve as contrasts to one another but also
blend well while appealing to the senses,
altogether completing an unprecedented and
powerful impression of the Galaxy Note9.

The case and the product also carry on the mix
and match style. The Galaxy Note9’s leather
cover comes in a total of five colors, including
the usual classic colors of black and brown but
also in red, yellow, and blue. The stylish colors
of the leather cover harmonize naturally with
the Galaxy Note9 both when the colors of
the product and its cover are similar or
contrasting. The cover is also a perfect fit for
the product’s size and boasts a fashionable
look as if you’re wearing a leather jacket that
perfectly fits your body.
The mix and match style isn’t limited to
the Galaxy Note9. The colors of the Galaxy
Note9 mix and match with the colors of the
Galaxy Watch strap, creating a greater stylish
synergy when used together.
The Galaxy Note9 offers a new kind of style
that has different elements blending and
mixing with one another rather than staying
static in its place. Find the style that best
represents who you are and discover the joy of
creating your own unique item with the Galaxy
Note9.

This is a image of building.

Gallery

A city is a place that is filled with human emotions. The colors of the city also vary
depending on the time, season, and inhabitants. Refreshing inspirations gathered
from familiar sceneries are reimagined into four different colors of the Galaxy
Note9, capturing the sentiments of a scenic view of the city and the comfort that
lies within.
  • Ocean Blue
    Ocean Blue embodies the lively energy of a city on a clear day. It expresses a stylish and youthful
    emotion, at the same time exuding a sporty attitude with a distinct charm.
  • Midnight Black
    Midnight Black is the color of a modern city after nightfall. It captures a seeming nonchalant, chic
    mood from lonely lights shining down on the thick darkness passing through modern buildings.
  • Lavender Purple
    Lavender Purple is a creative, one-of-a-kind color that replaces traditional pink to become redefined
    as a trendy color. The mystical shade guides us to a digital world filled with fantasy.
  • Metallic Copper
    Metallic Copper reminds us of the warmth of a city where the sunset gently caresses the horizon.
    A rich range of emotions are conveyed through the color, from soft and classical elegance to distinct
    retro sensibilities.

This is the image of hand holding a yellow S Pen.

Interview

The S Pen has always been the center of attention for the Galaxy Note. The feeling
of handwriting, the adjustment of width depending on the tilted angle of the pen,
and the sound effects of a real pen are all incredible functions of the S Pen that
amazed us. Now the S Pen of the Galaxy Note9 expands its role from just a pen
used for writing to its own independent device. Check out the design story of
the S Pen that has evolved along with the Galaxy Note9.
The evolution
of the S Pen is
equivalent to
the evolution
of the Note.
The S Pen has always faithfully
retained its identity as a pen for
the Galaxy Note. Why did you give
an independent function to
the S Pen for the Galaxy Note9?

The S Pen is a symbolic icon for the Galaxy
Note that helped the Note emerge and take its
place as its own category in the market.
The idea of a pen taken out of a smartphone
was a groundbreaking innovation. That’s why
the Galaxy Note’s S Pen continued to provide
the look and feel of a real pen. As we prepared
the Galaxy Note9, we contemplated on
what our users truly want with the Galaxy Note
and the S Pen. Until now, we mainly focused on
providing an experience that is closest to using
a real pen, but now we needed to go beyond
that point. We wanted to convey values for
the S Pen that transcends its role as a simple
tool, and that became the motive behind our
vision for a S Pen with an independent function.

4 colors of S Pen appear one by one.

The S Pen is
no longer a tool
used just
for writing.
What are some of the independent
functions of the S Pen?

We envisioned a S Pen that can be used even
when it’s separated from the Galaxy Note.
By inserting a Bluetooth module, we found
a solution for improving the hardware so that
it can control the Galaxy Note9 even from
a distance. Users can personally adjust

This is an image of yellow S Pen take a picture of a yellow table tennis paddle.

the settings for the S Pen’s button and attach
different functions for short or long pressing
the button once or twice, allowing unique and
useful ways to use the S Pen. If a user sets the
long press of the button to start the camera
and have the short press to take a picture,
the S Pen can serve as a remote to take pictures
from a distance. In addition, the S Pen can be
used separately with various apps* for different
functions, such as playing or skipping songs,
or as a wireless clicker that carries out
a presentation while connected to a big screen.
Furthermore, if the screen locks when using
the S Pen, you can unlock the screen with
a push of a button on the S Pen and efficiently
continue your work.
The S Pen’s drawing function is applicable on
the DeX as well. You can use the S Pen and
the display to accomplish useful tasks such as
writing and drawing as if you’re using a stylus
on a tablet.

* Currently supported by all music apps and around ten
different apps, and is expected to support a wider selection
through a SDK release following launch.
We wanted
the S Pen to become
a more perfect tool
for self-expression.
As you noted earlier, consumers
have experienced the feeling of
using an actual pen with the S Pen.
What kind of new and improved
functions as a pen can we expect to
experience with the Galaxy Note9?

The S Pen has evolved over the years for users
to experience the analog sentimentality of
using a real pen. The Galaxy Note9 focused on
expanding user experiences that involve
the pen, going beyond just providing life-like
sensations. With the Live Message, you can
draw pictures or handwrite messages on top
of colored backgrounds, pictures, or the AR
emoji, and experience the joy of creating
your own communication tool. The S Pen’s
distinct writing functions have been added to
the signature functions of the Galaxy Series,
which empowers the S Pen as a powerful tool
for self-expression.

Yellow smile is drawing.

This is an image of 4 kinds of package.

The S Pen
serves as
the identity of
the Galaxy Note
Series.
The Galaxy Note9’s package design primarily features the S Pen,
which sets the package apart from previous models. Is there a message
you want to convey through the package design?

For the Galaxy Note9’s package, your first encounter will be with the titular representative of
the Note, the S Pen. The front design of the package boldly displays the S Pen instead of the logo
to show that the S Pen serves as the symbolic identity of the Galaxy Note Series. This package design
embodies the heritage and confidence of the Galaxy Note Series that has been loved by countless
users over the course of time.

Keywords

The yellow line is drawn by yellow S Pen on the display.

Whenever we encounter a new smartphone, we tend to pay more attention to
changes in physical shape. However, the part that gives us rest and comfort,
enables our self-expression, and helps us make our lives more convenient and
efficient is the vast and expansive UX that lies within the product. The refreshingly
new UX of the Galaxy Note9 offers a more meaningful everyday experience,
and here are some keywords to get a better picture of its characteristics.

    Seamlessness

    Imagine drawing a line on paper with a crayon.
    A line with the same color as the crayon you’re
    using will be drawn on paper. The sentiment
    that is instilled in this analog experience is
    channeled through the S Pen. From yellow,
    purple, to copper, each color of the S Pen will
    produce the same color when you write on
    the Screen Off Memo as if using a real pen.
    Whatever you write on the Screen Off Memo
    will be saved in Samsung Notes in the same
    color you used, maintaining a seamless
    handwriting experience.
    * The color of the text will be white for the Midnight Black
    Galaxy Note9’s S Pen on the Screen Off Memo.

    The “Hello” is drawn by yellow S Pen on the display.

  • Creativity

    One of the joys experienced through the
    Galaxy Note Series is the ability to write and
    draw pictures as if you’re using a pen on paper.
    The Samsung Notes’ menu screen has been
    simplified based on different categories
    so that you can easily organize many memos.
    With the PENUP’s Live Drawing function, you
    can watch the drawing processes of artists and
    imitate over their drawings, helping even
    the most basic beginners to express profound
    artistic sensibilities. The Galaxy Note9
    transcends between analog experiences and
    digital conveniences with a UX that specifically
    caters to the S Pen to become a Note you’d
    want to use in all situations.

    The leaf images are drawn in display.

    Intelligence

    The Galaxy Note9 renews the daily lives of our
    users with functions that are smarter than ever
    before. Now, complicated tasks such as
    reserving a hotel room can be easily taken care
    of through everyday conversations with Bixby,
    which understands the context behind our
    words. Bixby comprehends both our words and
    underlying motives, and continuously studies
    user preferences and patterns to yield the best
    results. Bixby develops into a smarter
    Intelligent Assistant the more it interacts with
    users.
    The camera has also become smarter
    than before. Users no longer need to select
    a mode every time they’re taking pictures, as
    the camera automatically senses the subject
    and adjusts to capture the most optimal color
    for the image. Furthermore, it will instantly
    alert the user with messages whenever small
    or big mishaps are detected in the photo, such
    as an image with closed eyes or too much blur
    from shaking.

    This is an image of Bixby.

  • Sophistication

    Using the product color as a background,
    various colors are harmoniously and stylishly
    blended to maintain a mix and match style
    that expresses a powerful impression.
    The elegant form created from smooth
    curvatures adds a three-dimensional effect to
    the screen of the Galaxy Note9.

    This is an image of wallpaper designed marbling pattern.

This is an image of 18 designer.

Behind-the-scenes

The product designers who carried out the design from the early sketches to
the actual manufacturing of the product would be the people who understands
the most about Galaxy Note9 design. When they were given the task of designing
the next generation model of the Galaxy Note, what would be the first piece of
inspiration that came to mind? To yield results that satisfy the ever-increasing
standards of our users, designers contemplated on the essentials and carefully
crossed a series of stepping stones while reminiscing the path they took in
the past to finally complete an immaculate product.
This is an image of hand holding a Lavender Galaxy Note9.
This is an image of a blue Galaxy Note9

The frame design created
through Dia Cutting
makes the Galaxy Note9
much more special.

One of the noticeable eye-catchers of
the Galaxy Note9 is its frame design.
What are some of the key differences compared
to the predecessors?

The newly implemented frame style is the
most noticeable change in design for the
Galaxy Note9. The Galaxy Note9’s metal
frame was cut into three sections, and a glossy
finish was applied over the left and right
sections while the middle section went with
a matte finish to establish a new kind of visual
look. The glossy sides shine when reflected by
light to demand a visually impactful presence
while helping the device look slimmer.

We envisioned
a design that took both
usability and design
into consideration.

Wouldn’t the new frame design affect
the grip?

The feeling you get when grippinag a product is
an important component when it comes to
usability. The degree of roundness of
the surface on which the hand touches
the product usually determines the comfort of
the grip. When holding the Galaxy Note9,
the middle part of the three divided sections is
the part that touches the surface of the hand the
most, and has been applied with an optimized
degree of roundness to achieve the best grip.
Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor’s location
has been relocated to the center so that it is
easily accessible, allowing for a comfortable
experience within the palm of your hand.

This is an image of a black Galaxy Note9

The Galaxy Note9
showcases a design
that reimagines
the proposition of
making the ‘Note
more like a Note’.

The Galaxy Note Series has evolved over
the years to make the ‘Note more like a Note’.
Will the new Galaxy Note9 come with changes
that adhere to this trend?

Having a slimmer bezel or a larger display is
perhaps no longer the change that first draws
attention. That is why we refined the Galaxy
Note9’s display so that users can experience
the differences in its display the moment they
use the product. The display has been enlarged
from top to bottom to take advantage of
the whole area, and the corners were rounded
to a bare minimum to put extra emphasis on
a sturdy and refreshing display that fills up
the entire space.

These images are 4 models of Galaxy Note9 and 2 models of Gear S4

The Galaxy Note9 started from a question about design
and function that can give both practicality and pleasure
to Millennials. Whenever users hold the Galaxy Note in their hand,
we wanted them to experience the joy and novelty of everyday
life that are made possible through new mechanics and
extraordinary functions, rather than focusing on the technology
itself. The Galaxy Note is an ever-evolving product, and our
hope is for the Galaxy Note9 to accomplish more meaningful
and valuable tasks in the hands of more users.