curved Surface design story Curvatures Are More Open and Expressive Than Geometric Lines - Without evoking the words ‘The straight line is ungodly’ from seminal Austrian painter and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the world we live in exists in curves and organic shapes. Naturally, a curved surface offers an infinite number of possibilities from a flat one. This is the story of how we bent reality. They Hold More Possibilities

CONCEPT

A 360° Different Experience at a 70° Angle Edge Screen

The idea is rather simple; add an abrupt angled screen to the already existing flat one to open up numerous possibilities. With the screen angled at 70°, it allows users to access their apps or content without having to unlock their phone. The two screens are able to work in unison thereby opening up a new user experience from that of the single screen configuration. This is the moment of change, the next step in user innovation.

PRODUCT DESIGN STORY

Thinking of Product Design and UX Design Separately is Meaningless

Research into Flexible Display technology took off in 2010 and has developed rapidly since then. This curved surface concept has been one of the more promising directions to come out of such research. As with everything else, this technology must go hand in hand with product design (exterior) and UX (user interaction). Without a physically curved screen it is impossible to design an interface to match it.

Toward the Perfect Angle

Numerous angle tests were performed to find that perfect curve suitable for the display screen but also for the user’s convenience such as screen real estate, controls accessibility and handling. Picking up the device as you would a lever, or nonchalantly picking up the device… as mundane as it sounds, numerous permutations on how to pick up the device were tested and logged to find that ideal balance between screen and device contour. For instance, a 60° angled widens the view of the screen but on the other hand makes the device easy to losing hold of when picked up.

A structural drawing of the Curved Display

Beautiful & Useful 70°

The perfect angle of 70° for the display, found after numerous tests and revisions was chosen as the ideal angle for the new device. This allowed the device to be picked up with relative safety and ease, while allowing the user to see the edge screen without having to tilt the device or their head. The tapered contour provides an outstanding grip while providing an ambidextrous keyless form design; controlling the device with any hand, in any direction.

Thanks to its keyless form design, user can use the phone with both hands regardless of direction
The vertical rubber strip on the back allows the device to be picked up with ease when placed on a flat surface

UX Design story

Two Unique Experiences from One Device Made Possible Only by Stepping Out of the Norm

Providing an intuitive interactive experience, the elegant smooth screen provides a natural control setting that needs no manual or prior knowledge while allowing quick and easy access to content. Using the main screen or the edge screen opens up a new experience never imagined with only a single flat screen.

Two Individual Screens or One Continuous Screen

It's possible to access information or search for content with the edge screen alone. The option of using the edge screen, the main screen or utilizing both screens is also possible. Lastly, you can utilize the device as a continuous screen, instead of two separate ones, for functional or display purposes. For instance, imagine the device screen as a dimensional space where photos you take are stacked on top of each other. The edge screen gives you the option to literally 'flip' through your photos for quick and easy access.

  • Notification on a Timeline
  • Showing Contents in a Layered Way
  • Related Function
  • Bookmarking
  • Task Switching

Exclusive Touch Interaction

The edge screen has opened up a new set of interaction that was since unheard of on a flat single screen. Your thumb, on either hand, provides that innovation as the device allows you to scroll through your content. For example, it’s possible to locate the edge screen using only your fingers, without having to actually look at the device, and the Fast Scroll function gets to apps or content you want quickly and without delay. Simply dragging the content to the main screen unlocks the device for you to access. Also, you can utilize the edge screen and main screen, not as two separate screens, but as one continuous screen or set your own interactive function to use the screens as you see fit.

  • Drag across edge line: Unlock
  • Drag on edge line: Fast Scroll

Edge Screen Functions

Separate from the main screen, the edge screen can be used on its own. In the edge screen home you can set a timeline history to see what applications you used or look to the future to see what your schedule is in the coming days ahead. Also without having to unlock the device you can access S-Voice, Wallet, Voice Recorder, Life Log-Health and other convenient apps with relative ease.

  • S-Voice
  • Life Log-Health
  • Voice Recorder
  • Wallet

ALWAYS ON

On the Cusp of New Possibilities

Our ethos of providing the ultimate experience for our users to utilize their time, and effort; that is our motto of “Always On” and Curved Surface user experience. This is the result of Samsung’s relentless efforts to create new value by fusing product, user experience and cutting edge technology. The Curved Surface experience stems from continuous observation into the needs of the user, along with a deep understanding of technology and how it benefits us all. Our commitment to human focused design continues to break barriers and provide the key to a truly smart world.

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