ELSE is a visionary mobile phone developed by Israeli technology firm Else (formerly Emblaze).
Ishai Adar was in charge of the sound design for the product – the complete user audio experience when using the device.
After long months of research and experimentation, Adar ended up with around fifteen very short digital sounds. The main objective was to make those small sounds integrate with the visual graphics – for example opening menus, clicking a phone number on the key-pad, or receiving different kinds of alerts.
The ELSE mobile phone was heavily inspired by sci-fi culture: a mobile phone that was created with user experience in mind. Ishai delved into creating those almost futuristic, synergic, ultra bright sounds, but had to keep the sounds functional and efficient. The result was a seamless compromise between semi-mechanical “clicks” and cooler digital blips.
the digital versus the mechanical approach:
The “Grab and Release” element of the ELSE user interface, showing the slidebars (also known as “gauges”). The example shows the differences between the mechanical (right) and digital (left) approaches.
The digital versus the mechanical II:
These clips show the device’s built-in camera “zoom” feature. Again we can see the synergy between the digital and mechanical approaches: The high tone (divided to two different pitches for the “zoom in” and “zoom out”), creates a sharp and smooth transition. The mechanical “ticks” create an illusion of movement.
Fast scrolling the contact list & Idle operations:
These show the “scroll” feature. When the user touches his finger to the contacts list, the “Trrrr” sound creates an association of data movemnet. In the main “idle” screen, a combination of two sounds – touch and drag – allows audible navigation. Both manipulate time and duration to keep sync tight.
The Else device was developed by The Else company (formally emblaze)
UI: Elements
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