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A WORLD-RENOWNED ACCOLADE
Every year, the iF International Forum Design GmbH organisation, one of the oldest independent design institutions in the world, organises the iF Design awards to recognise and celebrate all kinds of top innovations. This year, Crosscall’s ACTION-X5 smartphone with built-in action cam impressed the 132 members of the jury, made up of independent experts from around the world. Competition was fierce: nearly 11,000 applications from 52 countries were submitted, in the hope of receiving this seal of approval. The ACTION-X5 stood out from the crowd with its sports-inspired design, challenging the traditional rules of telephone design.
THE FIVE SELECTION CRITERIA FOR THE IF DESIGN AWARD
Idea
The starting point that guided thinking on its purpose and relevance.
Aesthetics
The overall appearance of the product, its ergonomics and the materials used.
Function
The product’s usability and how it serves the target audience.
Differentiation
How the product stands out in the market and how it supports the brand’s overall strategy.
Impact
The product’s sustainability and social benefit.
A DESIGN MADE FOR ADVENTURE!
Crosscall designed the ACTION-X5 for those who live their lives on the move and are looking for a smartphone that can accompany them on all their adventures. This resolutely sporty feel of this ultra-robust and waterproof device makes it the perfect fit for its users and their different types of use. Its bold and unique design language highlights Crosscall’s important promises and one-of-a-kind approach. The brand reached out to its community at the beginning of the design phase, and users were unanimous in expressing the desire for a different kind of phone in terms of function as well as design.
The aesthetic identity of the ACTION-X5 is most strongly expressed on the back of the phone. Its clean, dynamic lines cleverly highlight the key features of the phone, like its wide-angle camera. At the front, its tapered and pointed shape provides optimal screen protection. The front and rear speakers, sidebars, buttons and protective caps have all been designed with the same aesthetic approach to accentuate the phone’s unique style.
"Its design is directly inspired by the patterns found on the soles of trainers and trail running shoes."
François Rochais, Lead Designer Crosscall
The ACTION-X5’s outer case is made from “soft-touch” polycarbonate that makes it smooth and comfortable to hold, while the designer’s addition of textured surfaces provides optimal grip, reducing the risk of accidentally dropping the phone.
The choice of colours on the ACTION-X5 is also inspired by the world of sport: the vibrant and eye-catching lime colour used for accents on this phone is often used in this field. The shade is an equal mix of yellow and green, reflecting the phone’s “outdoor” feel: yellow represents sunshine, spontaneity and positivity while green symbolises nature, prosperity and harmony, as well as emphasising CROSSCALL’s socially and environmentally responsible approach and its commitment to sustainability. For example, the ACTION-X5 is guaranteed for five years and has a repairability index of 8.8/10, one of the best ratings on the market. Specially attention has also been paid to the phone’s packaging, the size and interior layout of which have been optimised to avoid unnecessary volume during transportation. The ACTION-X5 packaging is made from 75% recycled materials and soy ink was chosen to replace chemical inks.
A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR THE LEAD DESIGNER AT THE FRENCH BRAND
While the levels of resistance, durability and waterproofing required for such a device could be seen by many as constraints, limiting the design process, for Crosscall’s Lead Designer, François Rochais, they’re actually a source of inspiration.
Recruited by the Aix-based company in 2017, designer François Rochais is the brains behind the design of the TREKKER-X4 launched at the end of 2018, as well as all the smartphones, tablets and accessories released since. He has played a pivotal role in the new aesthetics adopted by the brand for its smartphones, with a unique design language and strong graphic identity that help Crosscall stand out from the crowd, freeing itself from the traditional style codes of mobile telephony.
"It’s a constant challenge, but it’s always an immense source of pride to have designed a stylish product, inspired by our users, and in line with the promises imposed by the resistance standards that comprise Crosscall’s DNA."
François Rochais, Lead Designer Crosscall
