Nokia Technologies
Interview with Axel Meyer

Red Dot: The Nokia 5G 360 Camera was recognised as a truly innovative product. What role does design play in the acceptance of such a highly technological product?

Design is the bridge between technological advancement and human understanding. Even the most capable technology risks rejection if it feels foreign, complex or obtrusive. Our aim therefore was not to celebrate the technology itself, but to create a form that quietly supports its function, developing a product that projects confidence without intimidation. 

What messages does the surveillance camera communicate through its appearance?

It communicates three key messages: trust, efficiency and adaptability. Its clean, balanced form eliminates any sense of secrecy or menace. Tight geometry and clean surfaces signal technical competence without unnecessary complexity. At the same time, the camera effortlessly blends in with different contexts, from urban infrastructure to remote fieldwork locations.

What characterises Nokia’s design thinking?

Our design thinking is rooted in Darwinian principles. It is grounded in real-world use, adaptive and constantly refined by its application context. We follow three guiding principles: firstly, a human-first design approach based on a deep understanding of how people live, work and interact. Secondly, a timeless reduction that aims for design clarity, restraint and refinement. And thirdly, collaborative systems thinking. At Nokia, design is the result of close collaboration with engineering, business and operational teams, working together to create products that are functional, scalable and responsible.