Google’s Pixel smartphones have always stood out for their unique design language, particularly the prominent “camera bar” on the back. In a recent interview with Claude Zellweger, Director of Industrial Design at Google, it was revealed that the camera bar’s design was not inspired by pop culture icons like Daft Punk’s helmets or R2-D2, as some have speculated. Instead, it was influenced by architecture.
Zellweger explained that people naturally anthropomorphize products, seeing faces and other familiar shapes in their designs. However, the camera bar’s design was more about practicality and aesthetics than mimicking pop culture. The camera bar has become a recognizable design element that distinguishes a Pixel phone from other devices.
Over the years, Google has refreshed the Pixel’s design language every time a new camera has been added. This approach has kept the design fresh and distinctive, even as smartphones have become more homogeneous in appearance. The camera bar not only adds a unique visual element to the Pixel phones but also elevates them at a slant, making it easier to glance at the screen.
Looking ahead, Google is at the beginning of integrating generative AI into its phones. This development could influence the future design direction of Pixel hardware. However, Zellweger did not reveal specific details about what’s to come.
Read more: www.inverse.com