We’re all aware of the N76 design contest. Hopefully you’ve all voted for the best design of them all, the Camo N76. I’m sure you’ve spent a few minutes (or hours) browsing through the other designs, as well, just like I have. There’s some pretty awesome designs in there, from all over the world.
This got me to thinking…we used to have Xpress-On covers for our Nokia phones. You remember those, cheap plastic that squeaked ALOT and practically invited dust to live under your screen. Then the cheap knock-offs came around at the mall for $5 with anything you could possibly think of on it. Nokia, I think, noticed that these covers were cheapening their product, as we haven’t had an Xpress-On mobile in quite a while.
However, it’s obvious that people love to customize their devices. I’ve
switched the housing on my N73, and I’ve even shopped around and found
that I could switch my N95 to the Warm Graphite color for ~$50. But
what if Nokia got into Mass Customization? Alot of companies allow you
to customize your product online and then they ship it to you. Nike
does this, as do other shoe manufacturers.
To be clear, I’m not talking about features, I’m talking about the
casing. If Nokia can do this contest with the N76, why not have an
opportunity for an extra $10 be able to upload your own design for
whatever new mobile device they announce? I would bet that they would
have a KILLER response from the public, and also sell more devices
direct, rather than through grey market.
What do you think? Would you like to be able to login to Nokiausa.com
and design your own colors and patterns to be on your next mobile?
Would you pay a little extra for the privilege? Do you think the resale
value would increase or decrease?
