Nokia opens its first design studio in India

Nokia, the global mobile handset maker, has chosen India as the location for its first satellite design studio. The studio, to come up in Bangalore, will work in association with Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, on new design ideas for the global markets.

However, the Finland-based company did not specify the investment being made on the studio. "This studio will explore a range of design trends and themes, including detailed research into colour and material trends in India. It will also conduct research on mobile use of the internet in India and its implications for design and innovative features," Hannu Nieminen, head, insight and innovation, Nokia Design, said.

The studio will be run by a compact team of Nokia designers, who will work with students of Srishti School and established designers across the country. Besides, the centre will also be a key destination for Nokia's global team to visit and share ideas.

The partnership between Nokia and Srishti School will be for two year. Nokia is yet to work out the number of designers it intends to employ for the studio.

"Nokia's decision to open its first satellite design studio in India underscores our commitment to the market, and strengthens our presence in the country. The studio will give us insights to cater to the local market," D Shivakumar, vice-president, country general manager (India), said.

Founder and Director of Srishti School Geetha Narayanan said Nokia's move reflected the growing importance of the country's designers and the new talent being developed here.

Nokia's next such satellite design studio is planned at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this year. According to Nieminen, the Bangalore satellite studio is part of Nokia's ongoing investment in design. This year the company established a new design studio at its global headquarters in Espoo, Finland. "We plan to open a similar studio in London later this year. Now, our design strength has gone up to 300 representing 34 nationalities," he said.