Interview: Delving into the Design of the Latest Samsung Galaxy Z Series and Samsung Galaxy Watch

Key Design Points for the New Foldable Lineup

Samsung Galaxy devices have advanced to be faster and more powerful than ever. The design team focused on how to deliver a more natural and comfortable user experience. Thinness and lightness are crucial for this, influencing how naturally a device opens, how it feels in hand, and how seamlessly it integrates into daily life. The design approach, termed “Emotive Geometry,” infuses human warmth into the simple and refined forms of Samsung Galaxy devices, aiming for a balanced design that fosters user affection beyond mere performance.

Expanding the Samsung Galaxy Z Series Lineup

Through seven generations of foldable device innovation, an understanding of how users interact with these devices has deepened. It became evident that a single foldable device could not meet all diverse user expectations, leading to the realization that “One size does not fit all.” This insight prompted the expansion of the Samsung Galaxy Z series lineup to better cater to varying needs, whether users prioritize productivity and multitasking or portability.

The “Emotive Slim” Design of the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

As the thinnest model in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series history, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra embodies the “Emotive Slim” design concept. This approach goes beyond merely reducing thickness, focusing on how thin the device appears and feels in daily use. The frame features a gentle slope to facilitate a more natural opening, and the outer silhouette is rounded for a softer, more comfortable grip. Furthermore, minimizing the flat areas on the sides contributes to a visually slimmer design.

Passport-Inspired Design for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

The design of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 drew inspiration from passports, which are designed for easy portability, one-handed handling, and quick information access. This ergonomic thinking is reflected throughout the device, with a consistent emphasis on “comfort.” When folded, it adopts a 16:10 aspect ratio optimized for one-handed operation. When unfolded, it transforms into a balanced, symmetrical form with a more immersive 4:3 display.

Color Selection for the New Samsung Galaxy Z Series

The colors selected for each device reflect the lifestyle of its intended user. “Violet Shadow” lends a chic and sophisticated impression to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. “Lavender” brings a fresh and soft ambiance to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. “Pink” adds a vibrant and playful expression to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8. “Cream” and “Graphite” complete the lineup as timeless and versatile colors.

Refining the Design of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9

While smartphones are devices held in hand, smartwatches truly shine when they feel comfortable to wear daily. Therefore, the new Samsung Galaxy Watch series focused on refining, rather than redesigning, its core aesthetic. The “cushion design” is central to the Samsung Galaxy Watch’s identity, balancing presence with softness, and precision with comfort. For the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, the display, bezel, and cushion body are seamlessly integrated into a single form, achieving a sleeker, more refined silhouette and a premium impression. The spacing and tactile differences of the buttons were also meticulously refined for accurate differentiation by touch alone, without needing to view the screen.

Evolution of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Bands

Watch bands are a critical factor in wearing comfort. The latest models feature a new air pocket structure, resulting in lighter, thinner, and more breathable bands. Recognizing the individuality of wrist shapes, computational design was employed, utilizing over 100 million actual user wrist data points and 10,000 simulations to verify comfort and fit. By meticulously refining the balance between the watch body and the band, wrist stability during wear has been enhanced, and the variety of bands has been expanded to allow for greater personal style expression.

The Unifying Design Philosophy Across All Samsung Galaxy Devices

In an era shaped by AI-driven changes, human-centric values are more important than ever. Design extends beyond aesthetics; it must also be comfortable in practical use, including ease of opening, holding, and wearing. Achieving truly human-centered design requires a deep understanding of how people live, work, and interact with technology daily. This belief forms the foundation of the design for Samsung’s foldable smartphones and smartwatches.

For more information, visit the official Samsung website:

• https://www.samsung.com/jp/

“Samsung Galaxy” is a trademark or registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Other company and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.