Heirloom tech

06 : 03 : 2015 Runcible : Monohm : The Immortal Brand

Tokyo and California – Self-styled ‘heirloom electronics’ brand Monohm, has launched Runcible, a smartphone that will last for generations.

  • Apple releases a new iPhone on average every 376 days, according to Buyer’s Guide
  • Runcible bridges the gap between consumer electronics and timeless object
Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California
Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California
Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California
Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California Runcible by Monohm, Tokyo and California

The designers behind Runcible sought to address the planned obsolescence of current technology, the type that Frustration Marketers often parody or play on. Built around Mozilla’s Firefox OS, an open-source platform that is continually updated to meet contemporary requirements, Runcible will never need additional software or apps. With the insides taken care of, Monohm looked to timeless examples of design for styling, and drew on the pocket watch, women’s compact and compass for inspiration. The result is the world’s first circular smartphone, 78mm in diameter and shaped to fit snugly into an open palm.

The Big Picture: Consider how your brand can be a legacy-builder by booking your place at The Age of the Long Near, our Spring/Summer 2015 Trend Briefing. Contact Alena Joyette for more information.

Discover More Daily Signals
The Trend: Mood-matching Fashion

Daily Signals

The Trend: Mood-matching Fashion

Fashion discovery is evolving, guided by emotional cues and powered by generative AI. Rather than surfacing static product results, next-gen tools ...
Fashion : Retail : Search And Discovery
The Big Idea: Viva Tech 2025: Five Sustainable Fashion Start-ups

Daily Signals

The Big Idea: Viva Tech 2025: Five Sustainable Fashion Start-ups

At VivaTech 2025, fashion-focused innovators showcased how AI can be used to tackle the industry’s sustainability challenge.
Fashion : Technology : VivaTech
The Campaign: Depop reframes second-hand fashion as secret to personal style

Daily Signals

The Campaign: Depop reframes second-hand fashion as secret to personal style

Fashion resale platform Depop (now a subsidiary of Etsy) has launched its largest US campaign to date. Created by Uncommon Creative Studio, Where T...
Fashion : Secondhand Market : Retail
The Viewpoint: Wearable Skincare

Daily Signals

The Viewpoint: Wearable Skincare

Sylva’s founder Tallulah Harlech was diagnosed with psoriasis when she was just nine years old. LS:N Global spoke to the fashion stylist and consul...
Fashion : Skincare : Wellness
The Space: Iris van Herpen unveils Sympoiesis at Paris Haute Couture Week

Daily Signals

The Space: Iris van Herpen unveils Sympoiesis at Paris Haute Couture Week

At Paris Haute Couture Week, Iris van Herpen unveiled Sympoiesis, a collection steeped in material innovation.
Fashion : Couture : Biofabrication
The Trend: Human by Design

Daily Signals

The Trend: Human by Design

LS:N Global’s coverage of design in 2025 explored humanising design and branding in the age of elasticity.
Design : Creativity : Branding
The Big Idea: Branding in the Age of Elasticity

Daily Signals

The Big Idea: Branding in the Age of Elasticity

LS:N Global’s coverage of design in 2025 explored humanising design and branding in the age of elasticity.
Design
The Campaign: New Forest’s rebranding turns tourists into custodians

Daily Signals

The Campaign: New Forest’s rebranding turns tourists into custodians

LS:N Global’s coverage of design in 2025 explored humanising design and branding in the age of elasticity. 
Design
The Viewpoint: Rehumanising 3D Design

Daily Signals

The Viewpoint: Rehumanising 3D Design

LS:N Global’s coverage of design in 2025 explored humanising design and branding in the age of elasticity. 
Design
The Space: Glossier unveils immersive experience for Fleur fragrance launch in Paris

Daily Signals

The Space: Glossier unveils immersive experience for Fleur fragrance launch in Paris

LS:N Global’s coverage of design in 2025 explored humanising design and branding in the age of elasticity.
Design
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN