The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition: A Groundbreaking Co-Creation Effort That Glows in the Dark
London-based tech brand Nothing has launched the limited-edition Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition. Unveiled on October 30, this distinctive smartphone marks an industry first as a co-created product developed in close collaboration with Nothing’s most innovative fans. In an age where consumer involvement is often limited to feedback forms and online reviews, Nothing has gone one step further by inviting its community into the design and development process itself.
After six months and over 900 creative entries from 47 countries, four talented individuals were chosen to work directly with Nothing’s in-house Design, Creative, and Marketing teams. The result? A glow-in-the-dark phone with phosphorescent features, six custom wallpapers, eco-conscious packaging, and an emotive marketing campaign—all shaped by the creativity of fans around the globe.
A Community-Driven Design Process
The journey to the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition’s final design was an intense four-stage process, with each winner bringing a unique vision to life under the guidance of Nothing’s team. Leading the charge in the hardware design phase were Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki, whose “Phosphorescence” concept aimed to embody Nothing’s minimalist ethos while adding an eye-catching twist. The result was a green-tinted, glow-in-the-dark back panel that emits a soft glow without a power source—an innovation that speaks to Nothing’s focus on sustainable, low-impact technology.
Designing the wallpapers was Andrés Mateos, who, with the help of AI tools, created the “Connected Collection”—a set of six visually striking wallpapers that add a dynamic layer to the Phone (2a) Plus experience. Next, Ian Henry Simmonds tackled packaging with his “Less is More” concept, enhancing the design with subtle reflective elements that glow to complement the hardware.
Marketing the Future of Nothing
Tying everything together was Sonya Palma’s evocative marketing campaign, “Find your light. Capture your light.” The campaign plays on the notion of individual strength and self-expression, connecting with Nothing’s ethos of empowering its users. Her approach also pays homage to the brand’s debut campaign by celebrating “pure instinct” as a central theme.
While the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is limited to just 1,000 units worldwide, the project has undoubtedly set a precedent for future collaborations. With fans not only shaping content and software but also the very hardware itself, Nothing has created a meaningful bridge between company and community—a pioneering step in tech co-creation that feels truly FAULTLess.
Where to Buy the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition
Priced at £399, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition will be available for purchase on Nothing’s official website from November 12. A limited selection will also be available at the Nothing Store Soho in London from November 16 at 11:00 GMT. As Nothing expands its reach, its collaborative spirit is resonating with a tech-savvy, community-minded audience. We’ll be watching closely to see what’s next for the young, disruptive brand.
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