All manufacturers' phones start in the conceptual
phase. Several sketches and wireframes are created using different designs,
features and interface options, such as a single keypad and a touch screen.
These sketches establish the weight, size and ease of transport. As the goal of
most phones is to be compact and easy to carry, this phase is the most intense.
During this process, the team decides which designs will become prototypes.
Once the list is complete, several prototypes will be created. These models are
usually non-functional and are for visual purposes only. Once the design has
been created, they pass the concept to the engineers, who decide what type of
electronics is needed.
The fundamental part of each phone is its electronics.
The electronics control everything from the way the phone displays information,
establish calls, send location information and more. According to the
characteristics established during the conceptual phase, different electronics
can be used. For most phones there are three fundamental components: the
printed circuit that controls the numeric keypad and the reception of the
signal, a battery, and the screen. In addition to hardware, software is needed
for the phone to work. Almost every mobile or cell phone manufacturer uses
proprietary software on their phones. The software is designed by a group of
programmers who develop interface design, basic / advanced phone operations,
and other features. By default, most modern phones are programmed with basic
features like text messages, calendar and clock. After the components and
software are decided, the phone goes to the final stage of construction.
Each part of the phone is created separately. First
the phone casing is made. Most mobile or cell phones use simple plastic that is
created by a process known as injection molding. Once the casing is created,
the printed circuit board is made and loaded with the necessary software /
operating system. The circuit board is then placed in the casing, using a
series of screws. Then the other components of the phone are added: display,
numeric keypad, antenna, microphone and speaker. After the phone is built, it
is passed the tests. During the test phase, the phone's battery is added and
the workers check the phone's power, button functionality and reception.
Finally, the necessary documentation for the phone is made and sent to be
packed together with the phone. Once all these components are checked, the
phone is packed and shipped to the retail outlets.
