Student's Phone Design Goes From Class Project to Reality

A final-year design student in Mumbai was too busy with graduation to enter a design contest. His professor convinced him to try anyway, and now his work is part of a smartphone hitting the market.

The student from Pearl Academy submitted his entry to Realme's Designathon last June while preparing for his final jury presentations. He nearly passed on the opportunity when the company visited campus, but Product Design professor Divya Saxena encouraged him to take the chance.

The competition ran in three stages, each pushing his ideas further. Instead of copying trends, he started by watching how people his age actually use their phones as constant companions throughout the day.

His breakthrough came from noticing a pattern in younger users. They want cutting-edge technology but also crave simplicity, seeking both self-expression and restraint.

That contrast became the heart of his design philosophy. He focused on how a phone feels in daily life rather than just how impressive it looks on paper.

Advancing past the first round surprised him, especially while balancing school deadlines. The second stage forced him to become more disciplined, refining his concept into something clearer and more intentional.

The final stage brought real-world challenges he had never considered as a student. The Realme design team reviewed his sketches for feasibility, usability, and manufacturing scalability.

Some elements needed adjustment, but the core idea stayed intact. What surprised him most was how collaborative the process felt, with feedback aimed at strengthening rather than correcting his vision.

Why This Inspires

This story shows what happens when mentors recognize potential and students trust their instincts. A quick decision to enter a competition during one of the busiest times of his academic life turned into a professional breakthrough before graduation.

The experience taught him that good design balances gut feeling with structure. Taking feedback while protecting the essence of an idea matters more than stubbornness or complete flexibility.

Most importantly, he learned to trust his perspective as a young designer entering the industry. Sometimes the best opportunities arrive at the worst times, and saying yes anyway makes all the difference.