Smartphone concept allows users to build their own phones using blocks

When it comes time to throw away an old or worn-out cellphone, is it really the whole phone that’s stopped working or just one component? Regardless, we end up having to throw away the whole thing.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2011, Americans generated over 3.4 million tons of e-waste including TVs, VCRs, DVD players, phones, and camera equipment. Only 24.9% of that was recycled.

Pile of e-waste. How many of your electronics get discarded when only one component doesn't work?

So, are electronic devices designed to last? Designer Dave Hakkens from the Netherlands doesn’t think so, so he came up with a new idea for a phone that’s made of LEGO-like blocks in which each block represents a different feature of the phone. For example, there’s a Wi-Fi block, a Bluetooth block, a battery block, and a gyroscope block.

The detachable blocks are all connected to the base that holds the whole phone together. Electrical signals are transferred through the pins and two small screws at the bottom lock it all together.

Phoneblok concept. (Image via Dave Hakkens)

Phonebloks is designed so that you never have to throw away your entire phone, but instead just replace the faulty blocks.

Hakkens’ design also makes your cellphone customizable. If you love to take pictures, just upgrade your camera block. Those who aren’t interested in the phone’s hi-tech features can create a simple phone and put in a larger speaker instead. Hakkens envisions that you would be able to choose the blocks you want with the brands you like or just develop your own blocks.

Customize your phone with the parts that matter most to you. (Image via Dave Hakkens)

Hakkens really wants to get his phone on the ground running so he’s looking for supporters. He’s using a “crowdspeaking” tactic where those interested share about his concept via social media.

On October 29, all participants will send out a blast on the Internet at the exact same time, telling the world about Phonebloks. Hakkens has gathered 78,286 supporters and hopes for a social reach of 27,665,480 people.

Watch the video to learn more.