The xxs Mobile Drive is a collaboration between Freecom and Sylvain Willenz, acclaimed
Brussels based designer. Willenz runs a design studio that works on a variety of projects,
dealing from furniture design to lighting and product design.
SylvainWillenzDesignStudio
SylvainWillenzDesignStudio works internationally with clients such as Established & Sons
(UK), Vlaemsch (BE), Areaware (USA), Latino (BE) and more. The works from
SylvainWillenzDesignStudio focus on materials and processes, whilst they present design
solutions which are straightforward and uncomplicated. Willenz has a long lasting love and
interest for soft plastics, with which he's created his debut signature items in his collection,
from 2002 up until 2008. Today he works with other various materials such as glass, wood,
fabrics and many more.
The xxs Mobile Drive is a perfect example of Willenz's approach and work-spirit to Design. Indeed the xxs was conceived in such way to be as simple as
possible, yet super refined and complete in details. The design focuses its attention on a combination of function and minimal esthetics. Instead of a
conventional enclosure, the xxs was designed in order to contain the Hard Drive directly into a rubberized exchangeable cover. The beauty of the xxs lies in
its design details, which almost seem invisible.
The Design Details
The xxs looks so simple, one may feel to have seen it already. However, at a closer look, one discovers the hidden subtleties. Indeed, all design decisions
were kept minimal so as to be subtle and delicate, clean and non-obtrusive. The branding is discreet, the capacity of the drive is visible through a hole,
which also acts as a grip to open the sleeve and change sleeve colour. Other inscriptions are discreetly positioned and moulded in the same material as the
sleeve itself, so as to speak the same esthetic language throughout the item as a whole. Thanks to its daring and unconventional concept, the xxs is the first
of a kind.