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# Dumb phone mockup: How to go from drawing, to mockup, to pitch
- URL: https://www.kevinrose.com/dumb-phone-mockup-how-to-go-from/
- Published: 2024-08-14T16:53:45.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-11T22:14:38.000Z
- Description: This video wasn't meant for public consumption
- Author: Kevin Rose
- Tags: Podcast, #Migrated-1791755965841, #Import 2026-10-11 21:59

> **Note: The video above wasn't meant for public consumption; it was a quick video I recorded for a couple of design colleagues to help vet an idea)**

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In an era dominated by smartphones and social media, a counterintuitive idea has been percolating in my mind: the potential resurgence of the "dumb phone." This weekend, I found myself sketching out a concept for such a device, envisioning a future where simplicity might become the ultimate luxury.

As our collective screen time continues to skyrocket, I'm increasingly convinced that we're approaching a tipping point. Soon, the mental toll of our hyper-connected lives may become too great to ignore, creating a market for devices that offer respite from the constant barrage of notifications and endless scrolling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c4/63/c463cd53-8057-4d39-88f2-52ff5f685faf/content/images/2026/10/cb0a9d29-1b9a-4abe-adf0-b5f1412e1a10_1792x628.png)

/r/dumbphones sub-reddit growth

After speaking with smart phone industry veterans, our estimates suggest that bringing such a device to market, including all necessary cellular certifications, would require an investment of approximately $50-60 million. At present, the market for such a device likely isn't large enough to justify this level of investment.

While the "dumb phone" concept may not be market-ready, there's valuable insight to be gained from the development process. **I'm considering creating a detailed guide—either a video or an article—that walks through the journey from initial idea to investor pitch.** This would cover everything from market analysis to prototype creation, using the "dumb phone" as a case study but applicable to various product ideas. **Would this kind of behind-the-scenes look at product development be useful to you?** If so, what aspects would you find most interesting? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.