After Rick Osterloh, long-time employee of Motorola Jim Wicks is leaving Lenovo to teach design courses at Northwestern University.
Wicks was with Motorola for a good 15 years (joined in 2001) and was responsible for the design of the company’s devices such as the Moto X lineup, Moto 360, and more. His departure marks the end of an era for Motorola, as he was instrumental in shaping the company’s design philosophy and product aesthetics.
Jim Wicks’ Contributions to Motorola
During his tenure at Motorola, Jim Wicks played a pivotal role in the design and development of several iconic devices. One of his most notable contributions was the design of the Moto X lineup, which was highly praised for its customizable features and user-centric design. The Moto X allowed users to personalize their phones with different colors, materials, and engravings, setting a new standard for smartphone customization.
Another significant achievement was the design of the Moto 360, one of the first smartwatches to feature a round display. The Moto 360 was lauded for its sleek and stylish design, which stood out in a market dominated by square and rectangular smartwatches. Wicks’ innovative approach helped Motorola establish a strong presence in the wearable technology market.
Wicks also had a hand in designing the Moto G and Moto E series, which were aimed at providing high-quality smartphones at affordable prices. These devices were well-received by consumers and helped Motorola gain a foothold in emerging markets.
Ruben Castano Takes Over
Wicks’ duties will be taken care of by Ruben Castano, who has been with Motorola since 2005 and led Lenovo’s Mobile Business Group Design Studio. Castano is no stranger to the world of mobile design, having worked on several successful projects during his time at Motorola. He is expected to continue the legacy of innovation and excellence that Wicks established.
One of Castano’s notable achievements includes his work on the Moto Z series, which introduced the concept of modular smartphones. The Moto Z allowed users to attach various modules, such as a camera or a speaker, to enhance the phone’s functionality. This innovative approach garnered positive reviews and demonstrated Castano’s ability to think outside the box.
Wicks designed some amazing products for the company, including the good old Moto RAZR as well. The Moto RAZR was one of the most iconic phones of its time, known for its slim profile and stylish design. It became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Motorola’s reputation as a leader in mobile phone design.
This is definitely big news for Motorola as Jim Wicks has done some decent work for the company, and it appears he’s the last big name to leave Motorola after the company was taken over by Lenovo from Google. Before joining Motorola, he worked for Sony and Sapient as a designer. His experience at these companies helped him bring a unique perspective to Motorola, which was reflected in the innovative designs he created.
Rick Osterloh later joined Google again to head some projects for the search engine giant and left after Lenovo started a little restructuring of the company. Osterloh’s departure, followed by Wicks’, indicates a significant shift in Motorola’s leadership and design direction.
As Wicks transitions to his new role at Northwestern University, he will have the opportunity to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of designers. His move to academia is a testament to his passion for design and his desire to inspire and mentor young talent.
In conclusion, Jim Wicks’ departure from Motorola marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history. His contributions to the design and development of Motorola’s devices have left a lasting impact on the industry. As Ruben Castano takes over, it will be interesting to see how he builds on Wicks’ legacy and continues to push the boundaries of mobile design.
Source: Droid-Life
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