Cisco Desk Phone 9800 series
Main Lead Designer with Ladislao Camarena
Supported by Leila Ensaniat & Naoki Shimada.
iF Award Winner 2026 | US Patent D1089134
World Wide Launch 2025 | Product Page
Leadership Gavin Ivester | Otto Williams
The Cisco 9800 Series re-imagines one of the most ubiquitous objects and transforms it into an intelligent, modular platform for hybrid work: integrating AI-driven communication, workplace management, and meeting experiences.
Iconic Legacy
Cisco’s phones comprise of 100+ million units serving as the backbone of global communication, in addition to being a $100M/year market where customers are in the middle of the largest IT transformations in history, opening new opportunities.
The goal is to modernize and re-define the desk phone
New Era, New Problems
Workplaces are shifting to shared, non-dedicated desks
Users need to quickly find a space and feel at home
IT manages fragmented tools, lacking a single, unified solution
If you confuse, you’ll lose
A decade old portfolio without oversight resulted in a niche in a niche lineup was optimized to 4 models from 30 unique devices.
Objectives & Outcomes
Create a scalable design identity that will work over multiple product sizes.
Create an experience that reduces workplace frustration in common tasks.
Create a strong, functional, visual element.
Manage mass to reduce material use and introduce a modular approach to form and assembly.
Manage costs within the range.
750K
annual booking
150%
sales increase
75%+
PCR ABS parts
100M
dollar revenue
25%↑
acoustic volume
20%↓
material usage
Meeting experiences are simplified,
shared desks are personal
and environment is optimized
Your Desk + Our Phone = Control
System
Inputs
Real Estate
IT/Security
IoT AI Network
Core
Issue
Fragmented Tools
Broken Continuity
Sign in everywhere
Design
Opportunity
Unifying Keystone
Communication
Ease Cognitive Load
4 unit
efficient lineup
Final
Outcome
Highest launch sales for Cisco devices
Less Friction
Better Utilization
Well Being
This device solves daily problems for an entire organization, from Individuals to Infrastructure, aimed in reducing frustration.
YoY forecasts beat
1
2
30 model portfolio reduced to 4 models
3
4
5
6
Global $100 million yearly revenue stream
7
8
larger acoustic volume for wideband audio
Less material usage for lower shipping impacts
All major plastic parts are 85% PCR and fully recyclable
A First Impression is Everything
Our aim was to create a bold, brandable yet functional visual signature- The Arc
Iconic
Evolution
A previously decorative element has been evolved into a functional visual indicator to define this new generation of devices.
Data driven
Existing customers had issues with the lack of clarity from acoustic performance, displays being low resolution and the large footprint of the older models.
Design Ethos
Approachable Precision with
Professional Boldness
Like a well cut suit, expressing precision and masking mass, while presenting a bold image that is timeless is the key driving motivation
Scalability & Modularity
Designing from the inside out; 4 models with different feature sets and multiple suppliers required the design language to scale and adapt,
even for future models. This attention to detail results in effective component sharing into the 60% range.
Timeless
A 85% PCR blend comprise the highlighted plastics, including double-shots. A min 10 year supported lifespan requires serviceability, with no adhesives and simple hand tools for disassembly. At the end of life Cisco will take back and regrind the plastics into new devices.
2544
Barrels of Crude/year, saved
Situational
Intelligence
Physical AI inserts itself into the background of the workplace to bring efficiency and reduce friction.
Reversible stand for ideal ergonomics.
Full meeting continuity from app to phone.
Let there be
Light
The Arc LED signature will define Cisco’s phones for a decade and signals vital phone behavior to clearly inform users.
A single LED illuminates a fiber strand
Clear, distinct and soft cadences define actions
More
than a Phone
The phone helps organize the workday for a stress-free office experience, while usage data enables workplace teams to better manage seating and resources.
Book your desk in advance or on the fly.
Sit down, scan, and go with QR-code-enabled hot desking.
View, call, and meet with your calendar at your fingertips.
One Tap
to join a meeting
When a meeting is scheduled, a hidden till lit “button” will light up signaling that one can join the meeting, discreetly and avoiding becoming a distraction.
Ready
for any action
In the event of an emergency situation, the action key can be configured to dial out any preconfigured entity, from emergency services to security. The button can also be configured to be a long press or single quick tap as a silent alarm.
In collaboration with UX team led by Justin Styler and Dave Boor
Everything Everywhere
My goal was to lead the team into the nuance of the requirements and inspire a new visual identity. Cross pollination resulted in a fresh approach from which I led detail development, with our multiple engineering, UX, software teams and external manufacturers.
One spark
is all it takes
The first step is to flush out the archetype and start with a baseline concept that is not too radical and can be used as a foundation for the team to build upon.
Base Definition
Evolve, converge and move forward. The goal here is to push the visual language to be more expressive and create a brandable signature while subtly nodding to the past.
Defining Visual Language
Getting physical to critique the merits of each direction, visually and functionally to make decisions.
Multiple rounds of SLA prints and cosmetic models to verify intent
Handset form is a balance between maintaining design harmony with robust user testing and feedback, while meeting acoustic needs.
Whole Holes
A micro study
A larger acoustic chamber relative to prior generations required more acoustic transparency across a smaller area, requiring some creative experimentation to maintain wideband certification.
Bridging Bridges
The Golden Gate referenced in the Cisco logo allowed the requisite airflow while being an excellent visual third read.
Collaboration is key. Getting desired design intent requires mutual understanding, from acoustics to mold flow.
Details
Make’th
Testing
1.2.3.
Moving the beltline, sharpening up the perimeters were considered and tested, but a softer shape was the best approach based on user testing.
Stand development was driven by a two goals: Rigidity and a single part. The Result is a “monoblock” design that is reversible for achieving a 45° & 30° interaction angle.
Dialing in the gradient for the LED’s gradient required clear communications with multiple suppliers to achieve design intent. The result is a smooth gradient that fades out towards the end.
The Arc Accent piece is a complex, thin, multi-axis surface part that bridges the lens with the body, requiring multiple iterations to allow for high yields while delivering Class A cosmetic finishes.
Cable management is neatly laid out with ample space for ease of setup
Details such as screw boss locations were negotiated with Engineering to maintain design intent while avoid distortions in the boss aperture.
My process lies heavily in focusing on details and execution. This is what makes a good product, great!
Proof in the
Process
Sub Supplier A
Making Lemonade…
A split agreement resulted in several suppliers creating the 4 unit lineup in two colorways.
The task at hand was to ensure design intent is maintained and consistent across continents.
Supplier A
…with Perfect Results
Supplier A
Supplier B
Supplier B
Specialty Supplier B
Cisco
9800