As a product design student at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, Laurence MacDonald always had a knack for making things. His hands-on approach was invaluable when he traveled to New York in 2022 to chase his dream in industrial design.
Initially, he landed an internship with Smart Design, where he worked on exciting projects for major brands. Now, he’s the industrial designer at Light Phone, a company that offers a minimalistic alternative to traditional smartphones. Their mission is to help people disconnect from their devices and embrace real life.
The Light Phone first hit the market in 2015, and the latest model, Light Phone 3, launched earlier this year. Laurence played a key role in its development alongside the founding team, Joe Hollier and Kaiwei Tang. This phone is designed to reduce dependence on technology while still providing essential features like calls, a camera, and navigation. It encourages a slower, more mindful use of technology, with no social media or email.
Production involved collaboration with teams in Taiwan and China, requiring Laurence to spend time in Asia as they transitioned from design to finished product. He emphasizes that the phone is built to last, with repairable components and changeable batteries, opposing what many companies practice with planned obsolescence.
“There’s a growing trend of people wanting to be less glued to their phones,” Laurence notes. Some users adopt the Light Phone as their main device, while others use it part-time, swapping SIM cards when they want a tech break. The company’s tagline? “Designed to be used as little as possible.”
His first year in New York was a whirlwind. “I wanted to be around people who challenge me,” he explains. Initially overwhelmed by the fast pace of the city, he has learned to balance work with rest. “I’ve learned to say ‘no’ more often and take time to recharge,” he shares.
After moving alone and settling into a small apartment in Williamsburg, he quickly adapted. Living near a park has been essential for him. “In this city, I need to be close to nature,” he says, adding that commuting on his bike has provided him with great joy and adventures in nearby areas.
Before relocating, Laurence started a project called Coffee & Repair in Dublin. He’s brought this initiative to New York—a pop-up shop where he repairs items and serves coffee, encouraging conversations about sustainability in the community. “It’s all free, just a way to tackle waste,” he states. This effort highlights a broader movement towards sustainability, which resonates with many young people today.
Despite thriving in New York’s design scene, there are things he misses. “I long for my family, a proper pint of Guinness, and the stunning landscapes of the Irish west coast,” he confides.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, Laurence MacDonald’s journey embodies a growing desire for simplicity and connection. As our devices become more intrusive, stories like his remind us of the value in unplugging and being present.
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