Cell phones have become a common sight in today’s world. Everyone from the very young to senior citizens use this electronic marvel to communicate, send text messages, and take pictures.

In 1983, the emergence of a truly portable cell phone cost the consumer $3,500 or the equivalent of $7,538 in 2009 dollars! Today, a cell phone can be free of charge with a the commitment of a one or two year contract with a wireless cell phone provider.

Cell phones have come a long way since 1983 and the quest for new innovative designs are a high priority for many cell phone manufactures. Fujitsu Limited is one of these companies and is announcing its Fujitsu Mobile Phone Design Award Contest. Professionals, amateurs, and students from graphic design schools, graphic design colleges, or other institutions of learning are eligible to enter this competition.

Fujitsu is running the event in partnership with the Japan Design Association, a non-profit organization to “help solve… [21^st century societal] problems with the power of design and to promote the building of a beautiful and emotionally rich cyclical society.”

There are two categories for this contest. The official website states:

• Practical Category: Mobile Phones for 2001

A chance to let your dreams blossom - we are looking for inspirational designs. Winning designs in this category may be commercialized.
Design requirements: the design must show that the mobile phone is keyboard equipped, operable with one hand, and utilizes an LCD screen of 3″ or larger.

• Dream Category: Mobile Phones of the Future

Futuristic mobile phone designs that reflect your free and uninhibited imagination - we are interested in futuristic designs illustrating cutting-edge technologies as well as interface designs that open up new ways of use, which in turn can inspire new design ideas for Fujitsu’s line of mobile phones.