Doro - News and articles

Caroline Noublanche

When Doro acquired the French company Prylos in July 2011, one of the most motivating factors behind the decision was the addition of Prylos’ dynamic founder and CEO, Caroline Noublanche[more]. Today, half a year after acquisition, the inspiring entrepreneur from Paris is a strong contributor to the ‘esprit de corps’ that exists at Doro, and says she feels as enthusiastic as ever about her work.

“This is a really great team to work with, and I am very happy to be a part of group management. I also feel proud of what we are doing at Doro, because it has a real impact on people. Adapting technology in areas like mHealth and telecare benefits society, which adds real meaning to what we do.”

Evolved with the industry

Caroline’s career has followed the evolution of the mobile telecom industry from enabler of calls to being all about applications. After graduating from HEC Paris, Europe’s top-rated business school, she went to work for the top French companies SFR and Phonevalley. In 2003, at the age of 27, she started her own company, Prylos.

“Back then applications for mobile phones were only for closed environments and for assisting technicians, drivers, field workers, etc. At Prylos we also began developing B2C applications for companies like the Yellow Pages. Later we decided to specialize in mHealth and home care.”

Prylos soon grew to 15 people and an annual turnover of more than €1,2 million. “In 2010 we knew that it would be difficult to take the company to the next level on our own,” says Caroline, “so we knew we either had to find good companies to acquire, or get bought by someone else.” At the same time, a Swedish company named Doro was riding in its own success and looking towards developing mHealth and telecare applications as part of its long-term strategy.

A great match

“I first met Jérôme (Arnaud, Doro CEO) just before the 2011 Mobile World Congress,” says Caroline. “Later at the exhibition we met again and he asked me about what the future looked like for Prylos. ‘Funny you should ask,’ I said.”

After considering a number of different avenues, Caroline and the board of Prylos decided to move forward with Doro. Today she is the business unit director for Applications and Webstore.

“My role is to define strategy for applications as well as the roadmap that will get us where we want to be. That involves building an ecosystem of partners around our ‘Doro Selection.’ I work closely with rest of the team and support our Key Account Managers in meetings with customers, which I truly enjoy.”

“Right now I am very much looking forward to the launch of our first smartphone, which will feature a collection of specially selected apps developed just for seniors.”

Telecare, taking the next step

Not long ago Doro introduced the idea of easy to use mobile phones specially adapted to the needs of seniors. An idea that has become immensely popular. Now we’re taking everything we know from these and earlier experiences, and applying it to the world of telecare[more], a natural step in the evolution of Doro’s core business. Our latest developments include a new range of products designed specifically for telecare applications.

Enabling seniors to continue living at home

Telecare is a fast growing sector in some of Doro’s markets that involves the use of specially developed telecommunication equipment to monitor and respond to people’s needs, particularly for people who live home alone. User-activated triggers such as alarm pendants, as well as automatic triggers such as smoke detectors, communicate with a telecare unit in the home. The telecare unit relays the alarm to a monitoring centre that in turn contacts a carer prepared to provide the appropriate response.

These needs are not solely related to emergency situations. Many people who live alone have much to gain from simply being able to ask an operator about something they may be curious or need information about. Telecare services can therefore also deliver the type of social interaction that can play an important role in enabling people to continue living at home as long as they wish to.

A more secure alternative

Many existing telecare solutions use a traditional landline for the communication between the home and the monitoring centre. However, due to the increasing migration from PSTN-based (fixed landline) networks to IP-based and wireless telecom networks that is taking place in many areas, alternative telecare solutions using ADSL (internet) technology have emerged. Yet the problem with these is that ADSL modems often need to be reset and are completely inoperable during power outages.

For this reason, Doro’s new range of telecare products, Doro Secure, offers specially developed solutions for situations where a landline is not installed or available. Using Doro’s technology for secure radio and mobile communication, these solutions not only represent a safer alternative to ADSL technology, but also deliver more information to telecare operators. Naturally, the range also includes traditional landline products for areas where PSTN is still the preferred technology.

Brilliantly simple mobile phones for everyone

At Doro we design mobile phones to be easy enough for anyone to use, without sacrificing style. That’s because many people find reading, hearing or handling ordinary mobile phones difficult, but don’t like how typical assistive devices draw attention to their needs[more].

Easy to read display

Making mobile phones easier to use means, for example, making them easier to read. The screens on our phones offer good contrast as well as large numbers and letters. Adjustable text sizes and changeable background scenes let you adapt the phone to your visual needs.
We also have models featuring a high-contrast black on white display for people whose vision requires this alternative. No matter if you want to dial or answer a call, use the menus, or read or write a text message, our phones are simply easier to read.

The key(s) to an easier experience

Small keys can make any device difficult to use. That’s why we devote more space to keypads and separate the keys for easier operation. Our keys are also larger and have high contrast, so they are much easier to read. Many models also come with shortcut keys to frequently used numbers or functions such as text messaging and camera.

Quality you can hear

Hearing is something that varies widely from person to person. Doro mobile phones are designed to provide good, clear sound that can be adjusted to suit individual needs. Tone adjustments as well as louder ring signals and speaker volume make our mobile phones easier to hear. Some models also feature Hearing Aid Compatibility.

Clearly understandable functions

At Doro, we believe mobile phones shouldn’t have to be complicated. So whether you want to make a call, send a text or look someone up in the phonebook, our menu symbols are clear and easy to find.
Some models even let you hide functions you don’t want. Regardless of what functions a particular Doro mobile phone offers, we strive to make each one very simple to understand.

Security features for peace of mind

You never know when you’re going to need help. That’s why all Doro mobile phones offer built-in security features like the convenient alarm button subtly integrated in the back of the phone. Pressing the button sends alerts to people who can help you when you need it, and is perfect for anyone who lives alone.

We never stop

Our designers and engineers work continuously to develop products that are even better, easier and more attractive than previous models. Recent examples include our latest, highly popular clamshell models for easier answering and ending of calls, now with even better tactile features. Another example is the introduction of our first camera phones that make it very easy for anyone to take a photo and send a picture message. There are even models for use with Bluetooth headsets and hearing aids.

Doro’s Seniors Panel

At Doro we work closely with the people we develop our products for, constantly gathering input from our most valuable source of knowledge: the users themselves[more]. One example is a collaboration with 60plus.se, a Swedish online community for people over the age of 60. Four men and women of different ages and mobile phone experience continuously test and review our latest models. The panel has in-depth knowledge of what seniors should consider when looking for an easy to use mobile phone.

All tests are carried out according to selected criteria touching mainly on four principle areas: user instructions, initial start up and settings, user-friendliness and proper function. This is followed by an overall assessment and phones that are considered worthy are awarded with the 60plus stamp of approval (shown right).

Our Seniors Panel is made up of:

Monica

Age: 68
Occupation: Active pensioner who manages a hostel.
Mobile phone experience: About 11 years.
Words of wisdom: If you can’t jump, crawl under!
My best mobile phone tip: As most regular mobile phones don’t offer sound that is adapted for people with hearing loss, send a text message.

Bernt-Erik

Age: 62
Occupation: 34 years as a technician at Swedish air force base; now prematurely pensioned due to work shortage.
Mobile phone experience: Lots.
Words of wisdom: Live what you preach.
My best mobile phone tip: Don’t buy a mobile phone from a salesperson that calls you over the phone. Go to the store instead, so you can look, touch and ask.

Carin

Age: 61
Occupation: Prematurely retired, formerly a supervisor and pantry chef.
Mobile phone experience: I’m now on my second mobile phone (for the last seven years) without a camera. I can only call. I can send text messages, but have trouble seeing the text; I can also use the alarm function and add my friends’ numbers to the list of contacts.
Words of wisdom: Take it a little easy, live in the ‘now’, learn!
My best mobile phone tip: Test different mobile phones and find one that suits your needs. Don’t buy an iPhone just because everyone has one; choose a phone with functions that you will actually use.

Bo

Age: 68
Occupation: High school teacher, now unfortunately retired.
Mobile phone experience: I have always been interested in the development of electronic devices suitable for people who, for example, have never owned a mobile phone.
Words of wisdom: You can learn anything, if only you try.
My best mobile phone tip: Don’t really have one, but I am accustomed to teaching other people how to use electric devices so ask me anything and I’ll find the answer.

Meet Doro Product Manager Peter Cullin

It’s time we present some of the people behind our products, beginning with Peter Cullin, product manager here at Doro®. Peter is responsible for developing our entire range of easy to use mobile phones[more].

What does your position at Doro involve?

It means I am responsible for Doro’s mobile phones throughout the development process – from initial concept to market launch.

How does the development process begin?

I gather ideas and turn them into a concept. For example, “Easy mobile phone with camera" or “Easy mobile phone with alarm function." Then, a larger process is initiated in which different partners are invited to contribute with specific expertise. I have the overall responsibility in the cooperation between these parties to manage the project and make sure that we reach our goals.

What projects are you currently working on?

Right now we’re busy working on mHeatlh - mobile devices to support health services. The development of our Doro PhoneEasy® 680/682 is the first step in this direction. We also have a number of other projects in the works, but it’s too early to reveal anything about those now.

What else have you worked with at Doro before?

I began as a service technician here in 1983 and advanced to service manager and project manager before becoming a product manager ten years ago. During these past ten years I have developed much of Doro's Care range, which includes both home phones and mobile phones.

Is there a product that you are especially proud of?

I am most proud of the Doro HearPlus 318w. It follows our philosophy the entire way - no compromises. It is very easy and practical to use. Among our mobile phones I would say the Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm and, of course, our new model, Doro PhoneEasy® 615, which is our first handset for 3G networks.

What do you do in your spare time?

Mostly I do things with my wife and two sons at home in Staffanstorp. I also cycle a lot - about 100 kilometres a week!

Designing success

Some products are designed for some people, others for everyone. ‘Inclusive Design’ focuses on reaching a broader user group, and is the key to Doro’s successful product development strategy[more].

Keeping it simple

Peter Cullin is chief of product development for Doro’s popular easy to use mobile phones.
“Making things easier to use than mainstream products brings out a lot of different reactions. Some say, ‘Finally!’, others say, ‘That’s good, but what if you add this or that?’, and others assume they can’t be good-looking. We respond to those reactions by working with the best designers in the field of Inclusive Design.”

For as many people as possible

Cullin is referring to Doro’s close collaboration with Ergonomidesign, one of the world’s foremost design consultancies devoted to ‘adapting the world of things to the world of people.’

“Inclusive Design is about making sure that as many people as possible are able to use the technology regardless of any physical or other difficulties,” says acclaimed designer Maria Benktzon at Ergonomidesign. “By developing products for people not considered a main target group by everyone else, Doro really exhibits what Inclusive Design is all about.”

Easy, Yes! Ugly, No!

Building on the success of previous generations of easy mobile phones, Doro continues to develop and introduce new models with a firm focus on Inclusive Design.
“Whenever we introduce a new generation featuring more functions than before, such as text messaging or a built-in camera,” says Cullin, “we always start with ‘how can we make these functions easier to use?’ If it isn’t easy to use, it doesn’t belong in our products.”
In their latest products, extra attention has also been given to aesthetic details to offset the idea that easy mobile phones can’t be very appealing to look at. “Lots of younger people appreciate ease of use, too,” says Cullin, “but don’t want a phone that looks like something their grandmother would use. And neither do many grandmothers, by the way.”

Karin Moberg, 410gsm

Last spring our father fell in the middle of the night on his way to the bathroom. He called my brother, who in turn called the ambulance. Dad returned home from the hospital after a probable mini-stroke and was active and healthy, but living on his own. What if it happened again[more]? He was not eligible for an alarm system, so we bought him a Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm with an alarm button to make us all feel more secure.

It turned out to be his saviour. Six months later he had a stroke. He couldn’t read the numbers on his regular phone, but he remembered to push the alarm button on his Doro mobile, which alerted my brother. After a long recovery, he now takes his mobile with him whenever he goes out.

Sandra and Trevor Greenway, 410s gsm

Sandra, 67, found that she was having more and more trouble with complicated menus, small buttons and sending messages on her old mobile phone. So she bought a Doro PhoneEasy® 410s earlier this year and noticed an immediate difference[more]. She says :“The letters are big enough for the days when you just can't lay your hands on a pair of spectacles. Now I never have trouble seeing who is calling, or when I read a message. It has made a huge difference to me."

Trevor, 71, had never owned a mobile before, but was so impressed with Sandra’s new phone that he has become a convert. He says: "I never thought I would use a mobile because they seemed so complicated. But when I saw Sandra’s, I decided to take the plunge.

Chris Edwards, 410s gsm

At the age of 80, Chris Edwards’ family wanted him to use a mobile phone so they could keep in touch with them, and he could reach them if needed. But because he didn’t like using the phone he had, the “dreaded unit” was virtually never switched on. But things changed when he got his Doro PhoneEasy® 410s gsm[more].

He says: “My new Doro phone is a revelation to me. It’s easy to use and has a clear picture with large, easy to read and use, buttons – the flap opening is good and I have no trouble in hearing and speaking. It is a great little unit for us older guys”. Chris’ wife Liz says: ”I have never seen him being so happy with a mobile phone – it has always been an ongoing battle to get him to use, answer or take one with him. Now, he is excited: something I thought I would never see”.

Colin Orman, 410s gsm

Colin, 59, says: “I work outside in all weathers, but I need to be available on the phone when customers and suppliers call me. On my old phone I was finding it harder and harder to read the caller display and I felt that was a bit unprofessional.” Switching to a Doro PhoneEasy® 410s gsm, Colin has noticed a huge difference[more]. “The text displays are fantastic and I can see at a glance now who is calling.”

And Colin has also noticed other benefits. “Often I have cold fingers or am wearing gloves at work. But the buttons on the Doro are much easier to feel, and the text is much easier to see, so I now use text a lot more.” He adds: “I wish I’d discovered Doro years ago. The phone is ideal for me. And because it folds closed, I know when I put it back in my pocket that it is locked and won't misdial.”

Elsa Roslund, 318w and 410gsm

Elsa Roslund has diabetes, doesn’t see very well and uses a walker. But none of that has kept her from continuing to do the one thing she loves most: playing Boules. Elsa began playing at the age of 70 and ten years later still doesn’t miss an opportunity[more]. When not frequenting different Boules halls, which she does several times every week, she enjoys getting her fingers dirty out in her garden.

“At home my cordless phone is always close by so I don’t have to rush to get it. It’s very convenient, and very loud.” Elsa also likes that her Doro HearPlus 318w means she can always be reached even when gardening, so people don’t have to worry about her.

Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm on display at Sweden pavilion in Shanghai

Sweden’s contribution to the 2010 world’s fair is a tribute to the ‘Spirit of Innovation.’ Fifty examples of Swedish inventiveness have been specially selected to represent the country, and Doro’s popular easy to use mobile phone is one of them[more].

The 2008 Olympic Games in Peking were a huge event for China, but Expo 2010 Shanghai is even bigger. An estimated 70 million visitors, 95% of them Chinese, are expected to visit the world’s fair between May 1 and October 31, 2010.

In keeping with the fair’s theme of ‘Better City, Better Life,’ visitors to the Swedish pavilion are welcomed to an experience in ‘Sustainability, Innovation and Communication’. The pavilion’s four, interconnected structures have been designed and built to symbolise the harmonious interaction between city and countryside.

Doro on display

The Swedish pavilion illustrates how Sweden’s ‘Spirit of Innovation’ improves urban environments and living standards, and demonstrates the importance of communication in today’s technological world. It showcases fifty examples of Swedish ingenuity, including the popular Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm.

The easy to use mobile phone is in good company, sharing the spotlight with well-known achievements by Sweden’s most successful global companies such as Tetra Pak, Volvo and IKEA. New ideas from lesser-known companies are also on display, including an innovative solar powered water purification unit for households in areas where clean water is scarce.

The exhibition is intended to build on Sweden’s positive image in China and promote the creativity of Swedish trade and industry. You can read more about Sweden’s participation. Use the links to the right.

Doro's ECO Functionality lessens impact on the environment

The green ECO FUNCTIONALITY label found on Doro’s new DECT products is part of the company’s commitment to environmentally aware customers[more] “A lot of people today want to make better choices from an environmental perspective,” says Camilla Nilsson, Marketing Director at Doro. “The problem is that with products like ours, it’s not always easy to know which choices are better.”

Reduce the environmental impact

Doro therefore implemented its ECO FUNCTIONALITY program with two main goals in mind: “To see how we can reduce the impact of our products on the environment, and to guide customers to these products,” Camilla Nilsson explains. To qualify for the label, a cordless DECT product must offer reduced power consumption in both operational and standby modes. Also, transmission power between the handset and the base unit must automatically adjust to the distance between the two units, using less power when closer together.

Claus Zimmermann Pedersen 410gsm, 335

“My family gave me a Doro object finder and mobile phone. Now I don’t have to look through the house ten times to see where I last placed my keys, and with the phone they can always reach me when I’m out of the house[more]. The object finder I recommend to anyone who forgets where they put things, and the phone is really easy to figure out and use. What I like best about these products is the way that simplicity and good sense work together.”

The object finder that has made Claus’ life easier is the Doro Memory Plus 335; the phone a Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm.

Nicole 336w, 410gsm

Nicole lives in Paris, but loves to travel. After hearing about Doro’s easy to use mobile phones from a family member, she decided to exchange her old mobile phone for a Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm[more].

“Since I got it I find myself calling my family quite a lot. It is light, very easy to use and very elegant… a real pleasure to call with.” And because she was so satisfied with the product, Nicole decided to buy a new cordless phone for her home as well – the easy to use Doro PhoneEasy® 336w.

Marie Paule and Lucien Huet 409gsm, 410gsm

“I don’t hear well, so the best thing about my Doro phone is that now I can actually hear when it rings and carry on a conversation. It’s the best phone for people with hearing problems,” says Lucien Huet of his Doro PhoneEasy® 409gsm[more]. His wife, Marie Paule, agrees: “His old phone used to ring and ring and he never picked it up, which we argued about a lot. So now we’re both happy.”

Marie Paule is also happy about her Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm flip phone: “I like send to SMS messages, especially to my daughter. She is so impressed every time she receives an SMS from me.”

Mobile phones for everyone

Doro mobile phones are created with the philosophy that a mobile phone should be easy enough for anyone to use, and still be good-looking. By teaming up with sound experts with award winning industrial designers, and involving users in the process, we have succeeded in developing a range that meets real needs[more].

Easy to use

Our mobile phones are so easy to handle and understand that truly anyone can use them. Large buttons simplify operation, and some models also have one-touch memory buttons, a feature not found with ordinary mobile phones. Menus are kept simple and straightforward, and shown on large, clear displays. Selected models also have options for removing unwanted or unused functions, to simplify menus even more.

Easy to read display

One key to making mobile phones easier to use is making them easier to read. That’s why we focus so strongly on increasing readability. Our phones bring users clearer displays with larger characters that are easier to distinguish. Display types vary from high contrast white on black to sharp colour, depending on model and user preference.

Large separated buttons

Big buttons are a standard key feature on all of our mobile phones. And with our latest models we’ve gone one step further by separating the buttons. In spreading them out we created a keypad more like that of a normal telephone, providing optimal ease when dialling or messaging.

Loud and clear sound

All of our easy mobile phones provide loud, clear sound for easier conversation. Some models also offer enhanced sound level adjustments and amplified handset volume levels for users with reduced hearing.

HAC – Hearing Aid Compatibility

For hearing aid users we offer several mobile phones marked with the HAC symbol signifying hearing aid compatibility. All of these are rated M3/T3 or higher, and most are compliant with the HAC ‘preferred levels’, making them virtually interference free.

Emergency functions

For those who consider security an important issue, we offer mobile phones with various built-in security functions such as automatic emergency SMS alert messages and call dialling.

Some models also offer a dedicated SOS button for one-touch dialling to pre-registered emergency services.

Doro adds red dot to celebrated design awards

Doro’s ergonomically designed products continue to receive some of the world’s most distinguished design awards. After receiving Janus, IDEA and iF Gold Awards, Doro has now received honourable mention in one of the toughest international design competitions [more]

Doro’s first clamshell mobile phone, Doro PhoneEasy® 410gsm, has received honourable mention in the red dot award: communication design 2010 competition. The jury of design experts awards honourable mentions to products that distinguish themselves through particularly successful design details. The highly popular GSM phone was among more than 4,200 entries submitted from nearly 60 countries. The red dot award is regarded as one of the world’s toughest design competitions.

A long list of praise

The recognition follows a series of earlier awards acknowledging the exceptional design and innovative approach captured in these Doro products. In the 2009 opening of the CeBIT exhibition, Doro CEO Jérôme Arnaud was presented with the prestigious iF Gold Award. Weeks earlier Stevie Wonder had presented him with the “Wonder Vision Award”. And that came after a 2008 highlighted by the Janus Award, a BIO 21 Honorable Mention and, most notably, the IDEA® Bronze Award.

Specialists in Inclusive Design

The Doro products receiving all the attention were developed specifically for seniors, and have been designed in collaboration with Ergonomidesign. The Stockholm firm is home to renowned specialists in the field of Inclusive Design, or design for everyone, including individuals with special needs. The cooperation has resulted in several award-winning telephones and mobile phones. “We set out to develop products that are very easy to use and to understand, but also attractive,” says Jérôme Arnaud. “These awards tell us that we have succeeded”.