With the sets of basic specifications and features set in stone, HTC's engineers can then offer the right phone sizes that meet the carriers' requirements, as well as showing a relatively bland rectangular ABS block as an indication on how much space is needed to pack all the components.

ENGADGET: HTC talks smartphone design: from inception to final product

At the Frequencies media summit in Seattle over the last two days, HTC walked us through the fine details on how its smartphones are developed, going from the boring rectangular ABS block to the more refined plastic mockups that are presented to carriers and focus groups -- the findings of which then shape the final product.

ENGADGET: HTC talks smartphone design: from inception to final product

This rectangular, windowless block grabs attention with its vertically-aligned tile work -- all in white -- which creates a rich texture when it catches the sunlight.

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