Signed 1985 Northern Telecom M3000 Touchphone

The 1985 Northern Telecom Meridian M3000 Touchphone was an innovative business telephone developed in collaboration with Bell-Northern Research (BNR). Its pressure-sensitive touchscreen allowed users to access telephone functions and information through an on-screen interface, years before touchscreens became commonplace.

This example is especially significant because it is signed by two people connected to its design and development: BNR industrial designer Cliff Read, who signed it on November 4, 2025, and John F. Tyson, BNR Vice-President of Advanced Technology, who signed it on September 10, 2026.

The Old Telephone Room page also preserves related historical material, including prototype photographs, the 1985 Telesis magazine article, Canadian and U.S. patents, a BNR human-factors paper, manuals and other documentation. Together, these items tell a richer story of the M3000’s development and the people behind it.

Northern Telecom Meridian M3000 Touchphone.
A telephone with all indicators and functions managed by a Touchscreen.

November 04th 2025 Meridian M3000 Touchphone
Signed by Cliff Read.
BNR Industrial Designer

September 10th 2026 Meridian M3000 Touchphone
Signed by John F. Tyson.
BNR Vice-President of Advanced Technology

Excerpt from John F. Tyson’s 2014 book
ADVENTURES IN INNOVATION
With one of the actual prototype Touchphone
photos showing a rose that was sent to
David Vice and John Roth.

1985 M3000 Touchphone signed by Cliff Read and John F. Tyson

Professional photograph of the Meridian M3000, presented with the names of the designers, engineers, and all personnel who contributed to its development.