‘flexbook’ by hao-chun huang

‘flexbook’, a concept device by taiwan-based designer hao-chun huang, offers portable, multi-use computing within a single device. the concept was shortlisted from over 1000 designs in our recent designboom competition ‘a life with future computing‘, organized in collaboration with FUJITSU. with a waterproof keypad and 21:9 screen, ‘flexbook’ is designed for portability and range of use among the constantly connected. featuring a flexible structure with a center joint, the laptop can be folded into a range of configurations, while a 180-degreeswivel touch screen offers different configurations of viewing, including a laptop and tablet mode.

the design lets the device’s shape reflect its functionality: folded as a book for reading e-books, a tablet for browsing newspapers or in crowded environments, or a laptop when preparing typed documents. ‘flexbook’ is also easily portable, serving as its own case when folded it in half. the device is further customizable through the availability of easily swappable rubber skins, which huang envisions available for purchase online where users can select their own colours and patterned textures.

concept illustration of the range of possible configurations of the device

‘flexbook’ can be folded for easy portability, or used as a gaming device, e-reader, tablet, or laptop

rendering of some of the possible uses of ‘flexbook’

— those wishing to republish an excerpt of this article, please have the courtesy to link back to this original article, and to mention that the project was designed for the ‘FUJITSU design award: a life with future computing’ competition, organized by designboom in collaboration with FUJITSU. thank you.