The 'Shape-Changing Mobile' prototype consists of a mobile-phone shaped box, which employs an actuated back plate: It can be tilted. The actuation is achieved through the combinatory movements of a number of servo motors. This makes it possible for the device to be thin in the pocket, but in dynamic shape when held in hands.

Actuated Grip

In the pocket, a mobile phone should be thin. When held in hands, it should ideally be tapered downwards. The Shape-Changing Mobile allows for all of this, it changes its shape according to its context of usage.

Content Thickness

A dynamically adjustable shape allows for the addition of thickness to digital content. For example, when reading an e-book, a large body of remaining pages can be indicated through the increasing of the device's thickness on the respective side.

Shape-Based Pointing

Determining where the phone's shape is pointing doesn't require the phone to be looked at - it seems especially suitable for mobile navigation: In such an application, the phone simply points into the walking direction by deforming towards it.