The flexible, modular system for digital work.
VISION
The uncompromising all-purpose device for designers.
Reimagining the Laptop. Portable, adaptable, and future-proof – featuring a dual-display setup, modular peripherals, and seamless system integration for maximum efficiency.
TASK
Develop a modular system for mobile digital work in the field of design.
MARKET RESEARCH
At the outset, an extensive market analysis was conducted, tracing the evolution of personal computers from their early development to the latest innovations such as VR headsets and 2-in-1 devices. The analysis also examines current market leaders and their products in detail.
ACTION ANALYSIS
In addition to an online survey, a hands-on analysis was conducted with three participants, each using a completely different work setup. This approach allowed for the examination of laptops, tablets, and drawing boards from both Windows and Apple ecosystems.
CONCEPT PHASE
The potentials identified through the market and action analysis, as well as the survey, were systematically categorized, sorted, and filtered. This process laid the foundation for creating concept sketches focused on the most relevant areas of potential.
CONCEPT SKETCHES
VISUALISATION OF THE CONCEPT IDEAS
The concepts were illustrated in sketches, compared in the morphological box, and a selection was made so that a consolidated concept was finally developed.
MAIN GOALS
Mobility
LOCATION INDEPENDENCE
Usability
OPTIMAL WORKFLOW
Modularity
FLEXIBILITY OF MODULES
Connectivity
SEAMLESS DEVICE INTEGRATION
CONSOLIDATED CONCEPTS
The global concepts were evaluated and consolidated into three unified concepts.
The Traditional
This concept is based on the traditional laptop but reinterprets its functions and enhances the proven core principle with innovative approaches to significantly optimize the workflow of industrial designers.
THE HYBRID
This concept offers even more possibilities and flexibility in the use of the system through the dual-display with a 360° hinge. The screens can be used in various positions and, thanks to touch and drawing functions, enable seamless digital drawing. The detachable keyboard and control elements can be freely placed, significantly boosting work efficiency with software-dependent and individually customizable functions.
The Modular
This concept maximizes modularity and presents a dual-display setup with separately usable screens that can be used both together and individually. The displays function not only as displays but also as touch and drawing boards, allowing them to unleash their full potential when paired with the flexibly usable control elements.
DESIGN PROCESS
Development of the final Designlanguage
PROTOTYPING
First prototypes were quickly made from cardboard to simulate user scenarios and test and evaluate dimensions and hinge solutions.
DIMENSIONS
A central aspect of the development process was the adjustment of scales, which influenced the entire layout. In some cases, this led to a complete rethinking of the design. To find the perfect dimensions, designs were printed and tested repeatedly until the final layout of the modules was established.
MOODBOARD
A minimalist design language was chosen, blending functionality and elegance while combining clean lines with soft radii.
DESIGN OPTIMISATION
Due to the fixed parameters, work was quickly carried out in a CAD
Key designs could be tested and easily replicated, with module layouts easily adjusted. Additionally, components could be 3D printed and assessed for ergonomics.
DISPLAY MODULE
High end performance
in the most compact
design available
The display modules are the heart of the system, containing the critical hardware that delivers high-end performance combined with cloud integration.
DUAL-DISPLAY
SETUP
The dual-display setup also ensures maximum efficiency when working on the move, with touch and pen recognition allowing you to draw directly on the displays.
EASE OF DIGITALISATION
One of the two displays is equipped with a camera unit consisting of a 48-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a LIDAR scanner and a flash.
VERTICAL SETUP
The specially designed and permanently installed 360° hinge with stand not only allows you to work at any angle, but also allows the displays to be stacked vertically for an ergonomic working position.
KEYBOARD
The keyboard reinterpreted as an
all-purpose tool
More than just an eye-catcher, the Keyboard Module combines analog controls with digital applications to deliver unprecedented functionality in a single module.
UNUSUAL FEATURES
It is turned on with a retractable rotary knob, which can also be used as a controller for various functions. Directly underneath is a touch bar that allows for intuitive operation without your fingers having to leave the keyboard. Seven freely assignable function keys are also available to facilitate the use of shortcuts.
CUSTOMIZABILITY
AND REPAIR
Since the system is designed specifically for designers, customization plays a key role. It should not only meet the user's needs in terms of functionality, but also in terms of aesthetics. As a result, many components are easily interchangeable, allowing the design and feel to be tailored to personal preferences.
FLEXIBLE USE
Like all modules, the keyboard has a rechargeable battery. It can also be charged via USB-C or connected directly to a display module via a fold-out tab to power it.
SMART TOUCHBAR
Above the keys is a wide touch bar that intelligently replaces the FN keys and serves as a multi-function surface. Depending on the application, it offers special functions for more efficient operation and a better workflow.
TRACKPAD
The flexible trackpad with multi-touch gestures
The trackpad features generous dimensions of 115 x 115 mm, allowing for comfortable and versatile use. Its free mobility provides an ergonomic alternative to traditional laptop trackpads, offering a user experience much closer to that of a mouse.
ERGONOMIC USE
The module can be freely positioned, offering enhanced ergonomics by allowing the trackpad to be placed next to the keyboard, making it adaptable for both left- and right-handed users. Thanks to a magnetic charging solution, the module can be attached to other modules or used separately.
HAPTIC FEEDBACK
With multi-touch gestures, users can intuitively zoom, scroll, and rotate content. Additionally, the trackpad detects multiple pressure levels, enabling not only classic clicks but also functions like content lookup or preview display. Another highlight is the haptic feedback, which enhances precision work. A slight vibration, for example, signals when an object is perfectly aligned, making interaction even more intuitive.
NUMPAD
Reinterpretation of the traditional numpad
In this case, the numpad is reinterpreted—while it remains usable for numerical input, it can now be flexibly adapted for various applications. Additionally, the integrated rotary knob provides an especially intuitive control experience.
UI/UX
The retractable rotary knob serves both as a power button and a navigation element for the user interface. Depending on the application, different key assignments and functions can be configured, transforming the numpad into an external control center that significantly enhances workflow efficiency.
MAGNETIC DOCKING
The module is wirelessly charged via integrated magnets located on both sides beneath a protective rubber coating. This allows multiple modules to seamlessly connect without causing scratches.
INTERIOR PARTS
All modules feature a screw lock on the underside, allowing the back cover to be easily removed. This enables the replacement and repair of internal components without the need to replace the entire system. While keycaps can be swapped out effortlessly, replacing the keyboard bed or rotary knob requires slightly more effort but remains manageable for technically skilled users.
DIAL PAD
The intuitive control tool for design applications.
The dial pad serves as an additional control unit, specifically optimized for applications like Adobe Creative Cloud and 3D workspace navigation.
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BLIND OPERATION
The extendable rotary knob can be both rotated and pressed, allowing users to switch functions intuitively without looking. The buttons are fully customizable and automatically adapt to the currently active program.
RETRACTABLE KNOB
Again, the knob can be retracted when not in use. This allows for a compact size for transport and maximum grip when in use.
USB-HUB
The combination of compactness with maximum connectivity
This module allows you to quickly read media or easily add peripherals to your system.
PUSH TO OPEN
The hub has been designed to be particularly space-saving for transportation. Thanks to a push-to-open mechanism, the USB ports can be safely concealed when not in use. By pressing lightly on the housing, the hub swings open to reveal the ports, so that it can be used quickly and easily at any time.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The USB HUB not only acts as a power distributor for various modules, but also as a central interface for data transfer and the integration of peripheral devices. For example, external screens, storage media or input devices can be easily integrated into the system.
DIGITAL PEN
Familiar design but proven functionality
The cylindrical shape is complemented by a flat side that offers two key advantages: It ensures a secure hold on the magnetic charging point and also serves as a touch control surface. The pen can be magnetically charged both on the edge of the display and on the edge of any other module
TOUCH OPERATION
The touch operating surface offers a special function: if you hold it down, a toolbar appears around the tip of the pen, which provides application-dependent functions. This allows you to work intuitively and quickly without having to open additional menus.
UNIFIED UI/UX
The system offers an specially optimized user interface that is designed to be particularly intuitive and easy to use. This interface follows a standardized design principle that enables quick orientation. Application-specific features are always displayed in a corresponding color so that they can be quickly recognized.
BRAND IDENTITY
Fusion of high-tech with customization and customer proximity
MODE stands for Modular Devices, and the typeface embodies this concept. The typography consists of individual pixels that are connected in some places and left open in others - together they form a harmonious system. This principle is also reflected in MODE's products: a flexible, expandable system that integrates new modules like pixels into a larger whole.
