ManyFold: A Design Exploration of Data Visualization on Foldable Mobile Devices

2026-08-03

AI Summary

This study addresses the lack of systematic consideration for the unique form factors and interaction potentials of foldable devices in current data visualization design. The work proposes the first four-dimensional conceptual framework tailored to foldables—“More Display, More Shape, More Interaction, More State”—establishing a device-centered design space. Through low-fidelity ideation workshops and interactive prototype development, the research systematically uncovers the mapping relationships between physical device characteristics and visualization design choices. The outcomes include a coherent theoretical framework and multiple functional prototypes that elucidate the gap between current commercial foldable devices and ideal visualization affordances, thereby providing foundational insights and clear directions for future research in foldable-screen visualization.

Abstract

With this work, we explore the unique potential of data visualization on novel foldable mobile devices (foldables). Even though foldables are already commercially available, there is limited knowledge of how to leverage their distinct characteristics for visualization. This gap will only grow as their form factors become increasingly diverse. To address this, we use a two-step approach. First, we present a device-centered design space, structured around physical and usage properties of foldable devices. Second, we introduce a conceptual framework that investigates visualization on foldables from four complementary perspectives: More Displays - distributing multiple views to leverage additional display space; More Shapes - mapping visualizations to spatial fold states; More Interactions - coupling visualization tasks and folding interactions; and More States - enabling responsive visualization through folding. We complement the design space and conceptual framework with a low-fidelity ideation workshop and the subsequent prototyping of interactive artifacts. We reflect on the results and lessons learned from our exploratory, design-driven process and discuss opportunities and challenges, including the gap between our proposed concepts and commercially available foldable devices. By providing conceptual foundations and illustrating the potential of foldables, we hope to inspire and inform the development of future visualization applications for this evolving class of devices.

Problem

• foldable devices
• data visualization
• design space
• mobile interaction
• form factor

Innovation

• foldable devices
• data visualization
• design space
• interactive prototyping
• form factor