Less weight is more: a laptop design lesson by HP

“Less is more”, quotes Stacy Wolff, Head of Design at HP, talking about the new Elite Dragonfly, a portable PC that weighs less than a kilo and turns into a tablet.  

In the fall of 2019, HP claimed our attention with the launch of a new notebook, the world’s first to use ocean-bound plastic, even if just a tiny amount of it. Called Elite Dragonfly, this new 2:1 premium laptop sports all the features that you would expect from an “elite” device in 2020: a long-lasting battery (up to 24 hours), optional 4G connection, a blue-colored ultra-slim magnesium body, an excellent keyboard, an “86% screen ratio” – which means minimal bezels – and a 13” display. And more: because the most impressive characteristic is actually the weight, less that one kilogram. As crazy as it could sound for those who haven’t experience the notebook in their lap yet, or lifted it with one hand without any effort, the Elite Dragonfly’s nimbleness, along with the sleek design, totally redefines the whole user experience and approach to the device. It’s incredible how sporting a few hectograms less than your average notebook will alter the way you use the Elite Dragonfly, a convertible PC that feels more like a tablet that converts into a complete and powerful laptop, than the other way around. “Less is more,” says Stacy Wolff, Global Head of Design at HP Inc, quoting the ultra-famous and often abused design mantra adopted since 1947 by Mies van der Rohe. “Honesty to material and to the form is key. The best way to look at the HP Elite Dragonfly is its commitment to balancing function and form”,

Spending some time with the device, I learned one simple lesson: a lighter 2:1 is a better convertible since its tablet experience is so much better. Did you consider this when designing it?
The main consideration was really about what was essential and what could be removed. One kilogram is not easy to achieve, so every feature and every element needed to be essential.

HP Elite Dragonfly

Are there other features that make this product a more flexible laptop than previous models?
For those working on the go, connectivity and weight are important. Being connected in our busy lives is a must, and Dragonfly enables this without compromise. There are multiple antennae inside to deliver great wireless speed, but to the user that is invisible. This is an amazing use of materials that magically allow transmissibility without any interruption of form.

Will future laptops use more and more recycled materials?
Without question, yes, and the design team within HP is fully committed to design with sustainability in mind. I would also add it’s more than the material used in the product itself but rather every aspect of the creation process that we are focused on improving.

And is designing with these materials easy, or merely different?
Materials that are not virgin tend to be more challenging as they are a mix of old and new. We must think through the structural integrity and reliability to ensure we not only deliver the beauty and sustainability but deliver a product that has longevity.

Who did you design the Dragonfly for, and who do you think could appreciate it, even if not the initial target?/ The HP Elite Dragonfly was designed with the mobile life and work style in mind. Anyone that travels for business or pleasure knows weight, connectivity, security, and privacy are essential. Dragonfly is just that... it’s the perfect traveling companion.

The aspect of this device diverges from that of Spectre X360, which has an “important” personality, with its particular edges and overall appearance./ Design languages are always evolving and we amplify elements depending on audience and markets. There is a consistent focus on premium features; differences are based on audience, markets and uses.

Stacy Wolff, HP Head of Design

I had the lucky chance to test the Spectre Folio, your “leather” convertible laptop. At a first glance I found it different, divergent and disruptive compared to other products in the market, but didn’t impress me so much. After using it a few months, oh well, I fell in love. It has got so many good design ideas and solutions in it, and leather is just fantastic when you’re commuting./ The Spectre Folio solves many pain points for the user that goes between notebook, tablet, and media. For that product we focused on the fluidity of transformation we all go through when we go from working, reading, sketching, or just enjoying a movie. It’s a team favourite... it is quite special.

Latest on Design

Latest on Domus

Read more
China Germany India Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Sri Lanka Korea icon-camera close icon-comments icon-down-sm icon-download icon-facebook icon-heart icon-heart icon-next-sm icon-next icon-pinterest icon-play icon-plus icon-prev-sm icon-prev Search icon-twitter icon-views icon-instagram