Extensible, Extendable, Expandable, Extractable: The 4E Design Approach for Reconfigurable Displays

We introduce "4E," a new design approach of reconfigurable displays that can change their form factors by capitalizing on four quality properties inspired by applied material: extensibility, extendability, expandability, and extractability. This approach is applicable to both fixed and portable displays. We define and exemplify each property, highlighting the key differences in how reconfigurable displays can change their form factors to accommodate more screen real estate for more users, applications, and functionality. To demonstrate the 4E approach, we conduct a targeted literature review and introduce E3Screen, a prototype that enhances any flat screen (e.g., of a tablet, laptop, monitor) with two slidable, rotatable, and foldable lateral displays. We report results from a controlled experiment with participants, conducted to collect, analyze, and understand end users' preferences for display configurations permitted by the extendability, expandability, and extractability of E3Screen. Our results structure future research and development in reconfigurable displays and multi-display collaborative workspaces.