Surface Laptop 3
Sep 2019
Expanding to 2 sizes
Introducing both 13.5-inch and 15-inch models, designed with a modular architecture to enable efficient manufacturing and consistent design language across the lineup.
One-Finger Opening
Prioritizing usability through consistent display overhang and magnet strength for effortless, intuitive opening.
Repairability with Durable, Serviceable Architecture
Improving service access and part modularity to support longevity, repair, and sustainability goals. The aluminum chassis was engineered for robustness and repairability, forming the architectural foundation for the next three generations of Surface Laptops. Surface Laptop 4, 5, and 6 retained the same enclosure and port layout, enabling efficient hardware upgrades while maintaining ecosystem compatibility and manufacturing efficiency.
A Big Leap Forward in Repairability
Surface Laptop 3 marked a significant improvement in repairability within the Surface lineup.
Screws were cleverly hidden beneath the rubber feet, maintaining the clean, seamless exterior while enabling tool-based serviceability. This thoughtful approach balanced the demands of premium design with the growing importance of sustainability and long-term support. The keyboard cover was redesigned to be magnetically attached, allowing for easier access to internal components without compromising the device’s structural integrity.
Managing Display Overhang for One-Finger Opening
Achieving a consistent front-edge overhang—enough for intuitive one-finger opening, but not so much that it appears misaligned—is a subtle yet critical design challenge. This overhang is influenced by a chain of manufacturing tolerances across the hinge, display stack-up, enclosure machining, and final assembly. Small variations at each step can accumulate, leading to visible inconsistencies. To solve this, I collaborated closely with factory and mechanical engineering teams and implemented an ingenious yet practical solution: adjusting the hinge location during production to absorb variability and maintain a precise, consistent overhang across all units.
Factory-Level Refinement of Display Overhang
Collaborating with engineers and the factory, and guided by real-time assembly and tolerance feedback, we implemented a process in which each device was measured and adjusted for hinge axis placement. This careful coordination ensured consistent front-edge overhang—resulting in improved usability and visual alignment across all units.
Expanded Choice and Personal Expression
Surface Laptop 3 introduced greater personalization with four color options and two keyboard materials—Alcantara® and machined aluminum. This allowed users to choose not just a device, but a look and feel that matched their individual style. Whether soft and warm or cool and minimal, each material was carefully considered to complement the laptop’s overall form while maintaining the premium Surface experience.
Project Team
Industrial Design: Shunjiro Eguchi (Lead, concept development, design refinement)
Industrial Design: Hua Wang (Support)
CMF: Quan Jasinsky
Final CAD: Smantha Tenneson
Human Factor: Ryan Chen
Design Quality Lead: Jessi Tang
Creative Direction: Jit Hirani