When I reached out to CC, who describes herself as the “open source baddie,” I wasn’t surprised to get a response that felt playful and fresh. “I’m just having so much fun,” she told me about her unique creation, a cyberdeck that resembles a vibrant, whimsical accessory more than a traditional computer. It’s a mix of a Tamagotchi, an e-reader, and a mini workstation all tucked into a pink mermaid purse.
CC doesn’t have formal training in tech but has mastered the art of building these quirky DIY computers—cyberdecks. She shares her journey on her blog, Bimbo Tech, encouraging other women to dive into the tech world, even if they don’t know tech jargon like “RAM.”
The concept of cyberdecks comes from the sci-fi novel “Neuromancer,” and thanks to affordable mini-computers like the Raspberry Pi, enthusiasts began creating their own around 2010. Recently, these communities have surged, especially as women on social media creatively showcase how to make stylish, feminine computers.
“I joke about how tech often feels very bland and masculine. Why can’t something practical be fun too?” CC explained, highlighting that most tech products come in dull colors like black or silver.
On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, these creations aren’t just computers; they’re art pieces. You might find a cyberdeck made of wood and moss running retro games, or a Barbie dollhouse that reveals a fully functional mini-computer.
As Sarahbelle Kim shared on TikTok, “I want to pirate books in a tiny, embellished shell.” This aesthetic desire goes beyond just having fun—it’s a reaction to feeling powerless against the sameness of mainstream tech.
CC emphasized the importance of empowerment: “Many people feel boxed in by mainstream devices. With cyberdecks, people are reclaiming their control and creativity.”
Maro Vardanyan, a blockchain developer with a knack for innovation, took a different route. Instead of traditional cyberdecks, she creates wearable tech—like purses and corsets—by recycling computer parts. She refers to her creations as “crocheting with computers,” merging the historic connection between fiber art and technology.
In the past, early computers relied on women who meticulously wove wire for memory systems. This rich history is echoed in Vardanyan’s work, where she preserves old tech by integrating it into wearable designs, making the relationship between fashion and technology more intimate.
Vardanyan’s passion for creating isn’t without its critics. Some men dismiss her work as impractical, but she counters that her designs are functional, using innovative materials like conductive thread.
Both CC and Vardanyan represent a shift in the tech landscape. Their cyberdecks are not just about aesthetics or functionality; they are a playful rebellion against a culture obsessed with sleek, polished devices. This movement allows them and others to explore creativity and reclaim ownership over their tech, making personal devices that truly reflect their identities.
As Vardanyan observed, just a decade ago, tech environments were overwhelmingly male, with few women present. Today, the energy has shifted, with countless girls embracing hardware and software, sharing knowledge, and inspiring one another.
In a world that often feels dominated by big tech, these DIY cyberdecks symbolize a fun yet profound resistance. They remind us that technology can be personal, creative, and uniquely expressive.
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