A multimodal device (100) includes a segmented optical shutter (204) that functions as a morphing user interface along the front surface (105) of the multimodal device (100). The morphing user interface is configured to present one of a plurality of mode-based actuators by selectively opening and closing segments (601,602,603,604) of the segmented optical shutter (204). Each set of mode-based actuators serves as a set of user actuation targets, or keys, for the multimodal device (100). In addition to the mode-based actuators, a brand mark (107,605,606) is presented, perhaps in a keypad region (106), that corresponds to hardware, software, or services that are operational on the multimodal device (100).