Particular embodiments described herein provide for a wearable electronic device, such as a bracelet, watch, wristband or armband that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which may include any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of a wearable electronic device may include a strap portion and a display portion that is secured to the strap portion. The display portion can include a formable display unit that comprises a formable material layer configured to be manipulated in one or more directions. The formable material layer can be configured to be manipulated in a first direction from a default position to a deformed position, which can be held until the formable material layer is manipulated in a second direction back to the default position.