The purpose of this study is to present a design concept of a variable focus gradient index liquid lens. The concept of the design is utilized a method which involve powder in liquid and the powder is driven by electrical magnetic force. This lens is composed of a barrel, liquid, powder in liquid and electrical magnetic-driven control device. The electricalmagnetic control device is used to control the powder distribution in the liquid; the controlled powder distribution makes the lens becomes a gradient optical index lens. When the electrical magnetism-driven control device operates, the lens optical index decreases from centric to rim in radial direction gradually. The focused position can be varied when the electrical magnetism-driven controlled device operates in different conditions. Finally, a prototype is set up and experiment is conducted. Application and analysis of the design concept is also discussed.