Mark Yang (Industrial Designer) Kiki Ren (Industrial Designer)
Tools
Figma, Photoshop, Aftereffects
Timeline
12 Weeks
Overview
This cross functional project was sponsored by Samsung who assigned our class with the task of creating the next wearable device for our female Gen Z audience.
I lead the design direction for the user experience and interface design. I also strategized co branding concepts that intersects with trending fashion and music to inspire a lifestyle wearable device.
Problem
Throughout our research, many common pain points about wearables began to surface. Some of which include battery life, interactions with the interface, and lifestyle integrations.
Outcome
We designed a concept lifestyle watch that never loses its battery life.
Move Freely
Track your health data, with or without the watch case because this watch never dies. So own the flexibility to choose how to wear your device.
During Sleep
Docking the watch case to its charging station will not only recharge the battery, but also act as a bedside clock that continues to monitor sleep.
Sleepy UI
In bedside clock mode, the gentle UI subtly encourages sleep while charging, using soft colors and behavior.
Revolutions per second
With regards to our theme of orbiting and the representation of infinity of the Mobius ring, each second is displayed per revolution.
Personal Assistant
Docking the watch case to its charging station will not only recharge the battery, but also act as a bedside clock that continues to monitor sleep.
User Research
Conducted 10 semi-structured interviews. Additionally, 20 individuals completed a survey.
98%
95% of respondents did not engage with most features
Many of them mentioned it was because it's too difficult to interact with its form factor and ends up significantly draining the battery life. One participant mentions that her “watch is too bulky and big. It's easy to check texts, but hard to reply. Which is why everything I use is minimal."
78%
Prefer lifestyle integrations
Mainly because phones can be too bulky, yet being able to take photos are an essential feature. One participant mentioned, “I want something portable, easy to use, always with me to capture the moment."
95%
Most participants seek guidance
It became apparent that having a device on them 24/7 means it would act as a personal assistant in their daily goals. “I want to be able to track my body stats but also some friendly guidance for my well being."
01. Moment Capture
20-year-old finance student who loves selfies and nail arts.
“I want something portable, easy to use, always with me to capture the moment."
Ergonomics
Gen Z females often have longer fingernails, which impacts their ergonomics.
Squircle
Thus, at first, our team chose a squircle as the most advantageous form factor for our audience.
Corner Radii
We focused on corner radii to assist in organizing frequently used apps within nested menus, reducing the distance to tap targets.
Interaction
Using a quick drag and release for simpler navigation and ease of use.
Default State
Drag-Over State
Smartwatch + Camera
Ability to remove the watchcase to quickly capture the moment with a detachable module camera.
Moment Capture
Drag and zoom then release to snap photos.
02. Guidance & Well-Being
18-year-old college student who keeps his Garmin watch on as he sleeps.
“I want to be able to track my body stats but also some friendly guidance for my well being."
Moodboards
For this direction, I began by drawing inspiration from popular illustrations and shows.
Global Influence
The goal is to broaden styles, fostering unique collaborations that resonate more deeply with our audience.
Ideation Sketches
Blending various traits in character designs from different parts of the globe to create a diverse array of options.
Cobranding
Collect interchangeable straps and stylized themes based on individual preferences.
Fitness Accountability
Having a favorite character to not only keep you and your goals, but one that reacts to your overall progress to ensure steady productivity.
Sleep Tracking
Ensuring quality sleep while overnight battery recharge.
03. Ease of Use & Wear
22-year-old college students who wears Apple and Garmin.
“This watch is bulky and big. Easy to check texts but hard to reply. Everything I use is minimal."
AI Assistant for Texting
Learns personal communication style and recommends replies.
Lock Ring UI Mechanism
Personalize the lock ring's visual feedback.
On and Off Mode
The secondary dot display on the strap shows important health data even with the case removed.
Reflecting on project outcomes
This project was intensive. I worked on designing for completely new experiences.
01
Cross collaboration requires constant communication
Our project objectives took several pivots due to different input from multiple stakeholder. What really held our team together was consistent, transparent dialogue. The lesson was hard-earned but very gratifying.
02
Unique challenges while working on a new device
Designing the smartwatch experience was different from mobile. Yet, I still had to consider how a watch could potentially compete or rival with a mobile phone with a much smaller form factor.
