Designers Guide To Wearables

As the wearable technology industry matures, trends in user interface design frameworks and patterns are emerging in several different directions, depending heavily on device form factors. This has created a fragmented market in need of a unifying set of user interface design guidelines.

In this session, we will dissect real-world examples that highlight six key principles, which are the foundation of a winning wearable service experience:

• Interface Glancability

We’ll explore user activities that dictate the degree and severity of how much information needs to be digested, and the ideal interaction duration.

• The Transition From Ambient to Personal Displays

Wearable displays must negotiate contextual information states that range from ambient semi-public information to deeply personal depictions of the user’s private data. 

• The Right Data at the Right Time 

Unwanted personal information on a wearable is the equivalent of a banner ad. How can new technologies in wearable devices sense their situational surrounds and adjust content accordingly to provide a better experience?

• Reusable Formats

Design patterns should be standardized and reusable to create consistency throughout the wearables ecosystem. We’ll explore UI trends from card design to microformats and how they can be leveraged in a wearable experience. 

• Consistency Across Channels

Mind the gaps. Developing seamless transitions across channels in a service is table stakes when designing for wearable-based services. 

• Non-visual UI

Hard keys and Soft keys to No keys. The landscape in technology is evolving to where a number of devices don’t need physical screens or traditional input methods. We’ll unpack the potential for current systems to make this cross-over.