Designing the wearable artificial intelligence (AI) experience involves creating interfaces and interactions that seamlessly integrate with the wearer’s daily life. Wearables present a unique set of challenges when it comes to design. The devices have limitations (smaller screen space, less information density, limited battery life) and present different use cases (people using wearables are regularly in motion) which mean they require a different design approach.
Here are some key considerations for designing the experience of wearable AI:
Context-Awareness
- Leverage the capabilities of wearable AI to understand the wearer’s context, such as location, activity, and preferences.
- Provide contextually relevant information and actions based on the wearer’s current situation.
- Utilize build-in device sensors to determine context. For example, be aware when the wearer is using Geolocation services, and help enhance their experience.
Minimalistic Design
- Wearable devices have limited screen real estate, so focus on a minimalistic design – sharp contrast, simple typography, and just enough space between elements for quick readability.
- Prioritize essential information and actions to avoid clutter and distraction.
- Design for “glanceability”. Glanceability is less about reducing the interface down to its most basic visual feedback, and more about figuring out what exactly the wearer needs to see at any given moment of time.
Voice and Gesture Controls
- Implement intuitive voice and gesture controls to enhance hands-free interactions.
- Design simple and memorable gestures for navigation and input.
- Design Lightweight Interactions – wearable experiences should be as short as possible.
Personalization
- Allow wearers to customize settings, preferences, and the overall look and feel of the interface.
Minimal Real-Time Feedback
- Provide instant feedback to wearer inputs or actions to ensure a responsive and interactive experience.
- Use haptic feedback, visual cues, or audio signals to confirm wearer interactions.
- The frequency of notifications should be minimal so the device doesn’t constantly nag and irritate the wearer.
- Allow the wearer to configure the timing and types of notifications they receive and to easily disable them when needed.
Seamless Connectivity
- Ensure seamless connectivity with other devices and platforms to enhance the overall ecosystem.
- Integrate with smartphones, smart homes, and other IoT devices for a unified experience.
Health and Wellness Monitoring
- If applicable, design features for health and wellness monitoring.
- Present health data in a clear and actionable manner, considering wearers’ privacy and data security.
Battery Management
- Optimize power consumption to maximize battery life.
- Clearly communicate battery status and provide efficient charging solutions.
Accessibility
- Consider features like voice commands, larger text options, and easy navigation for accessibility.
Data Privacy and Security
- Clearly communicate how wearers’ data is collected, used, and secured.
- Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information stored or transmitted by the wearable device.
Education
- Provide onboarding experiences and tutorials to help wearers understand the features and functionalities of the wearable AI.
- Keep documentation concise and accessible.
By considering these aspects, designers can create a positive and friendly experience for wearable AI, enhancing its integration into the wearers’ daily lives.
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Note: This article was generated with the help of ChatGPT 3.5, OpenAI, January 20, 2024, chat.openai.com and Babich, Nick. Designing for Wearables: 11 Things To Keep in Mind. Medium. Jun 19, 2017. https://medium.com/thinking-design/designing-for-wearables-11-things-to-keep-in-mind-7b24d34b898e