With the much-anticipated launch of the Apple Watch in April 2015, as developers we have begun familiarizing ourselves with the WatchKit SDK and XCode WatchKit Simulator.
Designing for the wrist is quite different then designing for the pocket. The purpose of the smart watch is to enhance real life experiences. This differs from some of the more complex apps being made for phones.
Apple released its guideline documents for designing for the Apple Watch; Apple says its watches are designed to “blur the boundaries between physical object and software.” But it looks like Apple also wants to blur any differences between Apple apps and third-party apps, encouraging simplicity and consistency.
A few key points:
- Apple wants Watch apps to focus on one thing at a time. “If you measure interactions with your iOS app in minutes, you can expect interactions with your Watch app to be measured in seconds.”
- Although it’s not required, Apple recommends that all Watch apps have black backgrounds and use the custom font it designed for the watch. Specifically, Apple argues that apps should all use black backgrounds so that they blend “seamlessly with the device bezel” and make it seem like the screen has no edge.
- Apple wants developers to use color sparingly, only for accenting text and branding. Apple also wants developers to use icons instead of text as often as possible, for buttons in apps or notifications, and in the contextual menus accessed using an interaction called Force Touch.
After the initial excitement of buying a device wears off, you usually discover that apps really don’t solve the problems you have as you are on the move. This is a big issue to consider when designing for a smart watch. Applications need to be clear, concise, and to the point. Which is a big point that apple is trying to make in its design guidelines documents that they have just released. The interaction should be smooth and seamless, while getting you the information that you need, when you need it.
Now, imagine an app that reminds you of your meeting location because it can tell you are on the wrong floor. Or one that tells you the daily specials when you walk into a coffee shop and also helps you pay. These ideas may seem a bit far off, but they are the sorts of things smart watches and similar small screen devices could really help with.
With this in mind what everyday task or issue would you like a smart watch to solve or make easier for you?