Smartwatch UI.
For the first project in my second year of Interaction design. We were tasked with creating a smartwatch UI, where we could choose our own topic or theme. We had two weeks to research, brainstorm, develop/sketch, and then present our final screens.
Work from 2022
Research.
To begin I researched into the world of smartwatches, having very limited knowledge and experience with them, so that I had a good understanding of the technology before I started my designing.
I began my usual process with a mind map focusing in on five possible topics. With the app design being able to hypothetical or designed for the future, it opened up a range of options.
As this was a quick project my sketchbook wasn’t that extensive. I moved quickly through the design steps, writing down my initial ideas on visual design and names, which I would refer to later. However, I was still able to create an effective brand and wireframes in this time.
With the aim to understand my users, I created some user stories, empathy maps and carried out some subject specific research into the police service.
Wireframes.
I created some low fidelity wireframes exploring different options for how the screens could look. From here I chose which screens would suit their function best but also create a cohesive design. With these decisions made I created higher fidelity wireframes showing the steps the app would take. At this point, I also considered how I would present the final outcome on one page.
Moving Digital.
Due to my lack of experience with Smartwatch UI before this project, I researched into the Applewatch UX guidelines. This included the size and placement of components, as well as what you can and can’t do.
Since my idea was related to the police service I looked at the PSNI website and felt using a similar colour palette would help it look realistic and that it links visually back to the PSNI brand.
I looked at the loop fingerprint pattern in detail as it was a main focus for my app, being the main inspiration for the name and pattern in the app screens. While it was a quick project I did look at the details including building a small brand, the placement of times and colouring.
