Making wearable tech wearable

Design is an increasingly important element in determining the success or failure of a wearable device. Darrin Caddes discusses the state of wearables today from a design and aesthetics perspective, covering societal drivers, motivating factors, UX trends, potential barriers for adoption, and core keys to success.

Wearable technology is already becoming an integral part of our world, whether we’re ready for it or not. But will wearables really catch on? That will likely be determined by not just the technology they house but also the willingness of people to actually want to wear it. Design is an increasingly important element in determining the success or failure of a personal device. Anyone working in wearable design should consider trends in the field, along with ergonomics, miniaturization, color and materials, durability, and style. Still, when designing for people and genuine, everyday scenarios, you must start with an understanding of the physical and emotional relationship between the device and the end user. Darrin Caddes offers an overview of the state of wearables today from a design and aesthetics perspective, covering societal drivers, motivating factors, user experience trends, potential barriers for adoption, and core keys to success.