Technology is moving ever forwards. Every now and then something truly groundbreaking occurs changing even the way people interact with each other from a day to day business. We think Wearable Technology is the advent of yet another such change. Currently with smart-watch’s there are a few neat things you can do such as making phone calls, record your health and fitness and buy a coffee without even getting up. But with nothing setting them apart from mobile devices it will be a few years before we see a real shift. Or will it?
What is Wearable Technology?
Wearable Technology is essentially aiming to be a less cumbersome smartphone with potential. How is it doing that? Currently wearable technology has only had any real success through fitness gadgets put simply, smartphones are not as easy to use while on the move. However with the arrival of Google Glass wearable technology has become more than simply not having to get a phone from your pocket. To navigate Glass’ interface you use your mind and voice. While it’s true wearing Glass does look a little strange I think it’s only a matter of time until the design is less obtrusive and the price tag is significantly dropped. Currently at a £1000 and with a very limited of optimised apps Google Glass is a very niche product. However with tech moving forward at this rate it’s only a matter of time before the design is even less obtrusive.
Why will this will affect the Web Industry?
You may have heard of the theory ‘the internet of things‘. The vast majority of industry experts suspect the internet is about to experience a massive growth through variety of use and devices. The forefront of this is wearable technology. As technology and networks like 4G develop the possibilities of everyday objects drastically increase. Hence the massive investment Google have been willing to make acquiring Nest a smart-thermostat.
As the devices we use to consume content change, the content we consume must also change. Designers will have to adapt to new trends formed to make web design accessible through the likes of Glass & iWatch.
Here are our suggestions for adapting to wearable technology:
1. Responsive Design:
While Mobile optimisation should be your concern right now. Responsive design is going to have to take yet another step forwards so that not only a variety of resolutions are compatible but also a variety of screen shapes. With android wear arriving in a variety of different shapes the advocate of these new screens is already here.
Minimalist design will help with fitting your content on such small screens plus it’s a bonus how minimalism is trendy now. Flat design highly recommended!
2. Speed is key
Android wear is about having access to information while on the move. People aren’t going to be interested in large blocks of text, or long articles. Wearable technology users want immediate, digestible information. This doesn’t just affect the content your writing, but also page-load times will become even more important than ever. For someone on the move load times will be more even more of a turn-off. Accessibility is becoming more and more important across the web and applications.
3. Coherent design
Mobile optimisation mostly includes considering usability on a smaller screen. This usually means a complete redesign on your mobile website to make it as legible as possible. While it is important to optimise your content for wearable technology, it is paramount to make your new navigation immediately recognisable.
Looking out for new trends like Google’s Material Design is becoming more crucial than ever for your website. You can expect this new emphasis on ease of use to bring out simple but powerful imagery, large text and universal language.
We need to start considering web design’s place if/when the internet of things comes to be. With so many experts convinced wearable technology will become the fastest growing technology trend we wait till it happens.These are just a few of our suggestions towards appeasing wearable technology users.
What changes to your website do you think will be necessary for wearable technology optimisation? Do you think wearable technology is just a fad? We’d love to know what your opinion so let us know in the comments below.