Interview about Code Titanium Alloy Smartwatch Face, winner of the A' Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design Award 2021
The Code Titanium Alloy tells the time by conveying a feeling of the combination of postmodernism and futurism. It renders a metal looking material, meanwhile, uses the variety of dots and patterns as a metaphor not only to keep the layout organized, but also to be a dominant way for the futuristic style. The inspiration is from the material: titanium alloy. Such material conveys the sense of future as well as the elegance. Besides, as the material of a watch face, it suits both business and casual purpose very well.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe journey began with a desire to merge postmodern and futuristic aesthetics, crafting a style that resonates with both innovation and elegance. The “Code Titanium Alloy Smartwatch Face” evolved from a combination of clean geometry and subtle metallic textures, capturing a sense of modern sophistication. My goal was to design a watch face that wasn’t bound to one genre, but rather something that bridged multiple facets of contemporary lifestyle – functional yet visually stimulating. Winning the Bronze A’ Design Award validated this vision, as it celebrated the unconventional blend of elements in the design.
The metallic patterns and dot elements were inspired by the juxtaposition of business professionalism and casual relaxation. These subtle elements suggest robustness and precision, reminiscent of fine industrial materials like titanium alloy. At the same time, the dots add a touch of playfulness, bridging the gap between formal aesthetics and personal expression. This unique blend aligns with the dual-purpose appeal of the smartwatch, effortlessly shifting from professional to casual settings.
My background in interactive art shaped the user experience design significantly. With interactive art, engagement is about fostering a connection between the observer and the piece, and I wanted to evoke a similar response with the smartwatch face. Balancing functionality with a futuristic appeal meant ensuring that users could intuitively interact with the watch while still feeling captivated by its aesthetic. I approached it as both a digital canvas and a practical tool, ensuring that the interface maintained a sense of flow and responsiveness.
The creative spark came from a random graphic pattern that stood out for its unique texture and symmetry. That moment was pivotal; the pattern had a raw, almost industrial quality that inspired the titanium alloy theme. It led me to explore how abstract visuals could be refined into a cohesive digital interface. This pattern evolved into the final design, with refined metallic details that capture the timeless allure of premium materials.
One major technical challenge was ensuring the titanium alloy look remained consistent across different display formats. Smartwatches come with varied screen qualities, resolutions, and color ranges, so the metallic effect had to be adaptable. I experimented with different shades, light reflections, and textures to achieve an alloy-like appearance that holds up on both high-end and standard screens. The solution was a combination of subtle shading and layered effects that create the illusion of depth.
The layout was crafted to strike a balance between clarity and futuristic style. I used a minimalist approach to organize the information, ensuring that each data point is immediately accessible. Key elements, such as time, date, and weather, are arranged hierarchically, allowing users to quickly understand the display at a glance. To introduce a touch of innovation, I added dynamic patterns and subtle animations that make the face feel alive without overwhelming the core functionality.
Translating physical materials into digital form was an exercise in creating texture and depth through pixels. I learned that achieving a premium look requires more than just color accuracy – it’s about how light and shadow interact on screen. For the Code Titanium Alloy, I developed a unique shading technique that simulates the reflection and texture of titanium alloy, making the digital interface feel as tangible as possible.
One unexpected insight was how small adjustments in color and texture could completely transform the perception of material quality. I experimented with various shades and effects, discovering that subtle gradients and light play could mimic a real metallic surface. This realization shaped my approach, reinforcing the importance of detail in digital material design.
I envision the Code Titanium Alloy Smartwatch Face setting a precedent for material-inspired digital aesthetics in smartwatch design. As technology and design continue to merge, I believe we’ll see more interfaces that capture the essence of physical materials, bringing a sense of tangibility to digital displays. This trend will elevate smartwatch aesthetics, allowing digital devices to blend seamlessly into our personal style.
The success of Code Titanium Alloy has profoundly impacted my vision for future designs under my brand, Artalex. This recognition has encouraged me to push further in blending art and technology, focusing on designs that are both innovative and versatile. Going forward, I aim to explore new material inspirations and push the boundaries of digital aesthetics, creating interfaces that resonate on an emotional and visual level.
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