Interview about Sim Code Digi Smartwatch Face, winner of the A' Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design Award 2022
The Sim Code Digi explores how precise a watch face can be while the elegance is still expressed. By just provides the time, the date and the low-battery indicator which only shows up when the watch battery level is below 10 percent, it raises a question that how much information people really need from a watch. It not only shows how balanced can it be between the simplicity and the need of information, but also brings the time to user in a ultimate straightforward way.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Sim Code Digi Smartwatch Face embodies minimalism by focusing solely on essential information: time, date, and battery level when critically low. The decision process involved user studies and observing typical smartwatch usage patterns. Elements that distracted from the core function of telling time, such as overly complex graphics or redundant information, were removed. This approach prioritizes clarity and ease of use, delivering elegance through simplicity.
The evolution from Simple Code II to Sim Code Digi was about embracing reductionism. Initially, there was a temptation to add more features to appeal to a broader audience. However, the breakthrough came when I realized that simplicity resonates more deeply with users seeking efficiency. Each design iteration stripped away unnecessary components until only the essentials remained, guided by the principle that “less is more.”
Using variable font weights to differentiate hours from minutes adds an intuitive hierarchy to the display. This subtle distinction allows users to grasp the most critical information—hours—at a glance, while minutes provide context without overwhelming the visual flow. It’s a design choice aimed at both readability and aesthetic balance, reinforcing the elegance of Sim Code Digi.
The low-battery indicator’s discreet appearance at 10% aligns with my philosophy of minimizing distractions. Most users don’t need constant reminders about their battery level; only when action is necessary does the indicator appear. This decision respects the user’s attention while providing critical information at the right time, maintaining the face’s clean aesthetic.
Sim Code Digi challenges traditional smartwatch designs by rejecting information overload. Many interfaces clutter the screen with widgets, notifications, or animations. Instead, my design strips the interface to its core purpose: telling time. Winning the A’ Design Award affirms that radical simplicity can redefine user experience and set new standards in interface design.
The pure black background enhances battery efficiency and creates a timeless canvas for the red accent. Red was chosen for its universal association with urgency and attention, ensuring key elements like the low-battery indicator stand out. This deliberate color palette reflects a balance between functionality and aesthetic purity.
My background in interactive art shaped my approach to Sim Code Digi, particularly in fostering engagement through simplicity. Interactive art taught me that the user’s interaction should feel intuitive and meaningful. By reducing distractions, the design creates a seamless dialogue between the user and their temporal environment.
Designing for both round and square displays required meticulous adjustments to ensure visual harmony. The challenge was to maintain proportions and readability without compromising the minimalist ethos. Customizing spacing, alignment, and scaling for each format ensured the design retained its integrity across devices.
Sim Code Digi paves the way for future smartwatch interfaces to embrace minimalism without sacrificing functionality. Its focus on user-centric information hierarchy could inspire a new wave of designs that prioritize clarity and essentialism, influencing both industry standards and user expectations.
This project highlights a growing preference for streamlined, distraction-free designs. Users increasingly value interfaces that respect their time and attention. Sim Code Digi reflects this shift, proving that simplicity, when executed thoughtfully, can create a more satisfying and impactful user experience.
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