Interview about Simple Code II Smartwatch Face, winner of the A' Interface, Interaction and User Experience Design Award 2020
The design of Simple Code II is to target as many aspects of life as possible. The three colour combinations, blue/black, white/grey, and brown/purple, not only cover the users of different ages and gender but also suitable for pairing business and casual outfit. The layout is targeted to provide a smoother user experience. In the middle of the dial, the month, the date and the day form a line that cut through the watch face in half conveys the visual balance.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe dynamic positioning of elements in Simple Code II Sapphire was both a technical and creative challenge. The goal was to maintain readability without the user needing to adjust their wrist or interact with the watch repeatedly. The hands’ rotation was programmed to activate a subtle yet precise shift in key components, such as the date or steps count, to ensure that information is always legible, regardless of hand placement. I achieved this through careful testing of rotational angles and distances, which allows for a seamless transition without interrupting the minimalist aesthetic.
The translucent sapphire blue was chosen to harmonize with the digital screen, creating a visual that’s rich and elegant yet functional. This choice was inspired by the need for clarity; the transparency allows users to read the information beneath the hands. The level of transparency was fine-tuned by adjusting the opacity in small increments, balancing visual allure and readability so that the hands complement, rather than obscure, the data display.
The date-centric arrangement reflects my commitment to user-centered design, especially for quick readability. By positioning the date, month, and day linearly in the center, users can quickly grasp the essential calendar information. This layout emerged from my broader philosophy that smartwatch interfaces should be efficient and focused on user needs without excessive distractions. Winning the Bronze A’ Design Award further validated this minimalist, user-first approach.
The blue/black, white/grey, and brown/purple options were curated to appeal to various user groups and settings. Research included surveys and feedback sessions where users shared color preferences based on attire and occasion. For example, the blue/black combination fits a professional look, the white/grey provides a modern, minimalist feel, and the brown/purple offers a unique, sophisticated choice. These colors also consider readability in different lighting conditions, ensuring that each combination maintains clarity.
Since the prototype in May 2018, feedback was crucial in refining the design. Early versions had fewer interactive elements, and users requested better clarity under diverse lighting conditions and more customizability. Based on this, I introduced adjustable brightness, improved component placements, and refined the date arrangement for quicker readability. Each iteration aimed to enhance the user experience while preserving the essence of the initial design.
Creating a pattern that added depth without compromising readability required a nuanced approach. I experimented with subtle textures and low-contrast patterns that would remain in the background without distracting from the foreground information. The final pattern is delicate enough to be visually appealing while maintaining functional clarity, enhancing the watch’s aesthetics without overshadowing the critical data.
Simple Code II Sapphire embodies my growth as a designer focused on blending functionality with artistic elements. My background in interactive art taught me the importance of user engagement, and this watch face is a testament to that learning. It represents a fusion of art and technology, aiming for an interface that’s intuitive yet visually expressive, marking a step forward in my vision for smartwatch design.
To create a design that adapts to both casual and formal settings, I focused on a timeless aesthetic with subtle metallic accents and a balanced color scheme. The watch face was developed with versatile, minimalist elements that resonate in both casual and business contexts. This approach allows users to wear the watch throughout the day, seamlessly blending with different styles.
One of the main challenges in developing for both Android and Samsung watches was maintaining consistency in appearance and functionality across varying screen resolutions and hardware limitations. I tackled this by using scalable vector graphics (SVGs) and modular code that allowed for flexibility. Adjustments were made to ensure each platform’s nuances were addressed, maintaining a consistent user experience across devices.
Looking forward, I envision enhancing the Simple Code II Sapphire design language by integrating adaptive elements that respond to user behavior and preferences. Future iterations could incorporate more interactive features while retaining the core principle of effortless readability. This evolution will focus on preserving the design’s minimalist essence while adapting to technological advancements and changing user expectations.
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