When we think of wearable technology we often reminisce about our Casio calculator watches and how cool we thought we were by owning one. Well, we’ve come a long way from the 70s and 80s and technology is no longer limited to spelling boob on our calculator watches. Different companies are disputing the title of having the coolest watch or wearable accessory out in the market. The big boys such as Google and Apple have products like the Google Glass, Android Wear and the distant promise of the Apple iWatch has kept users on edge waiting to own the most practical accessory, but what does this mean for web design?
What is Wearable Technology?
Wearable technology can be anything between clothes and accessories but as of right now we’re referring to eyeglasses and wristwatches. To ensure practicality they are light-weight and are usually rather modest looking. Right now the most important uses are smartwatches used as fitness gadgets such as fitbit and the recent pebble. Google has also gotten into the eyewear industry by introducing their Google Glass but at $1500, chances are it doesn’t appeal to all budgets. But in time, when competition comes their way, they’ll be forced to cut cost in order to compete.
Importance for Web-Design
Now, you may say that wearable technology is just a trend that will die out but do we not still see iPod owners jamming louder than ever? 83% of experts in the field of mobile technology believe that wearable technology is here to stay and that by 2025 users will be connected to the internet by means of various platforms. Technology will continue to grow and more and more of your clients will want sites to be even more accessible and responsive, if you find yourself behind the curve, clients will search elsewhere to fit their needs. It may still be in the beta stage but wearable technology is rapidly growing. Consider that basic functions such as social media, instant messaging and video are now available on this new kind of technology. Your clients will be searching for a clean, functional space that allows them to effectively garner information they find important and it is your job to deliver.
How will Wearable Technology Impact your Design?
Much like the birth of the smartphones and devices saw us just waiting to have a more functionality in our pockets, we see now how challenging it will be for the web design community to create something that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to gather information from on wearable technology. There will be many changes done to fit the needs of the new generation of users that will expect a wristwatch that is even more responsive and easy to read content from. This will be easier for bigger companies that have specific departments focused on marketing and thousands of dollars to spend on the latter. But for you other companies, innovative ideas are key and perhaps your big idea will catapult you into having the product or service every smartwatch owner will search for.
Apple and Google seem to be doing very well when it comes to innovation and technology but soon others will follow suit. Just because there is a $1500 pair of eyeglasses that will surf the net and do everything your cell phone does and a watch that syncs to your phone and mobile device doesn’t mean you have to purchase it just now. Wait for other these other great companies such as Nokia, Huawei and Motorola (which was acquired by Google) launch their wearable technology and you’ll see that great products don’t necessarily have to be by Google and Apple. Sure they’re the leaders for a reason but we all don’t have the same budget and should have access to a more affordable option of wearable technology.