How far the technology and the devices have come… literally shrinking and getting smaller and smaller with each passing day.
Remember the days when we used to have those heavy and huge computer setups that made sounds like a motor or an engine getting started?
And now?
The devices are moving from our pockets to our wrists, and wearables like smartwatches and fitness bands are becoming very popular.
But these tiny devices aren’t just about showing off the time or counting steps anymore. They’re capable of incredible things, and that gives many developers a lot of opportunities.
And if you have an idea for a wearable app, then bring it on!
We’ll do everything to help with a creative idea that you’ve got bubbling up there. An application that’s something more than just counting steps or a productivity tool that keeps you ahead of your schedule with just the wiggle of your wrist.
So, before you start building your app, take a look at our very simplified yet fruitful guide and take notes on the very important stuff needed to create the perfect wearable app!
The Screen & UX
Unlike phones and computers, wearables have tiny little screens…
You need to be really, really creative with the design and navigation. Think of it as creating the best on a postage stamp.
Here are some of the ways you can make the most of that limited space:
Keep it Simple
These little devices are meant for quick glances, not for reading whole novels, so just focus on the most important features and information.
– Users might get overwhelmed with so many complex features and too much text.
Big, Bold, and Beautiful
Sure, people look cute while squinting, but they shouldn’t have to do it using your app trying to figure out what they are actually looking at.
– Use large, easy-to-read fonts, clear and concise icons, and good contrast between text and background colors.
Touch Friendly
Fiddly buttons are seriously a nightmare to work with!
People are likely using your app on a wearable device because they’re on the go, so make sure interactions are intuitive and can be used with taps, swipes, and gestures.
– Consider adding voice commands for more convenience, especially for tasks that require a more complex input.
Glance and Go
As said above, people will likely be using your app on the move, just checking their watch quickly throughout the day. So, design your app for users to absorb the information quickly and easily then take action with just a glance.
– Keep in mind that the most important information should be on the first screen, and it should be very easy for the users to navigate to other features if needed.
Less is More
Wearables are often considered fashion accessories, but unlike a fancy necklace, a dead battery just kills the whole look (we meant the functionality).
Here’s how you can make sure that your app doesn’t drain the battery like a vampire at a blood bank…
Location, Location, Location
Unless your app absolutely needs constant location tracking, turn it off!
GPS is a major battery hog.
– If location is necessary, consider using more efficient location tracking services.
Animation? Maybe Later
Fancy animations do look really cute and cool, but they gobble up the battery like Kirby.
– Use them sparingly, if at all.
– Focus on more clean and efficient transitions between screens.
The Power of Sleep
When the app isn’t in use, put it to sleep.
Background process can silently drain your battery. It’s just like how our subconscious mind works.
– Add features that automatically shut down or pause unnecessary functions when the app isn’t actively being used.
Optimize for the Platform
Each platform, like iOS and Android, has its own features and functionalities that save power.
– Research and learn how to use those features to your advantage, then take advantage of developer tools that can help you monitor and optimize your app’s battery usage.
Think Different
Just as smartphones are little yet powerful computers in our pockets, wearable are tiny little assistants.
Here’s how your app can take advantage of the unique strengths of the wearables:
Use Sensors the Right Way
Most of these watches have sensors built into them, including sensors that monitor the heart and then we also have sensors for GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes.
– You can use these and the date from then to make your app even better and more powerful.
– A fitness app can use heart rate data to provide some really good personalized workout recommendations, or a sleep tracking app can use motion sensors to improve sleep quality and suggest how to make it better.
Using Notifications the Right Way
These little devices are great for quick notifications, but don’t bomb users with constant pings… absolutely annoying!
Just put yourself in their place and think about what notifications are relevant, actionable, and timely.
– One more thing that you can do is to let users customize their notification preferences so they only receive alerts for the information they want and not some useless stuff.
Offline Power
A great internet connection is not everywhere.
Design your app to function (at least partially) even when offline. This could involve caching important data locally or allowing users to download content for offline use.
The Companion, Not the Star
Wearables are often extensions of smartphones.
Think about how your app can work easily with a phone app.
– This might involve allowing users to configure settings on their phones that carry over to the wearable app or enabling data sync between the two devices.
The Importance of Design
There are a million apps out there.
How will yours get noticed?
We are sure that you already have some really awesome ideas, but let us chip in a little that we have!
Match the Platform
Every platform has its own design language and aesthetic.
– Make sure your app looks and feels like it belongs there an Apple Watch app should be more like Apple’s clean and minimalist design principles, while an Android Wear app might have a more colorful and playful look.
Color it Right
Color can have a really big impact on usability and appeal.
– Use colors that are easy on the eyes and complement each other.
– Maybe throw in a little color psychology in there too! Blue is often associated with trust and productivity, while green can be used to make someone stimulate feelings of calmness and health.
Keep it Consistent
Maintain a consistent visual style all over your app. This includes using the same fonts, color palettes, and icon styles across all screens.
Consistency creates a polished look and makes it easier for users to navigate your app.
The Power of Personalization
People really like to express themselves.
– Let users customize the look and feel of the app with different colors, cute themes, watch faces, or icon styles.
Why?
Because this gives them a sense of ownership and it makes the app feel more like themselves.
Keeping Your App Up to Date
Technology keeps bringing new things and it’s the same for wearable devices, there’s always something new to look out for.
Below are some of the ways you can make sure that your users are engaged and the app is staying relevant.
Regular Updates
Don’t let your app become foggy…
– Plan on a great and regular update schedule with new exciting features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
This will let your users know that you care about them and are committed to keeping your app at its best.
Open to Feedback
The users are the best source of some really useful insight. Actively going through the feedback that you get through surveys, app store reviews, and social media engagement can help you identify the areas that can be improved.
– You can then make those changes to keep your users happy.
Conclusion
Creating literally any product takes a lot of creativity. For apps you need to be very creative, have some really good technical know-how, and a deep understanding of the user experience these apps provide.
– To sum it all up, you need to focus on a clear user experience, optimization for battery life, using the strengths of wearable platforms, and designing a beautiful and engaging design, you can take that idea really high.
Bonus Tip
Don’t forget to market your app!
You can reach out to us for App marketing services. The Apptitude can help you with all your app needs, and marketing is one of them. We can help you create compelling store listings with catchy screenshots and clear descriptions.
We’ll also utilize social media and influencer marketing to promote your app to potential users. After all, even the most perfect wearable app needs users to discover it to truly succeed.
Give us a call at (512) 885-0379 to start discussing your project right away, or just drop us an email at info@theapptitude.com, and we’ll get back to you.
