Brainstorming

We were put into groups to work together to create mind maps from certain categories to start brainstorming ideas for our smartwatch screens. My group decided to do these on health and travel as they are such large categories we thought we would get the most ideas from this. Here is the mind map we created.

We then had to find alogical connections between these mind maps and the things in them. We done this by circling them in colours. Then used these to try and come up with ideas for our smart watch screens. Here are a few of the classes ideas.

Smartwatch ideas My initial idea was the concept of a smartwatch sensing stress or anxiety levels and responding with positive affirmations and calming tips. Providing real-time insights into the wearer's emotional state. When elevated stress or anxiety is detected, the smartwatch could discreetly send gentle, encouraging messages or guided breathing exercises to help the user regain composure and reduce stress. This empathetic approach aligns technology with mental well-being, offering timely support and promoting mindfulness, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.

Then I thought of the idea of having digital keys on a smartwatch which brings convenience and functionality to a new level. Smartwatches are already equipped with features like biometric authentication and connectivity to other smart devices, making them an ideal platform for digital keys. This integration allows users to unlock doors, access secure locations, or start their cars with a quick tap or gesture on their wrist. It eliminates the need to carry additional devices or fumble through pockets for keys, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient. Moreover, smartwatches are highly personal devices that are often worn continuously, enhancing security by keeping the digital key close to the user and making it less likely to be misplaced or stolen. As the technology matures, having digital keys on a smartwatch is poised to revolutionise access control, making it not just a great idea but a practical and secure solution for modern living.

I felt digital keys on a smartwatch represent a superior concept compared to the mental health approach because of their practicality and immediate relevance to everyday life. While the idea of stress detection and calming support is undoubtedly beneficial for mental well-being, digital keys on a smartwatch address a more immediate and prevalent need. The hassle of carrying physical keys and access cards. Smartwatches are already worn as a standard accessory, making them a seamless and integrated platform for digital keys. This innovation not only simplifies access control but also enhances security through biometric authentication, ensuring that the wearer is the rightful key holder. Moreover, it aligns with the ongoing trend of minimising the number of devices we carry, making it a practical and convenient solution for modern living.

Sketches

I began the process by carefully selecting some the screens I wanted to incorporate, prioritising their significance. Recognising the importance of security, I made sure to include a password screen. For this aspect, I opted for a fairly standard design, as it has proven effective and doesn't necessitate unnecessary alterations. In crafting the home screen, I drew inspiration from the sleek and user-friendly design of Apple Wallet. Nevertheless, I also ventured into alternative layouts, as evident in my sketches. Ultimately, I found that employing key cards was the most effective choice for achieving a clean and straightforward design. Initially, I contemplated the use of physical key icons, but I determined that they were not the best choice, as I will explain in greater detail in the icon design section. This choice informed the design of the active key screens, which feature a key card as I believe it is the simplest yet aesthetically pleasing way to represent a key for a smartwatch. It also includes an icon to represent whether it is locked or unlocked.

Icon Design