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Digital & Interactive · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Design for Wearable Tech

This course explores the intersection of fashion, product design, and technology. Students will design for the “Intimate Interface,” focusing on devices worn on the body—from smartwatches to smart textiles. The curriculum addresses the constraints of small screens, the integration of biometric data, and the aesthetic challenge of making technology look good enough to wear.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Design micro-interactions and interfaces for small screens (Smartwatches)
  2. Visualize complex biometric data (Heart rate, Sleep, Steps) simply
  3. Understand the ergonomics and anthropometry of wearable devices
  4. Explore "Smart Textiles" and the integration of sensors into fabric
  5. Balance aesthetic appeal (Fashion) with technical functionality
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Wearables: From Abacus Ring to Apple Watch
  2. 02Constraints of the Micro-Screen
  3. 03UX for Smartwatches: Glances & Complications
  4. 04Interaction Models: Touch, Crown, & Voice
  5. 05Data Visualization for Fitness & Wellness
  6. 06Ergonomics: Designing for the Wrist/Head
  7. 07Prototyping for Wearables (Figma/ProtoPie)
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Haptic Feedback & Notification Design
  10. 10Smart Textiles & Conductive Fabrics
  11. 11Fashion Tech: Aesthetics vs. Utility
  12. 12Designing for Accessibility & Health
  13. 13Heads-Up Displays (Smart Glasses)
  14. 14Battery Life & Power-Efficient Design
  15. 15The Future: Implantables & Bio-hacking
  16. 16Final Project: The Wearable Ecosystem Concept

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Wearable Ecosystem Concept

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Tap, Move, Shake: Turning Your Game Ideas into iPhone & iPad Apps (Relevant for touch/gesture) by Todd Moore
  2. Fashion Technologist’s Handbook by Muchaneta Kapfunde
  3. Wearable Technology: Smart Design for Body & Soul by Quinn
  4. Designing for Wearables: Effective UX for Current and Future Devices by Scott Sullivan
  5. The Design of Future Things by Don Norman
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