20 March 2024
These are the design principles for Wear OS, the platform used in Android based smartwatches. Because of its tiny form factor, it requires a different set of principles and guidelines adapted to the limited screen estate and unique interaction patterns.
This is a revised version of Google Wears original principles.
Source: Android Wear Design principles
Do: Focus on one or two tasks rather than a full app experience.
Do: Help people complete tasks on the watch within seconds to avoid ergonomic discomfort or arm fatigue.
Users increasingly own multiple devices. Watches work well for quick, frequent tasks, while mobile devices are better for prolonged and complex interactions. In some cases, you can use a watch and a phone together to accomplish different parts of the same task.
Do: Consider which actions are appropriate for each device.
The watch is always with the user. Consider how to update your app content for people’s context, such as their time, place, and activity.
Do: Keep content on your watch face relevant to the user.
Do: Design for slow connections and offline use cases, such as exercising and commuting.
Do: Focus on one or two tasks rather than a full app experience.
Do: Help people complete tasks on the watch within seconds to avoid ergonomic discomfort or arm fatigue.
Users increasingly own multiple devices. Watches work well for quick, frequent tasks, while mobile devices are better for prolonged and complex interactions. In some cases, you can use a watch and a phone together to accomplish different parts of the same task.
Do: Consider which actions are appropriate for each device.
The watch is always with the user. Consider how to update your app content for people’s context, such as their time, place, and activity.
Do: Keep content on your watch face relevant to the user.
Do: Design for slow connections and offline use cases, such as exercising and commuting.
