Samsung

Small Screen. Big Experiences.

PROJECT BRIEF

I was attached as an UI design consultant with the Samsung Design team based in São Paulo to work on Guides by Lonely Planet. The primary goal we were given was to see how much information could actually fit onto a watchface.

Their full-fledged design cycles for their other OEM apps were beginning in a few months, and they needed solid UX patterns to rely on. For this, I provided interactive prototypes as proof-of-concepts for their team to use as a design reference.

Guides by Lonely Planet was shipped in 2017, and almost 100% faithful to the design reference I provided them.

The Samsung Gear G3 watch gave us 1.97” in diameter for our canvas.

From the outset, I knew this was going to be a totally different project than I had ever worked on. I had to approach the design problem from an entirely different angle than I would for a website or mobile app.

 

The final prototype relied on a combination of swiping, scrolling, and fixed design elements. While these aren’t really particularly interesting tools in a designer’s toolbox… using them on a watchface just… felt different.

 
 

CONCLUSION

As you can see from our prototype... lots of information can be fit onto a watchface if you lean on scrolling/swipings gestures to progressively reveal more information.

Working directly with Samsung Design team offices in São Paulo was one of the most rewarding clients that wle8300 studios had the privilege of working with. This was my first client during the early days where I saw how large, disciplined design teams operated… I’m forever grateful for the experience!

The app is available as OEM vendor app on the Samsung Gear G3 Watch.