Wearable Computing Is Looking For A Purpose

Computers have moved from desks to laps and then into pockets. The next suggested destination is the body.

Wearable computing is becoming more visible through devices such as fitness trackers, smart glasses, and early smartwatches. The idea is attractive because a device worn all day can collect information or provide small pieces of information without asking us to take out a phone.

Fitness seems like one of the clearest uses. A small device can count steps, estimate activity, and turn ordinary movement into data. This can be motivating because progress becomes visible. It can also become another number to worry about if measurement replaces the actual experience of exercise.

Smart glasses create a more ambitious vision. Google Glass places information near the user’s field of view and allows photos, navigation, and notifications without a traditional screen in the hand. The technology is impressive, but social acceptance may be harder than the engineering. People behave differently when they think a camera may always be present.

Smartwatches face another question: what problem should the watch solve that a phone does not already solve? Showing a notification on the wrist is convenient, but convenience alone may not be enough to make another device essential. Battery life, comfort, and interface size also matter.

I think wearables will succeed when they stop trying to become tiny versions of existing computers. A watch does not need every phone feature. Glasses do not need every desktop application. Devices worn on the body should probably focus on interactions that are useful because of where the device is.

This reminds me of early smartphones. At first, people tried to place desktop ideas on a smaller screen. Over time, location, touch, cameras, and sensors created new kinds of applications.

Wearable computing is still looking for its native ideas. The hardware is appearing first. The most interesting uses may arrive later.