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that address a critical need, it is unlikely that a single wearable will want to be worn all day and every day. Companies are taking a personal approach to wearable technology to create a desirable object that a person would not take off. Fitbit has partnered with Tory Burch, a designer, to create beautifully crafted pieces of jewelry to achieve personalization. Misfit has partnered with Swarovski to achieve the same effect. Cuff, which is out later this year, also nests its sensors into attractive casings that can be chosen that day; a watch, necklace, a bracelet. Wearables want to be that wedding ring, part of the jewelry legacy, but with the added technology bonus.

FitbitTracks fitness, sleep and displays call id in real‐time.

User Testing Feedback for Fitbit Charge: “I can’t change the colour of the band as I can with my Flex – really the only thing I didn’t like about it!”

“If I am going out it doesn’t not work with my outfit.”

Note: Fitbit has partnered with designer Tory Burch to create a line of jewelry products that incorporate the Fitbit sensor.

MisfitPedometer and activity tracker that is waterproof and fit to multiple casings.

User Testing and Feedback: “I like that I can mix it up!”

Note: this product is currently available for testing through Applied Innovation

CuffDesigned for safety. You have the ability to send out alerts and receive notifications.

Note: the cuff will be on display in the Applied Innovation Lab later this year.

EfficiencyEfficiency in wearables is using alternative forms of energy, such as body heat, sweat,

and movement to power them. The limiting factor is not, as it turns out, how the gadgets can be worn or what they can do, but how they are powered. As devices continue to miniaturize, and even economize their power needs, batteries lag. Even at their smallest they’re still big, bulky, and have limited life spans.


With our user experience testing, size, connectivity, and battery‐life was a very big concern. The Pebble Watch could last over a week without charging vs. the Moto 360 and Apple Watch that required daily powering.

Moto360Android smartwatch.

User Testing Feedback: “Batter life isn’t enough to last a full day (just a work day)”.

“I find it just too big; it feels very awkward on my wrist”.

Note: Moto360 is available for testing through Applied Innovation

Misfit

User Testing and Feedback: “I was having problems syncing the Shine, it would say “cannot sync at this time” even when I was in Wi‐Fi area or using LTE network”


PebbleAffordable smartwatch

User Testing and Feedback; “Felt a clunky, like wearing a remote on my wrist.”

“I don’t like the charging method…..it gets bumped, the charging connection may accidently disconnect without me knowing.


AccuracyWe want to know that we walk 7892 steps and not approximately 8000 steps. Our

culture is getting more numbers oriented across many aspects of life (The Future of Wearable Tech, 2015). Users get frustrated when they are unable to see their data and if it is inaccurate. In addition, we want insights to go along with data we are tracking.

If the data is being provided and permission has been given, then the expectation is that it is used to create customized, relevant, and accurate interaction. “Hi Olivia, we noticed you’ve been using your debit card, if you switch to our Avion Visa, you would have earned 3225 points this month which could have earned you a gift card at ShoppersDrugMart…your make up would’ve been free!”

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ConclusionWearable devices are not going anywhere. In fact, what we are seeing is just the

beginning. Where do we place our bet? We don’t need to get caught up in the device, but rather focus on what people want and the data the devices capture. Through this we must review our client data and products and uncover where we can provide value to our clients.

To give some food for thought, myself and Nidhi Laroiya are currently working on a prototype called MoneyMama that is for behavior modification/coaching using data insights and geolocation. In addition, we are working on FinHealth to uncover if a person’s health affects their spending. Both concepts are derived from the research and user experience testing. Both are based on how the collected data and products we offer can provide valuable insights to our clients to keep them financially fit and adjust their behavior.

Let us aim to not only be top of wallet, but top of mind!

WorksCited:Availableasrequested


Exhibit 1 – Wearable World


Exhibit 2 – Inputs (data)

Home insurance:

Humidity (i.e. mold, flood)

Security system – break ins

Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide detectors

Earthquake (tremors, not very strong in Ontario but small tremors are felt ‐> may cause impact)

Water ‐> Backwater valve failure or sump pumps usage (less use? ‐> less insurance, higher use ‐> higher burnout of the pump)

Auto insurance

Gas usage

Average mileage/weekday or weekend

Maintenance fulfillment

Car impact (i.e. crash or hit)

Driving habits (speeding/not speeding, acceleration (hard or soft acceleration), hard brake)

Driving usage (hours car is spent active/driving – data already given in some cars, hours car is spent idling)

Life insurance

Active or non‐active movement (i.e. pedometer to indicate activity and whether staying in one place)

Body temperature (constantly cold, constantly hot or indication of internal body temperature for fevers and sickness)

Heart rate

Impact sensor (I believe more clothing related than wearables related)

Sleep (sleep patterns, getting enough sleep to be at optimal position for health)

Health insurance

Active or non‐active movement (i.e. pedometer to indicate activity and whether staying in one place)

Body temperature (constantly cold, constantly hot or indication of internal body temperature for fevers and sickness)

Heart rate

Impact sensor (I believe more clothing related than wearable’s related)

Sleep (sleep patterns, getting enough sleep to be at optimal position for health)

Documents

The Future of Wearable Tech Point of View Sharon Steele