A Study on User Experience and Usability of Apple-Watch as Wearable Devices

Abstract

According to the rapid emergence in a field of IoT(Internet of Things) these days, the wearable device users are growing. Out of this, the smart watch, which was developed by Apple company, is relatively preoccupying in the share of supply compared to other devices, but is being indicated a problem in diverse perspectives. IT device, which was early launched, may cause interest in the regard as saying of reviving new technology, but solidifies negative perception on its brand as well given being unable to satisfy needs. The purpose of this study is to suggest the design direction for improving the better usability in smart watch by reflecting UX of users who are accustomed to smart phone. For this, it surveyed the present status of IoT and wearable device and classified its evaluation criteria into 5 things such as usability, practicability, aesthetics, availability and offline issue in order to evaluate usability in UX. Moreover, a questionnaire survey and an in-depth interview were carried out by dividing apple-watch users based on age group. As a result, it was pointed out the necessity of functional upgrade, which makes it available for being driven within apple watch as for the contents that are light in communication speed or trans-information rate, by considering a part of being created a problem about a drop in value or utilization as a smart watch when the linkage with a smart phone is released. In addition, a plan was demanded for utilizing WiFi function itself embedded in apple watch. Also, there will be a need to be developed killer contents that only apple watch can do, as well as the linkage with a smart phone, and to be continuously developed diverse APPs that reflect the life environment and the demand of consumers at home and abroad in addition to the basic APP that is provided by Apple company. In conclusion, this study is expected to be likely able to contribute to understanding a change in user experience that is given by apple watch, which is a wearable device, and to developing as a smart watch with high perfection that reflects the needs and the usability of users henceforth.