Selected mobile features and adapted design for Apple Watch
Client
KptnCook
Industry
Food Tech
Team
1 Designer (me)
1 Product Manager
1 Developer
Type
Design Systems
(01)
Project overview.
The previous Apple Watch app had many irrelevant or broken features, creating a cluttered and inefficient user experience. Given the nature of wearable devices, users need quick access to essential features. The goal was to adapt the design system to prioritize relevant functionalities, focusing on streamlined shopping list management and navigation for on-the-go use.
(02)
Challenge.
Challenge
The Apple Watch app had too many unnecessary or broken features, making it difficult for users to access essential functions like shopping lists. This led to a low usage rate, as the app failed to prioritize speed and efficiency for on-the-go tasks in a small-screen environment.
Goals/ Solution
Refine the design system to align with watchOS, optimizing it for small-screen interactions.
• Streamline the feature set to include only essential functionalities, like shopping list management and navigation, based on real user needs.
• Redesign UI components to create a simpler, more intuitive interface for quick list navigation.
• Standardize interactions across iPhone and Apple Watch for consistency.
• Optimize component behaviors for seamless list management with minimal taps and clear visual cues for easy access.
(03)
Process
Research & Analysis
I began by researching Apple’s latest watchOS guidelines, focusing on UI patterns, navigation models, and interaction best practices. I also analyzed Apple’s native apps, such as Reminders and Workout, to understand how they streamline tasks on a small screen.
Feature Analysis Prioritization
I assessed the existing iPhone and Apple Watch apps to identify features that were essential for an on-the-go experience. Usability testing revealed that users struggled to access key functionalities due unnecessary or features. Based on these insights, I removed redundant features and kept only core functionalities like shopping list management and navigation.
Design System Adaptation
To maintain consistency between iPhone and Apple Watch, I mapped interactions across both platforms. I refined UI components to fit watchOS constraints, adjusting typography, button sizes, touch targets, and spacing for usability. I optimised list interactions with taps, downward swipe gestures for the Flipper, haptic feedback, and touch-friendly areas.
(04)
Result.
The redesigned Apple Watch application delivers a streamlined, user-friendly experience by focusing on essential features. Users can now quickly access the Daily Flipper, view shopping lists, and mark items as purchased, directly from their wrist, ensuring a seamless, on-the-go experience.
