To Wear, or Not To Wear, That's The Question

Wearables and the Internet of Things (IoT) are two of the most-rapidly growing segments in today's mobile space. There's a good reason for this. Smartphones and apps for smartphones have become mainstream and increasingly, businesses and investors are looking for fresh ways to create value. Having developed award-winning IoT products, I recently sat down with Washington, DC-based IT research firm Clutch to share Movel 's insights and expertise about the design and development process for wearables.

In Movel's interview with Clutch, I talked about our company's experience as a first-mover, working with wearables.

"Wearables do not have any proven platforms yet. There aren't well-documented features or tutorials. The AppStore had maybe 100 to 150 wearable apps at the time we started, so you don't have a lot of examples in front of you. You are a trailblazer."

Despite the challenges inherent in developing for a new technology, starting early, Movel was able to gain important insight into the ideal features and functionalities for wearables.

In our experience, one of the best features for wearables is the small-size factor. Because these devices are so small and portable, in certain domains they become a critical part of accomplishing the task at hand.

In the case of a client, wearables' portability is particularly important. We set out to create a wearable app for a service provider for professional integrators and installers that uses technology to facilitate the performance of site surveys. The client needed an easier way to take photos, videos, and notes and integrate them into a database.

We identified Google Glass as the ideal platform to accomplish the company's goal.

There were a couple of key features that made Glass one of the strongest choices, namely its ability to take hands-free photos and videos and to use gestures and voice commands. Voice dictation was particularly interesting because we wanted to have the ability to take notes during the surveys without using a tablet or paper.

It's important to understand how consumers will use the wearable and its applications, because it informs crucial decisions in the development process, such as which platform to use.

"The process for developing these devices... starts with a good understanding of the problem domain. ... Familiarity with the users and the conditions under which the device and the app will be used can make a big difference in selecting the platform and/or the device."

Clutch's full research includes more input from Movel about wearables case studies and the early development challenges.

Based out of Washington, D.C., Clutch "identifies leading software and professional services firms that deliver results for their clients". Essentially, Clutch helps buyers of professional services and software connect with the best companies that provide top-notch services and products. Likewise, they also help elite, high-quality services and software firms stand out from competitors.

Click here to view our profile on Clutch.