Misfit Command
A screenless smartwatch
Overview | Opportunity
As Misfit diversified its wearable portfolio, I was tasked to design part of the new hybrid analog watches line that bridged the gap between basic activity trackers and full-featured digital smartwatches. My objective was to architect an approachable interaction model that preserved Misfit’s signature minimalist aesthetic while strategically expanding the brand’s technical capabilities and design language.
Role
Lead Designer | ID, UX, & UI/Graphic Design
Industrial Design, User Flows, Watch Face UI/Graphic Design, Prototyping & Testing
CHALLENGE
Strategic: Lead all efforts for ID, UX, and UI/graphic design
Technical: Utilize limited input and output options – 2 pushers and 3 hands – for 10 unique features
ID/UX: Balance the design needs of both hardware and UX, fitting within the Misfit brand identity.
UX: Future-proof for developing features
UI: Create language agnostic, universally understood graphics
APPROACH
Multiple rounds of iteration and user testing emphasized the delicate balance between traditional dial design and the feature-driven UI needs. The final design uses simple iconography and a split-dial layout both to separate distinct feature sets and to avoid visual density, providing a globally accessible UX that addresses functional clarity using Misfit’s signature design language.
Throughout development, I collaborated with the Software and Hardware Engineers to ensure that the combinations of unique haptic patterns, button presses, and hand movements intuitively communicate +10 features and statuses. The final layout was optimized to support over 20 specific types of communication before the final feature set was decided upon.
Notable departure from standard layout…numbers and overlapping hand design. (Extra emphasis put on hand length and complimentary designs to utilize them as clear functionality tools)
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IMPACT
Misfit Command garnered significant attention for its comprehensive interface given the simple controls, receiving 2 style refreshes after release. In addition, the “atypical” method of day/date communication became the standard approach across Fossil Group for hybrid analog watches.
“This should be the new standard layout for Hybrid UI/UX.”