Dialer

Results

Quicker use of more standard phone services like audio source switching, muting, and multi-call functionality is enabled; keypad buttons increased in size by 25%, improving legibility and interactivity; and emergency calling is immediately accessible and simplified.

Google plans to implement similar changes to the standard Wear OS app.

“25% Increase to Legibility & Interactivity”

Task | Watch Your Calls

Improve the phone call experience and feature set on Wear OS devices leading up to Fossil’s launch of LTE smartwatches.

Challenges

Reduce steps for basic controls.
Improve interaction for users with large fingers.
Implement a robust set of phone features without cluttering the screen.
Assure parity with iOS and Android.
Stay within Google’s design and system parameters.

While building upon the framework of the existing Wear OS phone features, I also considered the unique call experiences on a smartwatch as opposed to a phone.

The screen with the most issues/complaints against it was the keypad due to poor usability, so I approached it first to establish what lessons to carry across all other screens.

As receiving calls is the most common use of phone functionality on smartwatches, I undertook a complete redesign of the Incoming Call and Ongoing Call screens, exploring dozens of options to better suit the hardware.

Ultimately, I updated every screen to have improved interaction and more robust features.