Diminishing the user frustrations with wearable devices
According to a recent study, fashion and functionality are the two main forces driving the wearables industry. While we agree with the former (our recent blog on the #FashTech industry explains why), we’re not entirely convinced that ‘functionality’ is encouraging this uptake.
Earlier this year, we conducted a survey of around 2000 consumers, which unveiled a general dissatisfaction with the wearable products that are currently on the market. Owners told us they were finding it difficult to interact with their devices in a simple and pragmatic way.
72% said they would find it more compelling if their device had a longer battery life, while over half admitted to having experienced difficulty reading their screen due to the glare from the sunlight, and a further 40% claimed to be frustrated with the vulnerability of their device’s screen.
Many of these issues are triggered by conventional materials like glass. While it’s true that glass can provide a high-res image, it can’t be viewed under direct sunlight without serious glare and is always at risk of being rendered unusable if dropped or scratched.
Fundamentally, failing to address these user frustrations could prove problematic for business, as they risk alienating their customers.
ePaper paving the way for functionality
However, help is at hand for product design teams in the form of alternative technologies. ePaper, for one, addresses many of the drawbacks that glass displays introduce. It is resilient to both scratching and smashing, draws far less power and is readable under direct sunlight. Flexible ePaper take this even further, offering enhanced durability and versatility for manufacturers to work into a lightweight and functional design.
The unique benefits and qualities of ePaper displays not only improves the functionality of wearable devices but it is also well positioned to answer the criticisms that are plaguing the conventional wearables currently on the market. With this in mind, it’s only a matter of time until we’ll see widespread adoption of ePaper integrated wearables that will diminish the growing consumer concerns with their devices.