The circular UX of the Samsung Gear S2 and S3 represents a new chapter in user experience, as it takes its start from the form of a conventional watch face.
The circular UX utilizes both the physical control of the bezel and touch screen capability to present an intuitive interface for the devices. The 24 detent rotation of the bezel allows the user to access the app or controls he or she needs without covering the screen. Truly a new experience for the user, as well as the designers who developed this unique innovation.
To achieve this new direction in UX design, the designers at Samsung Electronics had to literally think outside the box. Find out what challenges they had to overcome to create this new and unique UX.
Challenge #1: UX Optimized for a Circular Display
Breaking away from the conventional square-screen format was a major challenge. The four corners, where crucial controls are often placed, would simply not work in a circular environment. The entire design had to be reworked from scratch.
To do this, we had to think outside of the physical confines of the circular screen. To think beyond, if you will, by imagining how buttons, apps and controls would enter the corner-free display for a user’s interaction. We also utilized a sense of depth to differentiate between the content in the center and that in the periphery.
Without any corners, the result is a user interface that actively displays content for a more focused screen that is optimized for the wearable smart device experience.
