We are still in the toddler phase of the “wearable” generation. Much of what we “touch” currently is just noise in the form of data. Where is it going? We break down some predictions. Find more ideas at smashingboxes.com/ideas

1. 5 Predictions for the Future of Wearables
Smashing Boxes

2. Originally posted on the
Smashing Boxes Blog
By Andrew Hooge

3. People have long been fascinated with a future where humans and machines
become one. Science fiction author Philip K. Dick (adapted films include Blade
Runner and Minority Report to name a few) describes a world where high-tech
enhancements increase our ability to process information. This allows us to
become superhuman. This co-evolution of technology and physiology is no
longer the stuff of science fiction. It will shape the story of the 21st Century.
With that said, we are still in the toddler phase of the “wearable” generation.
Much of what we “touch” currently is just noise in the form of data. There are
hundreds of devices that monitor everything from sleep to blood glucose. To
make this data relevant, these devices must communicate with each other and
provide a smarter interpretation of the data. And there is still much to be
desired where battery life and wearable interfaces are concerned. We can dig
into what’s being done to break down these barriers in a bit, but first we should
probably answer the big question: Why does this matter?
Let’s begin with some predictions.

4. WHERE I THINK WEARABLES WILL MAKE THE MOST
IMPACT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS:

5. 1. Data Facilitated Care
What is it?: Embedded biometric sensors and software
that provide continuous capture, delivery and interpretation
of health and performance. This allows physicians, care
teams and coaches to make prescriptive decisions quickly
and from anywhere.
“One of the main objectives right now is to improve
continuity of care...with ‘wearables’ we are close
to having continuous, accurate data about an
individual's physiology and daily behaviors. This is
key to empowering healthcare professionals to
make better decisions and help drive behavior
change and outcomes.”
- Dr. David Berkoff, Sports Medicine Physician at
UNC Department of Orthopaedics
Biometric sensors embedded in clothing.
Photo Credit: Keoni Cabral

6. 2. Personalized Wearables
What is it?: ‘Made to fit’ sensor-enabled apparel and
medical devices that use advances in 3D printing
technology to personalize the experience for an individual.
According to a recent article in Quartz, Nike is using
advances in nano-technology to embed sensors in their
apparel. This combined with the ability to print an individual
t-shirt with a 3D enabled printer will allow people to
customize their apparel. Athletes and coaches will better
understand when they are overtraining or under-training,
and when they are under hydrated and overstressed. It will
also reduce the cost of production and management of the
supply chain for companies like Nike.
Sensor-embedded 3D printing will also impact the medical
device industry. Mayo Clinic has already produced its first
custom hip. They are looking for ways to embed sensors in
the devices to improve monitoring of a patient's function
and wear and tear on the joint.
Photo Credit: Atos

7. 3. Active Coaching
What is it?: Sensor-embedded hardware and apparel that monitor performance, provide interpretation and make
suggestions on how to progress. This next step in wearable technology will help individuals improve everything from
their fitness to their biomechanics (posture and gait for example). One of the keys for active coaching to be successful is
to improve the validity of the data and interpretation.
“One reason we started with optical signal sensor based technology in the ear
was the validity of the data. We need good data and then software that
accurately interprets the data and provides useful advice on how to progress to
make a dent in improving health and fitness outcomes.”
- Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, Founder and President of Valencell

8. 4. Gesture-Based Interfacing
What is it?: Empowers individuals to use gestures and other natural movements to interplay with devices. By adopting
everyday movements and gestures in lieu of complex machine based tasks, we can improve the user experience and
make it easier for people to onboard to new devices and software.
According to recent patents from Apple, their new Watch may allow for gesture-based adaptive learning. This may
communicate actions like navigating through Apple TV, flipping pages on your iPad while running on a treadmill, shutting
off the lights, and more.
We’ve already seen
the beginning of
gesture-based
interfacing with Google
Glass which lets users
take a picture by
blinking.
Photo Credit:
CyberHades

9. 5. Authenticated You
What is it?: Wearables have the ability to provide a unique signature to the individual. Using unique
characteristics such as heart rhythm could take the place of outdated credentialing methods like a
written password.
How many times have you forgotten your password or had your email hacked? This could soon be a
problem of the past. New technologies like watch-enabled heart rate monitors can measure one’s
unique rhythm and convert it to a password. Other companies are creating ingestibile technology that
allows external devices to log in when the individual is near. Acid in the stomach powers the battery.

10. BARRIERS TO SUCCESS

11. According to a report from Juniper Research, the wearable tech market is
expected to expand rapidly within the next few years. The firm projects that the
wearable tech market will hit $4.5 billion by the end of 2014, and reach $53.2
billion by 2019. This is great news for OEMs who are investing heavily in
wearable tech initiatives. However, several things need to fall into place in
order for this market opportunity to achieve its full potential.
● Increased Battery Life
● Improved User Experience
● Making Data Useful

12. DEATH BY DISCHARGE

13. One of the key issues challenging wearable device engagement at the six month mark is the
inconvenience of having to charge it. According to LeBoeuf, industry statistics show that as soon as
someone takes off the device there is a more than one third chance they won’t put it back on.
“When you have to take your device off to
charge it, you immediately disengage the
user and they begin to wonder how much
value they are getting by counting steps. If
their experience with the device is a good
one, then they will likely put it back on but if
not it may become best friends with the
underwear drawer.”
- Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, Founder and President
of Valencell
“As an athlete, it’s one of my biggest
frustrations...I’m ready to go on a long ride
and I forgot to charge my device,” he said.
He also sees battery life as a big barrier to
getting regular joes to purchase the devices,
“If it’s a problem for early adopters, then you
know it’s going to be an issue for everyone
else.”
- Dr. David Berkoff, Sports Medicine Physician
at UNC Department of Orthopaedics

14. Organizations like Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies
(ASSIST) at North Carolina State University are working on solving the battery life issue. They are
developing technologies to enable battery free and body powered devices. As an example, ASSIST
materials, embedded in a textile can harvest energy from the temperature difference between the skin
and air, and use this to power the sensors. This not only has an impact on clothing but also on medical
devices. They’re currently working on a battery free pacemaker.

15. HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN WILL BE KEY

16. Marrying a relevant user experience with the appropriate interface will be key. Sensors embedded in a
shirt to free up space coupled with a watch interface that delivers the information from clothing is one
example. Another example of providing a good user experience is embedding technology in devices
that are familiar, like headphones.
According to an industry report by Rock Health, a health incubator and fund based in San Francisco,
California, one of the biggest barriers to engagement is at the onset of using the device. Meaning,
quite literally, the pain of getting it out of the box and setting it up. Reports indicate that close to 10
percent of technology products are returned before they are even used.
“We started with headphones because our audience were athletes and
weekend warriors. They already wore headphones when they worked out so it
made sense. Why make them work harder and purchase another device?”
- Dr. Steven LeBoeuf, Founder and President of Valencell

17. GETTING PERSONAL

18. In 2013, over 70 million wearable devices were sold and by 2016 that number
will reach over 90 million. With that said, the adoption rate will slow or decline if
these devices don’t provide more meaning and context about how to improve
our health, fitness, and life based upon our goals and needs.
To truly connect the data, simplifying the communication between devices
through a universal API will become critically important. It will start when
devices talk to each other. Thanks to your phone’s G.P.S., RFID, or Bluetooth,
you’ll get a personalized workout plan the second you arrive at the gym and
adjust the intensity based upon your previous workout, cortisol levels and
hydration.

19. THE FUTURE IS ALREADY HERE...SORT OF

20. Companies and startups are already creating new ways to measure health and performance and help
people be more productive. Parents and their children are finding significant value in products like
Sqord - the first wearable for kids that helps curb childhood obesity and improve children’s health. It
uses sensors to track activity and provides feedback and motivation to help kids move more.
Companies like Fitlinxx are also changing the
game with their new product, AmpStrip. The
heart rate and activity tracking monitor is
designed to stick to the wearer’s torso and be
left for a week or more at a time. Once they’re
done with it, they can remove it like a bandaid
and recharge, add adhesive and put it back on.
Photo credit: Sqord

21. While wearable technology is still in its infancy, the growth
and excitement around them will ensure the technology
matures rapidly over the next few years.