Quickey
This project's objective was to design a smartwatch application encompassing a minimum of three screens, with a two-week timeframe for completion. The result was Quickey, an app dedicated to storing all your keys directly on your smartwatch.
To kick off the project, our group embarked on a brainstorming session. We focused on two extensive categories: health and travel, and produced a mind map that encapsulated our ideas. After identifying potential connections among these ideas, we started crafting concepts for our smartwatch screens. I conducted thorough research on smartwatch design principles, focusing on minimalist design, micro-interactions, device integration, usability testing, responsiveness, and functionality optimisation. This research significantly informed and enhanced my design process.
Research
One of my initial ideas was centred around enhancing mental well-being. I envisioned a smartwatch capable of detecting stress or anxiety levels and responding with positive affirmations and calming tips. By providing real-time insights into the wearer's emotional state, this approach aimed to offer timely support for mental health and promote mindfulness. While this was an empathetic and valuable concept, my focus shifted to a more practical and prevalent idea—digital keys on a smartwatch. These digital keys aimed to simplify access control by integrating them into a wearable device, offering a convenient and secure solution for modern living.
Idea Generation
I carefully selected and prioritised screens to include in the UI. The design process involved considerations for security, which led to the inclusion of a password screen, offering familiarity and usability. The home screen design was inspired by the user-friendly Apple Wallet layout, combined with alternative ideas from my sketches. I concluded that using key cards was the most straightforward and aesthetically pleasing choice. In terms of icons, I initially considered physical keys but found that padlocks provided a clear representation of locked and unlocked states.
Process
Creating a colour palette was the next step. Blue was chosen as the primary colour, symbolising security, while other neutral colours ensured compatibility with existing smartwatch apps. A secondary colour palette with bright hues was introduced for the key cards. The UI began to take shape, but I felt it was incomplete without notifications to alert users about unlocked items and important events. These notifications were designed to align with Apple's notification centre for a cohesive look.
The journey continued with logo creation. Inspired by my sketches, I designed a modern logo that required some experimentation before reaching the final design and colour choices. To name the project, I turned to ChatGPT, leading to the perfect name "QuicKey." Additionally, I selected the "Mullish" typeface for its clean and simple characteristics to enhance the brand's visual identity.
UI and Brand Application
The critique I received on this project proved invaluable. A suggestion to add illustrations to the key cards to enhance their visual appeal resonated with me. In response, I created icons corresponding to the key names and incorporated them onto the cards. These icons shared the same colour as the cards but in a slightly darker shade to introduce depth.
Reflection
While I enjoyed this project, time constraints limited my ability to bring all my ideas to life. It underscored the need to work more efficiently in the future. Additionally, I would have liked more time to thoroughly explore the branding aspects. These limitations serve as valuable lessons for future projects, and I look forward to continued growth as a UX/UI designer. This case study captures the journey of a project filled with creative ideation, practical design choices, and a commitment to improvement in the world of UX/UI design.
Want to read more?
Check out my Notion blog for a full breakdown of this project