HEIR: A Screenless Wearable Aimed at Supporting Healthy Habits
Improving an existing smart wearable and live iOS app set for public launch in August 2025.
8 min read
March 2025 - Present
Group project
UX researcher, Product Designer
Figma, Qualtrics, Useberry, R Studio, Zoom, ClickUp
Full Report
Figma Design File
The Problem
The Problem
The Problem
While traditional smartwatches and fitness trackers are excellent tools for monitoring activity, users often face several common challenges with these devices.
While traditional smartwatches and fitness trackers are excellent tools for monitoring activity, users often face several common challenges with these devices.
While traditional smartwatches and fitness trackers are excellent tools for monitoring activity, users often face several common challenges with these devices.
Solution
Solution
Solution
About
Ganance HEIR is a discreet, screenless smart sensor designed to stick behind traditional analog wristwatches, converting them into a smartwatch. It tracks activity and is aimed at subtle medium-long term habit formation. It offers -
About
Ganance HEIR is a discreet, screenless smart sensor designed to stick behind traditional analog wristwatches, converting them into a smartwatch. It tracks activity and is aimed at subtle medium-long term habit formation. It offers -
About
Ganance HEIR is a discreet, screenless smart sensor designed to stick behind traditional analog wristwatches, converting them into a smartwatch. It tracks activity and is aimed at subtle medium-long term habit formation. It offers -
Minimal Intrusion/Cognitive Load
Adaptive Goals
Smart Suggestions
Haptic Alerts/Feedback
Tap Gesture Control
Research
Research
Research
Goals
Goals
Goals
Competitive Analysis
We looked at five popular wearables—Oura, Whoop, Withings ScanWatch, Fitbit, and Apple Watch—to see what they do well and where they fall short. This helped us figure out how HEIR could stand out. Here's the breakdown -
Competitive Analysis
We looked at five popular wearables—Oura, Whoop, Withings ScanWatch, Fitbit, and Apple Watch—to see what they do well and where they fall short. This helped us figure out how HEIR could stand out. Here's the breakdown -
Competitive Analysis
We looked at five popular wearables—Oura, Whoop, Withings ScanWatch, Fitbit, and Apple Watch—to see what they do well and where they fall short. This helped us figure out how HEIR could stand out. Here's the breakdown -
Works with any watch
No screen → no distractions
Designed for building habits, not just tracking data
Supports behavior change through subtle Cues
Affordable Subscription
Simple, clean UX
Privacy-forward by design
Lightweight form factor
No app bloat — just essential features
42-hour battery life (good, but could be better)
Still need to validate advanced behavior models
Android Beta Available
Survey Insights
We conducted a survey to capture quantifiable insights into user behavior, device usability, and perceptions surrounding wearable health trackers. A total of 84 responses were analyzed. The survey was conducted on Qualtrics and analyzed in R Studio.
Survey Insights
We conducted a survey to capture quantifiable insights into user behavior, device usability, and perceptions surrounding wearable health trackers. A total of 84 responses were analyzed. The survey was conducted on Qualtrics and analyzed in R Studio.
Survey Insights
We conducted a survey to capture quantifiable insights into user behavior, device usability, and perceptions surrounding wearable health trackers. A total of 84 responses were analyzed. The survey was conducted on Qualtrics and analyzed in R Studio.
Apple Watch is the most used (51%). Followed by Fitbit (16.4%)
Reasons for discontinued use of wearables
loss of novelty, discomfort, notification overload, and lack of motivation tools.
Gesture interest is real
Many users want to customize gestures.
Most wearables are used in basic ways
Top uses are step tracking (30.8%), fitness (26.9%), and notifications (24%). Less than 10% use them for sleep, heart rate, or recovery.
Vibration is the preferred feedback
But users turn it off when find notifications unhelpful.
Minimalism is appealing—but must be smart
~40% liked the idea of a screenless device. But concerns remain about missing urgent notifications or confusing feedback.
Habits users want help with are
Nudges: posture, hydration, screen breaks, and daily routines (wake/sleep).
Most users want 3–5 nudges per day — not more.
Users who find notifications helpful are more likely to report habit improvement.
User Interviews
We conducted 3 in-depth interviews with users aged 32–37, each with prior experience using smartwatches or fitness trackers (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit, COROS). Some of the common issues were -
User Interviews
We conducted 3 in-depth interviews with users aged 32–37, each with prior experience using smartwatches or fitness trackers (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit, COROS). Some of the common issues were -
User Interviews
We conducted 3 in-depth interviews with users aged 32–37, each with prior experience using smartwatches or fitness trackers (e.g., Apple Watch, Fitbit, COROS). Some of the common issues were -
Notification Fatigue
“Even when I turned half of them off, something was still buzzing. I started ignoring all of it eventually.”
Preference for Autonomy
“I just want it to tell me how I’m doing, not guilt-trip me with streaks or whatever.”
Aesthetic and Form Factor Concerns
“It works, yeah, but I don’t always wear it ’cause it looks weird with dressier stuff.”
Battery Life = Retention
“The battery thing was huge. If it died every day, I’d just stop bothering.”
Minimalist, Non-Intrusive Design Wins
“Honestly I like when it just runs in the background. I don’t want to think about it.”
Haptic Differentiation is important
Context-Awareness is Crucial
Trust in Data Matters
Laying the foundation
After receiving validation from our early exploratory research—surveys, interviews, and informal discussions—we identified several core focus areas. These directly aligned with the foundational principle behind HEIR: the Calm Tech Principle (Weiser & Brown, 1997; Calm Technology, n.d.). This principle emphasizes—
Laying the foundation
After receiving validation from our early exploratory research—surveys, interviews, and informal discussions—we identified several core focus areas. These directly aligned with the foundational principle behind HEIR: the Calm Tech Principle (Weiser & Brown, 1997; Calm Technology, n.d.). This principle emphasizes—
Laying the foundation
After receiving validation from our early exploratory research—surveys, interviews, and informal discussions—we identified several core focus areas. These directly aligned with the foundational principle behind HEIR: the Calm Tech Principle (Weiser & Brown, 1997; Calm Technology, n.d.). This principle emphasizes—
From Calm Technology to Behavioral UX
Behavioral science and UX research formed the backbone of HEIR’s functional and interaction design. Our goal was to apply behavioral UX principles to reduce cognitive load while subtly reinforcing positive habit formation.
From Calm Technology to Behavioral UX
Behavioral science and UX research formed the backbone of HEIR’s functional and interaction design. Our goal was to apply behavioral UX principles to reduce cognitive load while subtly reinforcing positive habit formation.
From Calm Technology to Behavioral UX
Behavioral science and UX research formed the backbone of HEIR’s functional and interaction design. Our goal was to apply behavioral UX principles to reduce cognitive load while subtly reinforcing positive habit formation.
We started reviewing literature from Behavioral Science from the very beginning, and this wasn’t a linear process.
Fogg’s model became our backbone framework. It taught us:
Signal-first haptics
Escalate only when needed
One-tap actions
Nudge at high-ability moments
Make effort feel easy
This study reviewed 41 papers to understand how digital tools help form exercise habits.
Low-attention by design
Passive + external + minimal input
Repeatable gentle cues
Reinforce to build habit
Context-aware, not dashboard-driven
This study found that tactile feedback made exercise feel easier and more enjoyable.
Silent by default
Distinct vibration patterns
Small, learnable haptic set
Hybrid for review moments
Use push sparingly
Fogg’s model became our backbone framework. It taught us:
Signal-first haptics
Escalate only when needed
One-tap actions
Nudge at high-ability moments
Make effort feel easy
This study reviewed 41 papers to understand how digital tools help form exercise habits.
Low-attention by design
Passive + external + minimal input
Repeatable gentle cues
Reinforce to build habit
Context-aware, not dashboard-driven
This study found that tactile feedback made exercise feel easier and more enjoyable.
Silent by default
Distinct vibration patterns
Small, learnable haptic set
Hybrid for review moments
Use push sparingly
Bringing it All Together
Bringing it All Together
Bringing it All Together
Figjam Ideation Doc
By this point, it was clear that we were working toward a product that required minimal attention, remained unobtrusive, and supported subtle, medium- to long-term habit formation. We had identified the major constraints that shaped people’s perspectives on engaging in healthy activity. The next step was to bring everything together.
By this point, it was clear that we were working toward a product that required minimal attention, remained unobtrusive, and supported subtle, medium- to long-term habit formation. We had identified the major constraints that shaped people’s perspectives on engaging in healthy activity. The next step was to bring everything together.
By this point, it was clear that we were working toward a product that required minimal attention, remained unobtrusive, and supported subtle, medium- to long-term habit formation. We had identified the major constraints that shaped people’s perspectives on engaging in healthy activity. The next step was to bring everything together.
Core System Behavior
Core System Behavior
Core System Behavior
All of this eventually led us to define some core device behaviors. These are the device’s core interaction behaviors.
All of this eventually led us to define some core device behaviors. These are the device’s core interaction behaviors.
All of this eventually led us to define some core device behaviors. These are the device’s core interaction behaviors.
Design
Design
Design
Figma Design File
Onboarding Flow
Onboarding Flow
Onboarding Flow
We aimed at collecting most of the user data during the Onboarding, with more data collected automatically during the user's prolonged use to the device.
We aimed at collecting most of the user data during the Onboarding, with more data collected automatically during the user's prolonged use to the device. Tooltips were designed to give users a brief walkthrough of the app's features.
We aimed at collecting most of the user data during the Onboarding, with more data collected automatically during the user's prolonged use to the device.
Best Practices for Components
Best Design Practices were followed for designing the components. We made sure to use reusable components throughout the interface to avoid spontaneous decision.
Best Practices for Components
Best Design Practices were followed for designing the components. We made sure to use reusable components throughout the interface to avoid spontaneous decision.
Best Practices for Components
Best Design Practices were followed for designing the components. We made sure to use reusable components throughout the interface to avoid spontaneous decision.
Primary Navigation
Designed for scan-first use, with widely recognized icons that reduce reading effort and speed recognition.
HStack(alignment: .top) { // Space Between View() Spacer() // Alternative Views and Spacers View() } .padding(.horizontal, 24) .padding(.vertical, 8) .frame(width: 393, alignment: .top) .background(Color(red: 0.09, green: 0.11, blue: 0.1)) .blur(radius: 6)
Secondary Navigation
Provides quick toggles to subpages within a top-level section for fast in-flow switching.
HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 0) { ... } .padding(.horizontal, 24) .padding(.vertical, 0) .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, minHeight: 40, maxHeight: 40, alignment: .leading) .overlay( Rectangle() .inset(by: 0.5) .stroke(Color(red: 0.85, green: 0.85, blue: 0.85), lineWidth: 1) )
Button
Follow familiar patterns with a 48 px tap target and softly rounded corners for comfortable touch interactions.
HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 0) { ... } .padding(.horizontal, 32) .padding(.vertical, 16) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .center) .background(Color(red: 0.09, green: 0.11, blue: 0.1)) .cornerRadius(16)
Setting Interaction
Uses established conventions—dropdowns for multi-choice selections and toggles for on/off controls.
VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .topLeading) .cornerRadius(16)
Input Field
Provide a minimum 48 px touch target, clear labels, and appropriate controls for each input type to support accessibility.
VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .topLeading) .cornerRadius(16)
Status Ring
Displays device connection states and charging progress at a glance.
VStack(alignment: .trailing, spacing: 2) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(maxHeight: .infinity, alignment: .trailing) Image("Progress") .frame(width: 40, height: 40) .overlay( Rectangle() .stroke(Color(red: 0.85, green: 0.85, blue: 0.85), lineWidth: 2) )
Primary Navigation
Designed for scan-first use, with widely recognized icons that reduce reading effort and speed recognition.
HStack(alignment: .top) { // Space Between View() Spacer() // Alternative Views and Spacers View() } .padding(.horizontal, 24) .padding(.vertical, 8) .frame(width: 393, alignment: .top) .background(Color(red: 0.09, green: 0.11, blue: 0.1)) .blur(radius: 6)
Secondary Navigation
Provides quick toggles to subpages within a top-level section for fast in-flow switching.
HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 0) { ... } .padding(.horizontal, 24) .padding(.vertical, 0) .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, minHeight: 40, maxHeight: 40, alignment: .leading) .overlay( Rectangle() .inset(by: 0.5) .stroke(Color(red: 0.85, green: 0.85, blue: 0.85), lineWidth: 1) )
Button
Follow familiar patterns with a 48 px tap target and softly rounded corners for comfortable touch interactions.
HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 0) { ... } .padding(.horizontal, 32) .padding(.vertical, 16) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .center) .background(Color(red: 0.09, green: 0.11, blue: 0.1)) .cornerRadius(16)
Setting Interaction
Uses established conventions—dropdowns for multi-choice selections and toggles for on/off controls.
VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .topLeading) .cornerRadius(16)
Input Field
Provide a minimum 48 px touch target, clear labels, and appropriate controls for each input type to support accessibility.
VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .topLeading) .cornerRadius(16)
Status Ring
Displays device connection states and charging progress at a glance.
VStack(alignment: .trailing, spacing: 2) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(maxHeight: .infinity, alignment: .trailing) Image("Progress") .frame(width: 40, height: 40) .overlay( Rectangle() .stroke(Color(red: 0.85, green: 0.85, blue: 0.85), lineWidth: 2) )
Primary Navigation
Designed for scan-first use, with widely recognized icons that reduce reading effort and speed recognition.
HStack(alignment: .top) { // Space Between View() Spacer() // Alternative Views and Spacers View() } .padding(.horizontal, 24) .padding(.vertical, 8) .frame(width: 393, alignment: .top) .background(Color(red: 0.09, green: 0.11, blue: 0.1)) .blur(radius: 6)
Secondary Navigation
Provides quick toggles to subpages within a top-level section for fast in-flow switching.
HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 0) { ... } .padding(.horizontal, 24) .padding(.vertical, 0) .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, minHeight: 40, maxHeight: 40, alignment: .leading) .overlay( Rectangle() .inset(by: 0.5) .stroke(Color(red: 0.85, green: 0.85, blue: 0.85), lineWidth: 1) )
Button
Follow familiar patterns with a 48 px tap target and softly rounded corners for comfortable touch interactions.
HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 0) { ... } .padding(.horizontal, 32) .padding(.vertical, 16) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .center) .background(Color(red: 0.09, green: 0.11, blue: 0.1)) .cornerRadius(16)
Setting Interaction
Uses established conventions—dropdowns for multi-choice selections and toggles for on/off controls.
VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .topLeading) .cornerRadius(16)
Input Field
Provide a minimum 48 px touch target, clear labels, and appropriate controls for each input type to support accessibility.
VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(width: 345, alignment: .topLeading) .cornerRadius(16)
Status Ring
Displays device connection states and charging progress at a glance.
VStack(alignment: .trailing, spacing: 2) { ... } .padding(0) .frame(maxHeight: .infinity, alignment: .trailing) Image("Progress") .frame(width: 40, height: 40) .overlay( Rectangle() .stroke(Color(red: 0.85, green: 0.85, blue: 0.85), lineWidth: 2) )
Data Visualization
We understand that images speak a thousand words! We followed this principle and implemented industry best practices to represent user's data for quick glances.
Data Visualization
We understand that images speak a thousand words! We followed this principle and implemented industry best practices to represent user's data for quick glances.
Data Visualization
We understand that images speak a thousand words! We followed this principle and implemented industry best practices to represent user's data for quick glances.
Activity Ring
A familiar single-metric activity ring (default: Steps) fills as progress accrues toward the daily goal, with a center shoe icon for quick recognition. The caption beneath reports either how many remain or confirms completion; the same pattern can be toggled to Calories if desired.
Bar Chart
Bar charts summarize steps by time scale—week, month, and year—with a headline showing the cumulative total for the selected period. Each bar represents a day (in week/month views) or a month (in year view); tapping a bar reveals the exact value, while goal and average guide lines give quick context against targets and typical pace.
Daily Activity Graph
An area (line-density) chart shows cumulative steps across the day, segmented into four dayparts—12–6 a.m. (overnight, unlabeled), 6 a.m.–12 p.m. (Morning), 12–6 p.m. (Afternoon), and 6–11 p.m. (Evening)—with step totals for each segment displayed above. Scrubbing the curve reveals the exact cumulative count at any moment, while the filled area emphasizes activity volume for quick comparison.
Activity Ring
A familiar single-metric activity ring (default: Steps) fills as progress accrues toward the daily goal, with a center shoe icon for quick recognition. The caption beneath reports either how many remain or confirms completion; the same pattern can be toggled to Calories if desired.
Bar Chart
Bar charts summarize steps by time scale—week, month, and year—with a headline showing the cumulative total for the selected period. Each bar represents a day (in week/month views) or a month (in year view); tapping a bar reveals the exact value, while goal and average guide lines give quick context against targets and typical pace.
Daily Activity Graph
An area (line-density) chart shows cumulative steps across the day, segmented into four dayparts—12–6 a.m. (overnight, unlabeled), 6 a.m.–12 p.m. (Morning), 12–6 p.m. (Afternoon), and 6–11 p.m. (Evening)—with step totals for each segment displayed above. Scrubbing the curve reveals the exact cumulative count at any moment, while the filled area emphasizes activity volume for quick comparison.
Activity Ring
A familiar single-metric activity ring (default: Steps) fills as progress accrues toward the daily goal, with a center shoe icon for quick recognition. The caption beneath reports either how many remain or confirms completion; the same pattern can be toggled to Calories if desired.
Bar Chart
Bar charts summarize steps by time scale—week, month, and year—with a headline showing the cumulative total for the selected period. Each bar represents a day (in week/month views) or a month (in year view); tapping a bar reveals the exact value, while goal and average guide lines give quick context against targets and typical pace.
Daily Activity Graph
An area (line-density) chart shows cumulative steps across the day, segmented into four dayparts—12–6 a.m. (overnight, unlabeled), 6 a.m.–12 p.m. (Morning), 12–6 p.m. (Afternoon), and 6–11 p.m. (Evening)—with step totals for each segment displayed above. Scrubbing the curve reveals the exact cumulative count at any moment, while the filled area emphasizes activity volume for quick comparison.