Leading up to the invention of the Apple Watch Pulse, my partner and I were challenged with developing an innovative tech product that addresses a real consumer need. Understanding that impactful innovation often begins by solving small, everyday problems, we began by identifying minor user frustrations that could be expanded into meaningful solutions.

Our Process

We focused on a common issue among Apple Watch users: forgetting to wear their devices in the morning. While my partner explored ways to reduce the time it takes to put the watch on, I proposed another idea—what if users didn’t have to take it off in the first place? This insight led to the development of the Apple Watch Pulse, a concept designed for extended, uninterrupted wear, maximizing convenience and usability.

Key Insights

  • Health Tracking: 85% of Apple Watch users engage with at least one health metric daily.

  • Ban on Bands: 15-20% of Apple Watch users have reported discomfort due to the band material, especially with silicon and leather bands.

  • Alternative Placement: Some Apple users have reported placing their Apple Watch on their ankles rather than their wrists for more accurate step reading.

Initial Concepts

In the early stages of the design process, we focused on understanding user behavior, particularly how many Apple Watch users wear their devices for extended periods to track fitness and health data. We identified an opportunity to improve comfort, especially during sleep, which could enhance continuous health monitoring. Inspired by reports of users wearing their Apple Watches on alternative body parts, we explored the concept of creating bands ergonomically designed to fit other pulse points on the body.

The Drawing Board

As my partner and I continued addressing user pain points, we identified an opportunity for a more innovative solution that could dramatically reduce discomfort and usability challenges. This led us to explore a bold new direction: a wearable device that could adhere directly to the body using medical-grade adhesive. Designed for multi-day use, this concept prioritized comfort, flexibility, and seamless integration into users' daily routines—offering a new approach to health monitoring.

Final Design Concept

Optimized for both comfort and performance, the final design of the Apple Watch Pulse consists of two core components. The first is a flexible, skin-friendly frame that adheres to the body using medical-grade adhesive. It is engineered for optimal airflow, reducing skin irritation and ensuring minimal discomfort during extended wear. The second component is a durable port attachment that securely connects to the frame, keeping it stable while maintaining full functionality

Launch Campaign Strategy

For the launch of the Apple Watch Pulse, we aligned our marketing approach with Apple’s core values of innovation made accessible to everyone. Our goal was to highlight the groundbreaking nature of the design while emphasizing that this product isn’t just for tech enthusiasts or elite athletes—it’s for everyday people and their families. By focusing on inclusivity and real-life impact, the campaign positioned the Apple Watch Pulse as a seamless, forward-thinking solution designed to enhance daily wellness for all.

Key Personal Takeaways

This project reinforced the importance of user-centered innovation by addressing everyday frustrations to create meaningful solutions. I gained experience identifying unmet needs, designing ergonomic wearable technology for extended use, and balancing technical feasibility with user comfort. Collaborating on the marketing strategy highlighted the value of aligning product positioning with core brand values and, overall, strengthened my skills in combining insight-driven design with strategic marketing to deliver impactful, user-focused technology.

Summary