Concept:
As wearables began to take off, the luxury goods industry was lagging behind in adapting to the growing trend. We were tasked with designing a luxury “personal assistant” for Gucci, a product that would address the current functionality of devices available at the time while introducing innovative features not yet offered. With competitors like Samsung Gear, Motorola Moto 360, and the upcoming Apple Watch, our goal was to create a high-end wearable that was as fashionable as it was functional, blending luxury with cutting-edge technology for the modern, fast-paced individual.
Design:
The design focused on sophistication, combining Gucci’s signature style with the simplicity of a user-friendly interface. We envisioned a smartwatch that could easily sync with both Apple and Android devices, making it accessible for all users, including those who were not tech-savvy. The watch was designed to allow users to quickly glance at their wrist to check upcoming meetings, read and send emails, view and respond to text messages, check the weather, and place calls.
We paid special attention to the aesthetics by ensuring that the touchscreen would be compatible with existing Gucci watchbands. This allowed the watch face to remain sleek and not excessively large or cumbersome, a common issue with competing products at the time. Additionally, the user interface would feature customizable themes, allowing users to personalize their experience according to their preferences.
Challenges:
One of the key challenges was designing a wearable that could maintain Gucci’s luxurious image while incorporating the functionality required for a smartwatch. It was essential to balance elegance with technology, ensuring that the device would appeal to both fashion-forward individuals and those seeking practical tech. Additionally, achieving seamless integration with both Apple and Android devices while keeping the user interface intuitive and accessible for non-tech-savvy users presented its own set of hurdles.
Another challenge was ensuring that the smartwatch’s design was compact and comfortable, avoiding the large, bulky feel that characterized many other wearables at the time. We also had to consider the evolving technology landscape and ensure the watch could remain relevant as new tech advances emerged.
Vision:
Our vision was to create a luxury wearable that would redefine the intersection of fashion and technology. This personal assistant was envisioned not just as a device, but as an extension of the wearer’s lifestyle—elegant, functional, and always connected. By offering seamless integration with smartphones and a sophisticated, customizable interface, the Gucci wearable would appeal to both the tech-savvy and the style-conscious, ultimately setting a new standard for luxury wearables. It was about delivering a product that felt as at home in a high-powered business meeting as it did on a night out, a product that kept pace with the modern world while remaining firmly grounded in Gucci’s timeless design philosophy.
