As wearable technology becomes the “it” girl of 2013, we’re bound to see a lot of new products pour into this hot new market space. Naturally most will fail to capture an audience or the user’s imagination. Below are a few products that are bound to dissapper before the year’s end.
Hi-Call Bluetooth Talking Glove
Hi-Call is a Bluetooth glove that allows you to talk to through your hand. Paired with your mobile phone, the left glove has a speaker and a microphone sewn into the thumb and pinkie.
Why it will fail: Because you look like a dork holding your hand to your face.
EMBRACE+, smart notification bracelet for iPhone and Android
Failing to raise its $220,000 goal on Kickstarter, Embrace+ is an illuminated bracelet that notifies the user of incoming calls, texts, etc.
Why it failed: (1) Design: Unless you’re a rave kid or under 5, the design of the bracelet leaves much to be desired.
(2) Lack of Value: There’s not enough of a value proposition in the product for it to be desirable. It feels more like a feature than a full product. To wear something just to get social media alerts is not enough.
(3) UX Design: This wearable requires my active attention to recognize alerts. Why not a gentle buzz instead of lights?
LinkMe – Smart Message Readout + Alert Band for Your Phone
LinkMe is an LED bracelet that allows users to receive scrolling messages on their wrist . Currently on Kickstarter, Linkme is seeking 100K for production.
Why it will fail: (1) Design: Just because the Nike Fuelband+ is a clunky plastic bracelet with a scrollable LED display, it certainly doesn’t mean it’s fashionable yet alone wearable. Context matters. The Fuelband is situated in an ecosystem of fitness gadgets while the LinkMe seems to be positioning itself as a lifestyle consumer product. If you want people to wear it, learn from Swatch and make it fashionable.
(2) Lack of Value: Similar to the EMBRACE+ wearable, there’s not enough of a value proposition in the product for it to be desirable. I like the idea of glanceable messages but unfortunately I will not wear a big plastic scrollable LED bracelet just for that feature.
(3) UX: If the messages are personal, then why are they scrolling on your wrist for all to see? Design for intimacy if that is indeed the intention.
Everpurse
Everpurse is line of handbags that has a pocket that can charge your mobile device. The purse itself is charged on a charging mat via inductive charging.
Why it will fail: (1) Price: $250 for a simple clutch? Ouch! Without brand recognition and value, charging hundreds of dollars for a wristlet is outrageous.
(2) UX: Because asking me to charge my purse is asking too much. To request such a huge behavior change from your user, you must offer them something of great value in return. It’s annoying enough to have to charge my phone. Having to charge my purse to charge my phone is even more annoying.
Any other products you wish to add to this list? Add to comments below.
