As more and more products become ‘smarter’, retaining a sense of the status quo, or an anchor to tow you in from the
rapid waves of change is increasingly becoming a focal point of discussion. Our contribution to this discussion is the
Gear S3. We’ve perfected a wearable device that exceeds the limitations of analogue with innovative digital
technology, yet pays the deepest homage to the craftsmen who breathed life into timepieces of old. The watch you are
familiar with fused with the smart technology, we introduce the Samsung Gear S3, the smartwatch.
The Gear S3 frontier was designed to appeal to the tech savvy gadget prone 20-30 somethings.
Business, leisure, outdoor or even in a board room, we designed the Gear S3 frontier to perform in any
setting or environment. With that, we designed a watch that looks and acts the way it should,
as a workhorse that is equally elegant in a three piece as it is rugged in the great wilderness of nature.
CASE DESIGN
The large bezel, hefty body and accentuated buttons convey an
image of both refinement and sturdiness. We also took extra care in
the actual experience of interacting with the device to ensure each
function could be accessed and used with as little hassle as
possible. Small elevations around the face as well as the slope and
depression of the screen protects it from exterior shock, with
specially designed bezel knurlings and buttons for easy use even
with gloves on for say, the mountainside or snow slopes. Instead of
markers for telling time the actual numbers were used for a more
sporty quick-check appeal.
BAND DESIGN
With outdoor activities come dust, mud and perspiration.
To counter this, we chose silicon that is durable but also steadfast
against humidity. In line with this the band was designed to be
functional, with minute groove patterns on the inside of the band to
repel moisture droplets as well as other foreign particles that may
get in between your wrist and the Gear S3 frontier.
The Gear S3 classic is aimed for 20-30 somethings who value function and practicality with an
inherent sense of style. A more hip, younger design with no frills was the approach for this
version of the Gear S3. Added to that was the diverse range of wristbands for the trendsetters
and younger generation of users to express themselves in their own unique way.
CASE DESIGN
The Gear S3 classic really raises the bar in terms of detail and
quality. The minute points of detail in the index and crown attest
to this; laser marking techniques for the index, as well as many
renditions and different shapes and sizes were considered to
achieve that perfect balance found in a well crafted luxury watch.
BAND DESIGN
The in-body band of the Gear S3 classic is minimal and simple in
design. To convey a non specific gender appeal we chose a more
natural color choice of olive green and navy blue.
Also, the leather we chose was tempered to look sophisticated yet
reliable, choosing a leather texture that wasn’t too prominent but
just enough to know it’s there.
Recently, consumers are seeing smartwatches not as smart
devices on your wrist but a multi-purpose timepiece.
As such, refinement was the key concept for the design of
the Gear S3. We undertook an exhaustive study of
timepieces, surveyed a wide range of users and attempted
to define the size and form factor of a watch that makes it
just that, a watch.
MATERIAL
Stainless steel 316L, the most commonly used material for
watches, was selected for the Gear S3. Without any added
temperament, the surface of this material is quite elegant and
durable. Adding to this are simple modification molding
as well as tempering finishes to create a device that is not only
sophisticated but sturdy and reliable.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
We learned from watch manufacturers from around the world, gathering
insight into their skills and craft of assembling a delicate and highly
complex machine. The Gear S3 is the perfect marriage of such traditional
professionalism and digital innovation. The rounded sharp edges of the
case, the sunray brush finish on the bezel (chosen from a variety of test
run variations) all show the attention to detail and quality put into the
form of the device. Above all, the emphasis was to design a smart device
timepiece that actually looked like one. To do so, extra care was taken in
designing the crown of the watch to realize the ideal of a watch.
BEZEL INTERFACE
The Gear S3 bezel interface, now the defining characteristic of the device was
inspired by the outdoor rugged or deep diver nautical watches. A tactical
experience to what is primarily a digital function, the bezel has 24 detent that
cover the gamut of functions found in the Gear S3. To better accommodate the
circular face the interface was redesigned specifically for the Gear S3.
CIRCULAR UX
The circular UX, first introduced in the Gear S2 was received as the
ideal form factor for smartwatch devices and quickly established
itself as the defining identity of the Gear series. The new Gear S3
builds upon this basis and introduces a new direction in wearable
UX design with circular display and rotating bezel. The circular
display is ideal for quick and easy user intereaction. Text and other
information is centered for easy-to-read display. Lists when
centered expand out and become larger for better legibility, taking
full advantage of a circular shape display. In short, a UX design
takes advantage of the circular screen for improved usability.
HANDWRITING
Handwritten text are automatically converted and sent as messages
HANDWRITING
Handwritten text are automatically converted and sent as messages
WEATHER
Check weather in real time with handy widgets
REMINDER
Save important dates and to-dos
ALTIMETER
Assisting outdoor activities with useful functions
SPEEDOMETER
Keep pace with your running or cycling records
WATCH FACE
Like a master watchmaker carefully placing the hour and minute hands
in place, the watch face of the Samsung Gear S3 has been carefully
considered and set in place. The near microscopic details of a watch
piece have been painstakingly recreated digitally in the Gear S3 with
added function that can only be realized in a digital environment such
as weather updates, schedule reminders, bpm rates, and pedometer.
Coupled with that are the two style of Gear S3 to choose from with a
variety of watch faces to appeal to even the most discerning of users.
Add the realistic lighting effects, dimensional shading and texture
emulated from an analogue timepiece and you have a smartwatch that
no longer feels or looks like one.
ALWAYS ON DISPLAY
The new Samsung Gear S3 is not just a new smart device but a
wearable one that complements your way of life. A watch, of course
tells time. However, it is also a statement of one’s lifestyle.
That’s why the Always On Display has been improved upon. With a
newly structured low energy setting the watch face can always be on,
with more vibrant color and detail. A good example of this is the
second hand movement, you’ll forget it’s pixels. With this newly added
function, a vast array of Always On Displays have been designed to
match your taste.
HEALTH APP
The Gear S3 Health app has been improved to help you stay healthy and in
shape. As the Gear S3 will be with you pretty much all day, it understands
your lifestyle patterns and doesn’t miss those opportunities to motivate you
on your feet. The auto detection function runs an algorithm that detects how
long you’ve been sitting or lying down. Then, the Health Nudge function kicks
in and suggests a workout, light stroll or stretches to loosen yourself up. The
improved user-friendly 24-Hour Log monitors your 24 hours day and
monitors your health without you even knowing.
A design approach that touches the hearts and minds of
users is the most progressive. By developing a smartwatch
that is more than a normal timepiece, in all aspects!
Even going beyond the basic functions of a smart device by
innovating your way of life, the Samsung Gear S3 begins your
journey of Meaningful Innovation as a new vision in wearable
technology. Join us. Join the Journey.
