Untapped Potential of Wearables

Raymond I Norris III, Senior Product Manager for Innovation and Disruption at First National Bank of Omaha

Think wearable technology is a recent invention? Think again. The allure of technology connected to our bodies stretches back centuries. In China's Qing Dynasty, abacus rings allowed calculations on the go, hinting at the future of fashion and function. Even Napoleon Bonaparte's sister, Caroline Murat, sported one of the first wristwatches, and rumors persist of Napoleon himself wielding one with a built-in abacus–a fascinating early example of iconic wearable technology.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and wearables underwent a digital revolution. Battery-powered watches, beepers, and cassette/CD players adorned the hips of trendsetters, blending utility with fashion. But wearables weren't just fads; the late 80s saw life alert devices emerge, prioritizing health and safety, highlighting wearable potential beyond mere fashion and tech-focused trends.

This historical context underscores that the current wave of smartwatches, fitness trackers, Bluetooth headphones, and smart rings isn't an isolated phenomenon. It's the latest chapter in our reliance on technology in how we interact with the physical world. My recent exploration at CES in Las Vegas offered firsthand experience of this dynamic, iterative field, showcasing the ever-evolving blending of technology, fashion, and function.

The sheer diversity of designs at CES was captivating. Some devices leaned towards bulky and futuristic, emphasizing performance over aesthetics. However, the thought lingered: wouldn't seamless integration into daily lives require designs resembling their traditional counterparts? Augmented reality glasses, for instance, could benefit from mirroring regular glasses to encourage wider adoption.

While this observation reflects my personal sentiment, consider the success of substantial wearables like Apple Vision Pro (not present at CES). This challenges the notion that sleek minimalism holds the key to mainstream appeal, suggesting a consumer openness to larger wearables and raising questions about future design directions.

Yet, CES also offered glimpses that transcended current expectations, hinting at an exciting future. Imagine eyeglasses providing contextual information about your surroundings, visualizing menu items before ordering, or accessing product details while browsing store shelves. Picture the convenience of assessing clothing fit or visualizing furniture in your living space without physical interactions.

As wearable technology continues its ascent, its transformative impact extends beyond our current imagination. CES showcased wearables hinting at a future where these devices redefine how we interact with the physical world. Beyond the expected applications – AR glasses offering real-time information or fitness trackers monitoring health – the true potential lies in uncharted territories.

Consider the untapped possibilities of revolutionizing communication, enhancing safety, or fundamentally altering our approach to learning and productivity. As wearables seamlessly embed themselves into our routines, their untapped potential holds the promise of reshaping aspects of our lives in ways we can't yet fully comprehend.

The journey into the future of wearable technology is one rich with innovation, creativity, and the potential to redefine our daily experiences. Detractors whisper dystopian visions, and I acknowledge their anxieties. But I, like many others, remain optimistic, believing in a physical future enhanced and illuminated by wearables that will be as enriching as it is revolutionary.