3 Things to Consider Before Building an Apple Watch App
Building an Apple Watch app is not just about getting things done from your developers. Just like any other apps, the development must be strategised, organised, and designed to fulfil the need of end-users.
In this article, we’ll discuss three things you need to consider before you take the Apple Watch path.
1. Is an Apple Watch app right for you?
It's easy to let the idea of an Apple Watch app enamour you. However, when deciding to include Apple Watch as a part of your development strategy, it’s important to consider whether it’s a viable option. Your decision will not only influence the developers but the scope and flexibility of the app too.
If you’re in doubt, here’s a checklist to help you determine if an Apple Watch app is right for your service or product:
- Do you already have an iPhone app?
- Will a Watch app make your offering more convenient or useful?
- Can the content or functionality be delivered at a glance?
- Can your UI be distilled into microinteractions?
- Will it help you achieve your business goals?
If you answer yes to every question above then you’re on the right track.
2. Is there a need for your Apple Watch app?
The fact is not every business needs an Apple Watch app.
Even if you already have an iPhone app, it doesn’t necessarily warrant an Apple Watch app. Since Apple Watch offers a completely different experience to an iPhone (more of that later), you need to revisit the process you took to validate the idea for your existing app if you want to build a Watch app as well.
Developing a Watch app is no mean feat and to justify the development, you need to support it with a solid business case. It’s only when you understand the need for it that you will be able to build a Watch app that delivers exactly what it’s supposed to do.
3. How will your customers use it?
As much as you want users to stay engaged with your Apple Watch app over a long period of time, that’s not what the Apple Watch is designed for. That means your app shouldn’t be intended for prolonged use either.
In contrast to building an app for an iPhone where users seemingly cannot keep their eyes off their device, interactions on an Apple Watch are supposed to be casual and brief: checking an email, changing a meeting date, capturing a short audio note, etc.
Before you decide to build an Apple Watch app, picture yourself in the context in which your prospects will use it, and whether you can get them in and out of it as quickly as possible.
Pro tip: An Apple Watch is an extension of an iPhone, not a replacement of it. The key to delivering an excellent Watch user experience is focusing on the core functionality and not trying to replicate every feature from your iPhone app on Apple Watch.
Decided an Apple Watch app is the right move?
If you’ve considered every element we’ve pointed out above and you think your business could benefit from an Apple Watch app, let’s hear from you.
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