“Know the device's possibilities and limitations”
Smartwatch App Design Guideline
Getting to know a wearable device implies more than observation in one dimension, In order to design apps for them, a full conscience of their characteristics, differences, limitations and degree of dependence or independence from other devices is required.
As in most things, the outside characteristics are as important as the inner qualities. Thus, the detailed study of the "face" of a device -its screen- can lead to different design patterns while considering its size, form and shape, the colors it displays, how it expresses itself in terms of image.
Also, it is relevant to be aware of the rest of the device's "body": the camera, the microphone, its posture and ergonomics. And finally, the way it manages its energy, the use or abuse of battery, the fact that it should be independent and stand by itself and have an autonomous character even though connectivity is not guaranteed.
Design being aware of the different characteristics on every device. Consider limitations -such as battery life and screen size-, accessibility and ergonomics.
Design must work as a standalone when in need, since connectivity is not guaranteed.
Some watchfaces provide alternative designs displaying perfectly the time and elements for the different screens available in the smartwatch such as: square, rounded, rectangular, and even the irregular bezel of a smartwatch model.
This app has an independent design, because it has the possibility to leave the cellphone at the user's home, saving the data in the smartwatch. So users can run freely and when reunited with the cellphone an automatic synchronization takes place.
The app displays words and phrases that are cut off the screen, since it was designed only for square devices.