Multiple Smart Watches
Wimm Module Based Smart Watches.
for Wimm Labs.
Wimm Labs was a San Francisco-based startup focused on developing smart modules designed to enable innovative wearable technologies.
They developed the “Wimm Module”, the world's first compact-sized smart module, with a vision to highlight the versatility and potential of the technology.
Wimm Labs planned to unveil the “Wimm Module” at CES 2011, with the goal of demonstrating a wide range of possible applications and emphasizing how the device’s compact form factor could be leveraged to create next-generation wearable solutions.
Challenge: Prioritizing the Right Wearable Form to Maximize Impact.
The compact “Wimm module” enabled a wide range of wearable possibilities. Ideally, the most effective way to showcase its long-term potential would be to demonstrate every wearable concept that could integrate the “Wimm Module”. However, due to the time constraints of CES 2011, this was not feasible.
This limitation required the team to focus and prioritize. The key question became: Which wearable form factor would most effectively showcase the Wimm Module’s potential as a compelling smart device?
To answer this, the Altitude team collaborated closely with the Wimm Labs team, aligning on a strategy that prioritized the smartwatch as the lead concept, based on the following design and business considerations:
Lifestyle Relevance: The smartwatch is an intuitive and relatable product that easily resonates with audiences as a lifestyle-enhancing device.
Aesthetic Flexibility: It offers opportunities to explore a wide range of visual styles and material choices, appealing to diverse user preferences.
Partnership Potential: It presents strong opportunities for collaborative ventures with watchmakers and wearable tech brands, expanding the product’s reach and business potential.
An Attractive and Approachable Lifestyle Component that Naturally Integrates into People’s Lives While Pioneering Smart Wearable
Technology.
The main goal of this project was to showcase the possibilities of the “Wimm Module” as a smart wearable device at CES 2011. The team decided presenting this through a smartwatch form factor, and the design team’s focus became how to maximize the impact of the showcase through watch design featuring the Wimm Module.
After multiple rounds of internal and external brainstorming, both with and without the Wimm Labs team, the design team established a clear design direction: to create an approachable lifestyle component that naturally integrates into people’s lives while pioneering wearable technology. This direction aimed to help people easily understand the product’s benefits in a simple way, presenting it as an attractive, high-tech lifestyle smart wearable device.
Design development proceeded based on this design direction.
Smart Technology Framed by Design — “The Frame”
“The Frame” is defined by its refined metallic border—a simple, minimal structure that quietly elevates the screen as the focal point of interaction. Its clean geometry and restrained form draw the eye inward, where technology meets intention.
A distinctive strap integration detail bridges the language of traditional watchmaking with a contemporary sensibility, creating a thoughtful balance between heritage and innovation.
With its harmonious fusion of classic and modern design cues, “The Frame” blends effortlessly into your lifestyle—subtle in presence, yet elevated in purpose—enriching your everyday through smart, seamless functionality.
“The New Classic” — Where Timeless Emotion Meets Modern Innovation
Inspired by the simplicity and elegance of minimal classic watches, “The New Classic” is crafted to feel like a trusted companion. Its leather strap enriches the design, adding depth to its timeless character.
By seamlessly integrating classic emotional appeal with cutting-edge smart technology, “The New Classic” transforms everyday moments into a refined, meaningful experience.
Awareness and Presence of Smart Technology in “The Vigil”
With its bold, structured masculine silhouette, “The Vigil” embodies discipline and gravitas, serving as a timeless vessel for advanced smart technology.
The distinctive micro-texture along the screen subtly highlights the primary interaction zone, showcasing precision craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
“The Vigil” commands attention on your wrist, merging smart technology with a strong sense of presence and intentionality.
Desirable to Touch. Desirable to Interact. Like “The Pebble.”
“The Pebble” embodies pure minimalism with its sleek, concise form and gentle, inviting curves—designed to captivate the senses and welcome interaction as a gateway to timeless smart technology.
Its understated elegance seamlessly complements any lifestyle, becoming a subtle yet essential companion that enhances daily life through intuitive smart features.
Experience the tactile harmony of “The Pebble”—your calm, sophisticated partner in everyday moments.
Well-deserved for its thoughtful design.
WIMM Labs successfully showcased their smart module and wearable concept through various watch frames at CES 2011.
As one of the pioneers of smart wearable devices—especially in watch form—it inspired many other developers in the wearable tech space and demonstrated the business potential of combining smart technology with lifestyle products.
Building on this success, WIMM Labs was acquired by Google in 2013.
*All watch frames were developed exclusively for the CES 2011 showcase.
Design Team:
Joongoo Lee, Nathan Careless (Industrial Design Lead), Philip Leung (Project Lead) and Gregor Mittersinker (Project Manager)
Design Credit:
Wimm Labs (acquired by Google in 2013)
Altitude, Inc.
Exhibition:
CES 2011. Las Vegas. NV.
Published: