Designing for Google Glass: Essential Principles for Wearable UX

Why should we care about glasses? When I first heard about Google Glass, I was thrilled by the prospect of a wearable computer that creates an environment‑based platform for various applications.

Google Glass has huge potential: with dedicated apps and good UX, it can silently improve daily life—showing maps when you’re lost, displaying recipes while cooking, or letting you read messages without pulling out your phone.

In many cases, Google Glass acts as an extension screen for your smartphone, offering a useful supplement.

However, early experiences were disappointing: the screen quality and usability fell short, the device felt like a half‑finished engineering prototype with rough edges that could even cut fingers.

Even though Time Magazine named it the 2012 "Best Invention," 35% of consumers were uninterested in wearable computers, and another 35% considered the glasses useless.

So why focus on it? Two reasons: the situation will improve—just as early Android phones were flawed but later dominated the market, the next version of Glass could become revolutionary or a key component of Apple’s wearables. Wearable devices will eventually be a market staple.

Designing Wearable Computers

Wearable computers follow a simple rule: the device should be as close to the user as possible, making context a critical design factor.

Consider the controversial iWatch (future Apple smartwatch). Designers must account for hand tremor, size constraints, and exposure to harsh environments, all of which affect hardware and software design.

These contextual factors heavily influence Google Glass design, where even slight visual interference must be addressed.

Design Principles for Google Glass

Google Glass designers outline four key principles:

Design for Glass – Glass differs fundamentally from existing mobile platforms; designs must focus specifically on the glasses experience and consider usage scenarios.

Don’t Get in the Way – Technology should appear when needed and disappear when not, avoiding intrusive notifications and giving users appropriate control.

Stay Timely – Provide fresh, relevant information promptly; the platform excels at real‑time notifications, but delays or unclear feedback can be painful.

Avoid Surprises – Unexpected functions can be dangerous given the device’s proximity to daily activities; designers must be honest and obtain clear user consent.

Above all, simplicity is paramount. Google Glass forces developers to create task‑focused, clear interfaces that rely heavily on layout; cluttered or overly complex designs fail.

Best Case Studies

Effective Glass apps are practical, context‑aware, unobtrusive, and simple. KitchMe helps users follow recipes with minimal, readable cards, exemplifying good design. Genie acts as a Swiss‑army‑knife for daily tasks—parking reminders, shopping lists, calorie tracking—while adhering to all design rules.

Both apps demonstrate clean typography, lack of unnecessary graphics, and a focus on essential information, setting a standard for wearable UI.

Even the Tesla app, though slightly richer in icons and colors, follows the same principles, proving that well‑designed Glass interfaces can be both functional and elegant.

These examples illustrate how to design Glass apps that respect user attention, safety, and simplicity.

Prototyping Wearable Designs

Designing a Glass prototype differs from web or mobile prototypes: you must showcase usage scenarios alongside the visual design.

Conclusion

The wearable computer revolution is imminent; preparing with solid design techniques—starting with glasses—will position us for the next big breakthrough, whatever Google unveils next.