WEARABLES development

Forging the Future, One Device at a Time

Unveiling the Art of Wearables

From the initial industrial design of the physical product to the seamless integration of embedded technologies, we meticulously craft each element to ensure a cohesive and intuitive experience. We understand that a successful wearable goes beyond its functionality and appearance – it's about the relationship between the user and the technology.

From protecting individuals and gathering valuable data to empowering workers and enhancing experiences, wearables have become a game-changer across various industries. At The Squad, we understand the immense potential of wearables and take a cross-disciplinary approach to their development, always placing the user at the forefront while assisting our clients in exploring new realms of innovation.

Creating wearable technology requires a harmonious blend of specialized skills, including expertise in soft textiles, hard goods, electrical components, and meticulous construction. Our team excels in each of these areas, collaborating seamlessly to bring your wearable device concepts to life.

Blurred figure of a model with sensors and optical markers on treadmill, epitomizing The Squad’s balance of device performance with comfort and fit, user testing, fit testing, and biomechanics testing.

BALANCING DEVICE PERFORMANCE WITH COMFORT, FIT & Function


The design of wearables is a complex undertaking as it involves accommodating the diverse range of people in terms of body shape, sizes, heights, and abilities. At The Squad, we understand the challenge of creating wearables that not only deliver the desired performance but also provide optimal comfort, fit , and function for users, whether they are stationary or in motion. It's no small task, and it requires meticulous attention to detail.

We recognize that a successful wearable design must consider various critical constraints such as fit, sizing, ease-of-use, compliance, and more. However, many of these criteria often present conflicting requirements. Navigating this intricate landscape demands innovative problem-solving, rigorous testing, and collaboration among our diverse team members.

The Squad has honed its expertise in developing wearables that seamlessly integrate soft and hard components with physical and digital interactions. As the demand for data-sensing and behavior-enhancing wearable products continues to rise, our team of electrical and software experts plays a crucial role in developing connectivity solutions across various products that require discreet solutions.

We have established strong partnerships with trusted manufacturing vendors and material suppliers, allowing us to meet regulatory requirements while selecting materials that strike the perfect balance between biocompatibility, durability, and cost -efficiency across various market categories. Each wearable product we create benefits from the collective expertise of our specialists, who are carefully selected based on their skills and knowledge, ensuring that every aspect of the design receives the attention it deserves.

At The Squad, we pride ourselves on delivering holistic, thoughtful, and elevated user experiences through our comprehensive approach to wearable design. We understand the complexities involved in creating wearables that seamlessly merge technology and human interaction, and we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of users and brands alike. Join us on this exciting journey, and let's redefine what it means to wear technology with comfort, style, and purpose.

WEARABLE CATEGORIES

  • The Squad is a consulting firm and agency that optimizes performance of smart fitness apparel, capturing movement and monitoring in real time.

    SMART APPAREL

    Fitness Trackers, Smart Watches, Smart Clothing for Athletes, Temperature-Regulating Clothing, Biometric Clothing, Augmented Reality (AR) Clothing, Safety and Visibility Clothing

  • Digital evolution of protective gear by The Squad, showcasing a sleek, aerodynamic smart helmet with integrated safety features, visualized through cutting-edge virtual prototyping technology.

    PROTECTIVE

    Smart Helmets, Safety Glasses/Goggles, High-Visibility Wearables, Smart Gloves, Wearable Personal Alarms, Smart Safety Wearables for Sports

  •  We work on protective gear and therapy devices like knee braces with built-in health monitoring, akin to devices like smartwatches and heart rate monitors, for patient care and medical device design and development.

    MEDICAL

    Heart Rate Monitors, Defibrillators, Smart Watches with Health Monitoring, Blood Glucose Monitors, Smart Clothing, Sleep Trackers, Remote Patient Monitoring Devices, Stress and Relaxation Wearables

  • The Squad works on wearable devices for bio feedback monitoring and companion apps, we also conduct infield user testing to test signal strength, performance, as well as comfort, fit, and function.

    FITNESS

    Fitness Trackers, Heart Rate Monitors, GPS Sports Watches, Smart Clothing, Smart Shoes, Activity Rings, Workout Analysis Platforms

  • Healthcare professional analyzing foot pressure maps at an Enterprise and Logistics Design Agency, utilizing smart glasses, smart watches, location trackers, biometric sensors, and voice-activated devices to enhance precision in sports medicine.

    ENTERPRISE & LOGISTICS

    Smart Glasses, Smart Watches, Location Trackers, Biometric Sensors, Voice-Activated Devices

Close-up of athlete’s feet on a pressure sensing pad, showcasing The Squad’s integrated approach to launching successful wearables through iterative in-house lab testing and performance testing.

An Interdisciplinary Approach Helps Our Partners Launch Successful Wearables

  • When incorporating technology into wearables, such as sensors, lights, interfaces, connectivity, embedded systems, or medical hardware, our team specializes in testing and developing tailored solutions for each specific application. We understand the importance of seamlessly integrating these components to create a cohesive and unified product experience.

    To ensure a harmonious integration, we collaborate seamlessly across disciplines, blending the latest materials and cutting-edge concepts with time-tested equipment and construction methodologies. This allows us to leverage the best of both worlds and deliver innovative solutions that meet functional requirements while maintaining manufacturability and a superior user experience.

    Our expertise lies in bridging the gap between soft materials, garments, and electronic components. We carefully consider the functional aspects of the technology and its compatibility with manufacturing processes. By prioritizing the user's experience, we create wearables that not only deliver on performance but also provide a seamless and intuitive interaction with the technology.

    By leveraging our multidisciplinary approach and deep understanding of both manufacturing and technology, we ensure that the integration of electronic and mechanical components in wearables is executed flawlessly. The result is a product that seamlessly combines functionality, product fit, manufacturability, and user experience to exceed expectations and make a lasting impact in the wearable technology landscape.

  • When developing a wearable project that involves textiles, the choice of materials becomes the foundation upon which the product is built. This aspect holds significant importance as it dictates the product's functionality, design, comfort, durability, and regulatory compliance. Textiles encompass various variables, including :

    Functionality: The performance and functionality of wearables heavily rely on the choice of textiles. Different textiles offer unique properties such as breathability, moisture-wicking, stretchability, durability, and comfort. Selecting the right textiles ensures that the wearable meets its intended purpose and provides the desired user experience.

    Design and Aesthetics: Textiles contribute significantly to the visual appeal and aesthetics of wearables. The texture, color, pattern, and overall look of the textile can enhance the attractiveness of the product and align it with the desired brand image. Careful consideration of textile sourcing allows for the creation of visually appealing wearables that resonate with the target audience.

    User Comfort: Wearables are designed to be worn directly on the body for extended periods. The choice of textiles greatly impacts the comfort level for the user. Soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic materials can help prevent skin irritation and ensure a comfortable experience, promoting long-term usage and user satisfaction.

    Performance and Durability: Wearables often need to withstand frequent use, washing, and exposure to various environmental conditions. High-quality textiles sourced from reputable suppliers contribute to the durability and longevity of the product. They can resist wear and tear, maintain their shape, and retain their performance properties over time.

    Regulatory Compliance: Textiles used in wearables may need to meet specific regulatory standards, especially in the case of medical or safety-related devices. Sourcing textiles from trusted suppliers who comply with relevant regulations ensures that the wearables meet the necessary standards for safety, reliability, and quality.

    It is important to note that lead times must be considered early in the concept and design of the wearable as many materials and componentry require custom development and can typically take 4-8 weeks.

  • In the realm of wearable soft goods, the choice of construction methods is crucial to the success of a product. Different construction methods offer unique advantages that directly impact the functionality, comfort, and overall user experience.

    By leveraging a variety of construction methods, we can tailor the design to meet specific requirements and constraints. This flexibility allows us to create products that seamlessly integrate with the user's body, providing a comfortable and ergonomic fit. For example, seamless or knit construction techniques minimize seams and potential points of irritation, ensuring a smooth and friction-free experience.

    Furthermore, different construction methods offer diverse levels of durability, flexibility, and breathability. By carefully selecting the appropriate construction techniques, we can enhance the performance and longevity of the product, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.

    Moreover, combining multiple construction methods within a single product enables us to achieve a balance of functionality and aesthetics. It allows us to incorporate features such as targeted support, padding, or ventilation, precisely where they are needed most.

    By utilizing our expertise in different construction methods, we can optimize the design of wearable soft goods, providing products that not only meet functional requirements but also deliver exceptional comfort, durability, and style. Whether it's enhancing athletic performance, improving medical wearables, or revolutionizing the fashion industry, the thoughtful selection and application of construction methods play a vital role in creating wearable products that truly stand out in the market.

    Throughout the design and prototyping phases, we have a comprehensive range of in-house machinery in our sample room and labs dedicated to development. This allows us to streamline the process and maintain control over every aspect of development, ensuring precision and efficiency.

  • Our team is dedicated to applying human-centered design principles to create exceptional user experiences across all aspects of wearable development. We recognize that the user experience extends beyond the physical product. Our team focuses on creating intuitive interfaces and controls that are effortless to navigate and interact with. We believe that a wearable should feel like a natural extension of the user, enhancing their daily routines and activities.

    By taking a holistic approach to wearable development, we ensure that the entire user journey is considered. We strive to create a seamless and immersive experience from the moment they put on the product until they take it off. Our goal is to exceed expectations, delight users, and build lasting connections between people and technology.

    With our expertise, we carefully consider how, where, and when users will interact with the product. We delve into understanding their needs, preferences, and behaviors, allowing us to design wearables that effortlessly integrate into their lives. Whether it's for short bursts of activity or extended wear, we optimize every aspect to provide maximum comfort and convenience.

  • With decades of expertise in anthropometry, biometrics, product fit and sizing we understand that if a product doesn't fit properly or isn't comfortable, users will not wear it, not even when compliance is required. That's why we prioritize the crucial aspect of fit and comfort in our design process.

    We've witnessed firsthand how a product's fit directly impacts its acceptance among users. That's why we take a thoughtful approach to understand the unique needs and preferences of the user population, ensuring that sizing is appropriate for a comfortable and personalized experience.

    Unlike simply pressing a scale button in design software, sizing a wearable requires a more sophisticated approach. We employ pattern grading techniques based on proven fashion industry sizing strategies, ensuring that our wearables fit end users like a glove. We leave no room for compromises when it comes to comfort and satisfaction.

    But our commitment to fit doesn't stop there. We believe in the power of user feedback and iteration. By testing our wearables with real users, we gather invaluable insights that allow us to refine and adjust the design. This iterative process enables us to create a winning strategy that accommodates users of varied sizes, delivering a truly inclusive and impactful solution.

    With our expertise, you can be confident that your wearable product will not only meet the highest standards of fit and comfort but also drive user satisfaction and adoption. By investing in the right sizing strategy and incorporating user testing, we set the stage for success, ensuring your wearable is embraced by users across the board.

    Don't settle for one-size-fits-all solutions. Choose our team of experts to create a tailored wearable experience that exceeds expectations. Let us help you design a product that users will love to wear, enhancing their lives and driving the success of your brand.

  • We understand that wearables often require the integration of both soft and hard components, resulting in a truly innovative and functional product. That's why we offer a comprehensive solution that combines the expertise of our soft goods designers, technical designers, product development, and prototype specialists.

    Through meticulous layering of fabrics and foams, precision compression molding, and innovative soft goods over-molding techniques, our teams have perfected the art of creating custom materials and unique combinations that deliver the desired outcomes. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to push the boundaries of what's possible in wearable product development.

    At the core of our process is a relentless spirit of experimentation. We thrive on exploring new possibilities and pushing the limits of innovation. Our teams work hand in hand to test and refine different approaches, ensuring that every wearable we develop is a testament to our commitment to excellence.

    When you partner with us, you gain access to a wealth of expertise in product fit and sizing, materials, manufacturing methods, and component integration. We pride ourselves on our ability to create seamless and harmonious combinations of soft and hard goods, resulting in wearables that not only look great but also perform flawlessly.

    Don't settle for ordinary wearables. Choose our team of experts to create a truly extraordinary product that stands out in the market. With our innovative approach, we'll help you achieve unparalleled levels of functionality, aesthetics, and user satisfaction.

  • At The Squad, we understand that wearables can be complex systems that require seamless integration between technology and user experience. That's why we prioritize the safety, effectiveness, and ease of use of our wearable devices.

    Our team of Human Factors Specialists is dedicated to ensuring that your users have a seamless and intuitive experience with your wearable product. Through rigorous usability testing, performed with prototypes at different stages of development, we uncover and address any potential user experience issues long before your product reaches production.

    We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of perfection. We employ a range of testing methods, utilizing varying levels of fidelity, to simulate real-world scenarios and gather valuable user feedback. This allows us to identify any areas that may cause confusion or hinder the optimal usage of your wearable device. By addressing these issues early on, we guarantee a product that is both user-friendly and efficient.

    For medical devices, we go the extra mile to ensure regulatory compliance. Our team is well-versed in developing formative and summative studies that align with the strict requirements set by regulatory authorities. We understand the importance of meeting these standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical wearables.

    With our expertise in human factors and usability testing, we are your trusted partner in delivering wearable devices that exceed expectations. By focusing on the user experience, we help your customers seamlessly navigate the functions of your device, ensuring they can perform tasks effortlessly and with confidence.

Sewing machine with threads, key in wearable tech development from textile sourcing to user wear testing.

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Together, we'll bring your vision to life and revolutionize the world of wearable technology.