Jony Ive was at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art when he spoke to an audience about his experience in designing the Apple Watch. As Apple's senior vice president of design, Ive discussed the complications that came with designing the wearable.
Ive admitted that the design process for the Apple Watch is no doubt more complicated than the iPhone as it involves dealing with people's expectations on what they believe a wrist watch should be.
"As soon as something is worn, we have expectations of choice," said Ive. "Even though Apple Watch does so many things, there are cultural, historical implications and expectations. That's why it's been such a difficult and humbling program."
The Apple Watch was unveiled in September along with the iPhone 6. It was designed to deliver powerful technology in a manner that is more accessible. Users can do a number of things such as ask questions to Siri, get a quick view of the notifications, and get turn-by-turn directions.
Ive said that the smart watch is ideal for casual glancing and lightweight interactions. However, it is not applicable to heavy reading, for obvious reasons.
When Ive designed the Apple Watch, he focused not only on fashion but also on customization. Since wearable devices are extremely personal, Ive made sure that the hardware and software features of the Apple Watch would have levels of personalization not normally seen in the products of Apple. Some considerations include the different sizes, straps, collections and even the varying faces of the watch.
Ive was at the museum to accept a lifetime achievement award, the 2014 Bay Tree Treasure Award, celebrating his revolutionary work at Apple. Ive is the 15th person to receive the award, which aims to recognize the region's artists and creative leaders who have given visual arts a different meaning.
The Apple Watch is said to have a starting price of $349 and will be ready for retail in early 2015. There will be three versions, all of which have different bands: the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition.
The "Edition" version of the Apple Watch is said to have a "sky's the limit" pricing scheme. Apple will release an 18-karat gold version of the Apple Watch, which will cater to those who need to add more style in their wearable. Price estimates of the watch range from $1,000 to $5,000.
