GN ReSound

GN ReSound and Designit partnered together to put personalisation and control back in the hands of the users with the first hearing aid interface for the Apple Watch.

Two smartwatches with black straps are displayed against a gray background, one above the other. Both watches have a black interface showing a digital time reading of 10:09 and a noise monitoring application open with the text ‘Noise’ and ‘Medium’ visible. The app displays scattered red dots of varying sizes on a black background, indicating different noise levels detected by the watch.

Developing innovative new solutions for hearing loss has been a common goal for Designit and GN ReSound, a global market leader in hearing care solutions, since first working together in 2013. GN ReSound once again partnered with Designit to create the first hearing aid interface for the Apple Watch, rethinking the way hearing aids are controlled. Extensive user research and prototyping led to an elegant user interface crafted specifically for the compact face and interactive features of the Apple Watch. A Simple IA was adapted to refine the app into six main screens to ensure that it had a minimalistic, yet visually beautiful navigational concept.

GN ReSound and Designit identified three distinct use cases uniquely made possible by the Apple Watch: discretion in social settings, convenience at home, and effortless control on-the-go.

Video showcasing people at a cafe, having a conversation together and effortlessly using their watches to synch with their hearing aids.

The easily accessible touchscreen allows users to quickly adjust settings as they move through changing environments. The app also allows users to create location-aware audio profiles. Both features help users maximise control, comfort and clarity while reducing many of the pain points often associated with traditional hearing aids.

A collection of eight digital interface designs on a dark background. Each design is contained within a rounded square frame and is labeled as ‘Page 1’ through ‘Page 4,’ with two variations for each page. The interfaces feature a predominantly black and red color scheme, with elements such as buttons, sliders, and progress bars. Some designs include icons for music control, uploading media, voice control, and unspecified applications represented by dots forming circular patterns. The overall design aesthetic is sleek and modern, suggesting these are concepts for an app or software interface.

SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

Through this partnership, GN ReSound was able to reduce inequality for people with aural impairments and increase accessibility to wearable technology.

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Outcome

D&AD

Award in The Digital Design Category

German Design Award

Gold

Creative Circle Award

Silver

Consumer Electronics Show

Five award recognitions, 2016

Chosen by Mike Stern as one of his top three picks for apps that exemplify ‘beauty and delight’ – making user interaction with the Apple Watch more interesting, welcoming and fun.

Details

Client

GN ReSound

Industry

Lifestyle

Studio

Aarhus

Copenhagen

Offerings

Digital Design

UX Design

Design Research

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