Project Overview
Encore is a digital watch face inspired by the energy and spectacle of Broadway. Designed to capture the bold aesthetics of theater marquees, stage lights, and dramatic typography, it brings a dynamic, show-ready feel to WearOS. Built for customization, it supports up to four complications, allowing users to adapt it without losing its striking identity.
Problem Statement
Most digital watch faces focus purely on function, often at the expense of character and style. Theater and Broadway lovers have limited options when looking for a watch face that reflects their passion. The challenge was to create a bold, stage-inspired design that remains practical, ensuring readability while delivering an experience that feels as immersive as a night at the theater.
The Goal
- Theatrical Aesthetic: Capture the excitement of Broadway marquees and stage lighting.
- Bold and Readable: Strong typography and high contrast for easy readability.
- Functional and Customizable: Support up to four complications without disrupting the core design.
- Dynamic Presence: A watch face that feels alive, inspired by the motion and drama of live theater.
Process
1. Designing for the Stage
The first step was defining what Broadway-inspired means in a watch face. I studied theater marquees, vintage playbills, and modern stage lighting to identify the core visual elements—bold fonts, illuminated effects, and structured layouts. The design had to be striking yet usable, balancing the spectacle of the stage with everyday functionality.
2. Building a Strong Digital Identity
Since Encore is a digital-first design, typography and spacing had to be carefully refined. I tested different typefaces and visual weights to achieve a marquee-inspired look that remained legible at a glance. The color scheme evolved through iterations, ensuring high contrast while retaining a sense of theater lighting.
3. Functional Without Compromise
Encore supports up to four complications, allowing users to personalize their experience without overwhelming the display. The challenge was placing these elements so they felt integrated rather than added-on, keeping the layout structured and visually cohesive.
4. Refining Through Testing
Testing was essential to ensure readability, contrast, and proper complication placement. Small adjustments in spacing, typography, and color balance helped fine-tune the experience. The goal was to make Encore feel like a stage-ready watch face that is both exciting and highly functional.
Outcome
Encore delivers a Broadway-inspired digital watch face that blends style and function seamlessly. It offers:
- A bold, marquee-style design that stands out.
- Support for up to four complications, maintaining a clean layout.
- High contrast for clear readability in different conditions.
Learnings
- Typography Defines Identity: The right font choice makes or breaks a bold, theme-driven design.
- Balance Between Theme and Function: A strong aesthetic must never compromise readability or usability.
- Complications Need Structure: Placement and spacing are crucial to keeping the layout cohesive.
Get Encore
Encore is designed for those who love the thrill of the stage. Experience the magic of Broadway on WearOS.
To get an early access to this watch face, join the testing group and follow the instructions.
Thank you for checking out Encore—I hope it brings a little bit of Broadway to your wrist!
