Ce qu'il fait
FLEX WATCH is a modular smartwatch with heart-rate and step tracking in its strap and a core unit for processing and display. GPS navigation, desk alarm, bike-mount nav, etc., snap on as detachable modules—no full-device disposal, cutting e-waste.
Votre source d'inspiration
After reading reports on the rapid rise of electronic waste, I learned that tens of millions of tons of devices are discarded globally each year—even though most functions go unused. Wearing a smartwatch daily reveals similar waste: its advanced features often sit idle. Watching child assemble snap-together blocks sparked an epiphany: what if watch functions were modular, snapped in like blocks, so users pay only for what they need? This would eliminate redundancy, extend product life, and cut e-waste—paving a path to sustainable consumption.
Comment ça marche
FLEX WATCH consists of three main parts: a smart strap with built-in heart-rate and step-count sensors; a detachable main unit housing the processor, battery, and touchscreen; and a range of scenario-specific function modules. The strap and main unit continuously exchange biometric data via magnetic and electrical contacts on the underside. The main unit supports one-click face swaps: switch to the desk-clock face to use it as a desk alarm and charge attached modules; switch to the bike-instrument face to mount it on handlebars for visual navigation. Other modules—GPS, alarm, navigation, etc.—snap to the same magnetic interface under the main unit, power up instantly, and load their UI automatically. Removing any module only cuts that module’s circuit; the core and strap sensors remain uninterrupted. When new features arrive, simply swap the relevant module or face—no full-watch replacement required.
Processus de conception
The design process began by analyzing industry trends and e-waste data to identify rapid replacement cycles, feature redundancy, and waste issues; modules for daily, cycling, and office scenarios—health tracking, navigation, alarm—were defined and drafted with magnetic interfaces. In rapid prototyping, low-fidelity mockups made from foam board and ultra-light clay verified module dimensions and swap logic, followed by high-fidelity 3D-printed prototypes to test plug-and-play smoothness, wear resistance, and sealing. Finally, aluminum-magnesium alloy, recyclable plastics, and eco-friendly rubber straps were chosen and finished with sandblasting and anodizing to verify texture, grip, and recyclability—realizing an on-demand, partial-upgrade, circular-use smartwatch design.
En quoi est-il différent ?
FLEX WATCH stands apart from traditional all-in-one smartwatches with its “strap-embedded sensing + detachable modules + partial upgrades” approach: basic heart-rate and step tracking live in a swappable band, while the core unit handles only processing and display; GPS navigation, desk alarm, and bike-mount navigation come as magnetic snap-on modules, so users replace only what’s needed instead of discarding the entire watch; rapid validation—from foam-board and ultra-light clay mockups to 3D-printed prototypes—ensures durable, intuitive swapping; and every component uses recyclable materials with sandblasting and anodizing finishes, delivering a truly sustainable, on-demand customization experience.
Plans pour l'avenir
Next, high-fidelity prototypes and small-scale production runs will validate module interfaces and waterproof durability while campus and maker feedback refines the UX; we will develop a software platform for automatic module recognition and scenario switching, opening APIs to third-party modules; partner with local recycling and manufacturing to pilot module buy-back and remanufacturing processes; and launch campus pilot kits and an online sharing platform to co-create a sustainable, modular wearable ecosystem.
Récompenses
1. 9th Milan Design Week China Collegiate Design Competition & Exhibition – Zhejiang Province First Prize; National Third Prize; 2. 2024 National Youth Designer Competition – National Second Prize; 3. 2025 Design Intelligence Award (DIA) – Nominee
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