Designing for Google Glass isn’t difficult

There’s a consistent theme running throughout the articles I’ve recently read on Google Glass. Supposedly it is “brutally difficult to design well” and thus “simplicity is the key.”

If we design for Google Glass with the same approach that we do for hacking together a UI for the web or a touch screen app then no doubt it will be difficult.

But they’re missing the point.

Designing an interface that no longer consumes the individual with the majority of their attention requires a very different understanding of design. It involves a user centred design approach that puts the environment and users behaviour at the centre of all decision making. It’s not necessarily about simplicity, but designing for context.

If you approach the design of Google Glass as you would the design of a car dashboard you will have a greater chance of success.

Yes, it may be difficult to design for Google Glass if you ask a developer or visual designer but if you hire a professional in human factors & ergonomics, or a UX designer (with a HCI or interaction design background) they’ll find it a piece of cake.