The Evolution of Wearable Technology: The Transformation of Design and User Experience from Digital Watches to Smartwatches

Wearable technologies are emerging as innovative devices that redefine the interaction between technology and user experience. This study conducts a comparative analysis of digital and smartwatches produced between 1972 and 2024, focusing on technological features and product design evolution. The findings show that competition in the smartwatch industry was initially focused on technological infrastructure development, but as technology became universalized, the competitive focus shifted to design and conceptual innovation. Analysis of product design shows that while visual cues from traditional watch forms have been sustained in certain periods, recent trends have introduced models that blend sporty and classic styles, and that the industry is considering technological and aesthetic concerns in a dual way. These findings suggest that smartwatches are becoming tools of personal expression and identity as purely technological devices. Future trends suggest that smartwatches will continue to evolve, offering increasingly personalized and versatile solutions to meet diverse user needs.