The climate angle in wearables will act as a preventative measure to identify and provide proactive actionable insights, as highlighted in the European Society of Cardiology journal and the APA study of climate roles in heart and mental health.
The growing demand for smart wearables
Increased spending capabilities and growing health & wellness awareness among GenZ and millennials have spurred a meteoric rise in smart wearable device sales in recent years. With growth projections only reflecting the evolving cultural mindset and preventative wellness becoming the center of one’s life, high-ticket smart wearable players are now directing millions into innovation.
Device Type
2019
2020
2021
2022
Smartwatch
18,501
21,758
25,827
31,337
Wristband
5,101
4,987
4,906
4,477
Ear-worn
14,583
32,724
39,220
44,160
Head-mounted display
2,777
3,414
4,054
4,573
Smart clothing
1,333
1,411
1,529
2,160
Smart patches
3,900
4,690
5,963
7,150
Total
46,194
68,985
81,499
93,858
Worldwide Wearable Devices End-User Spending by Type, 2019-2022 (Millions of Dollars)
In fact, smart wearable technology is set to grow further, and it is projected to reach a $192.14 billion market by 2030. Yet, most of the innovation until now has been focused on technology and style without offering consumers deep analytics. Is an all-day health management service, which these devices offer, truly complete without any information on how the ambient environment impacts individual health? Especially when living in the middle of a climate disaster?
"The climate angle in wearables will act as a preventative measure to identify and provide proactive actionable insights, as highlighted in the European Society of Cardiology journal and the APA study of climate roles in heart and mental health."
How climate data can elevate your smart wearable
Every smart wearable offers heartbeat data today. Almost all include sleep analysis. However, top players and new brands alike are focusing solely on primary health insights. There is hardly any climate tracking built into wearables, and when they are, it is limited to basic temperature data and an occasional humidity alert. Modern-day consumers want their specialized wearable devices to offer more than their smartphones.
The point we’re making is simple: there is a glaring gap in this industry and an opportunityfor brands to capitalize on this to differentiate themselves from every other wearable devicein a market that is becoming increasingly boring when it comes to significant, impactful innovation. There are only so many colors, bands, and dial shapes that the consumer can wish for. On the other hand, give them what they need but do not yet have, and your brand will gain steady popularity.
57% of fitness band buyers say that the ability to self-monitor was the top reason for their purchasing decisions. Equip the same consumers with pollen count data that can influence their health or tell them which running track could mitigate allergy risks. Or quite simply, yet probably most importantly, how their immediate environment might impact their Sp02 levels, heart rate, and anxiety flare-ups. Or even how suitable the surrounding temperature is for exercise. And you have catered to your clientele with a superior, unique service that immediately sets you apart.
Climate data: A new frontier for smart wearables?
Recognizing the gap and addressing how the rapidly evolving environment impacts the consumer is the way forward if you want to gain an edge over your competitors. Heartbeat data on your device is personalized, sure. However, is it a truly singular experience you’re offering to your customers? In fact, why track heart health alone and leave out key factors that impact it? Why not arm your consumer with data that can empower them to control their environment, thereby regulating their heart and overall health in a more focused, preventative way?
"Timing for integrating climate-related datasets into smart wearables is crucial. The growing severity of climate change, coupled with increasing competition and consumer demand, highlights the need for rapid and effective innovation to provide the best solutions for users."
Difficult decision? Well, take a step back and think about how your own wearable device can deliver climate-integrated, personalized health insights. How, if it does, one wearable device can cater to the individual buyer (in this case, as we said, imagine you are the consumer) by delivering a holistically personalized health experience.
By managing an individual’s environment's impact on their overall health, wearable brands can individualize market share by creating a differentiated market and increasing the brand's perceived value. In fact, there’s a lot more you can do with climate data when offering 24/7 health management through wearable tech.
Future of wearables: Climate data for personalized health
Climate data is the game changer that wearable technology desperately needs to employ now. As the present-day health-conscious consumer has already proven, wearable devices have come a long way.
From the initial fashion statement to today’s specialized heart-rate monitor, wearable technology has progressed to create an essential health management tool that goes beyond non-actionable metrics. However, the key to unlocking its full potential lies in personalization, which will ensure you further transform an already valuable experience and lead your consumers towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
This is a very significant gap that each brand needs to urgently address before we reach the next frontier of smart wearable technology. In our latest whitepaper, we’ve explored the inadequacy of wearable tech when leveraging climate data. Our data and consolidated research constitute actionable insights to help you bridge the gulf between wearable tech and climate action. In addition, you find out:
How many more ways can credible climate data change health tracking forever?
What should you, as a smart wearable brand, keep in mind to capitalize on this trend of climate awareness and establish yourself as a market favorite?