Leuty Parker

Tag: #swt

  • Snoozebrand

    My dissertation focused on SWTs. Because of this, it is important for me to experiment with products that already exist in this space. While trying to reduce unwanted neighbour noise, I searched for a noise-cancelling solution and came across this product. It provides a useful example of SWT in practice, which informed the following review.

    Upon receiving the Snoozeband, I was immediately impressed by the packaging. The presentation was modern, attractive, and clearly aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, creating a strong first impression. The design felt sleek, and the user manual was clear and easy to follow, making the setup straightforward.

    However, the build quality did not fully match the initial impression. While the construction felt somewhat unrefined, the embedded technology was rather discreet and seamlessly integrated into the fabric, which did enhance the overall sense of design.

    Functionally, the device connected and synced reliably. As a very light sleeper, however, I found the audio choices unappealing for sleep and they did not help me fall asleep. The product felt more suitable for relaxation rather than sleep.

    It also does not significantly block external sound, instead projecting audio toward the ears in a directional way, similar to approaches used in wearable audio products from Ray-Ban and Meta Platforms. This differs from technologies such as bone conduction audio used in hearing aids.

    Overall, the concept is comfortable and appealing, with reliable connectivity, but improvements in build quality, audio design, and sound immersion would strengthen the user experience.

  • Bone Conduction

    Ray-Ban smart glasses use open-ear speakers, not bone conduction, letting users hear audio while staying aware of their surroundings. This tech, however, is an exciting addition that could be a potential in other smart glasses. Here the pros and cons;

    ADVANTAGES of bone conduction (to open-ear speakers):

    They keep the ear canals open, which enhances situational AWARENESS and allows users to hear ambient sounds like traffic or conversations, making them (ideal for activities such as running, cycling, or walking)….

    …NCLUSION, for a wider marker…

    … helps people with conductive or mixed HEARING LOSS by transmitting sound through skull vibrations directly to the inner ear…

    … bone conduction devices provide a COMFORTABLE , pain-free alternative to traditional earwear, ideal for hearing aids and sports headphones.

    (Used medically to support hearing or balance in children and for safe listening while staying aware of surroundings.)

    DISADVANTAGES of bone conduction (to open-ear speakers):

    weaker bass and generally less rich sound than traditional or open-ear speakers….

    … high volumes can be uncomfortable, and proper placement on the cheekbones or temples is essential for effectiveness (the Ray-Bans alert overuse and stop you from going too loud….

    … sound may leak to others nearby, and noisy environments can reduce effectiveness.

    But If you do want to share with your listening to with someone, you can’t. These devices are connoted to your face and voice, so if you want to share the joy of your music with someone else you can, but with a lot of difficulty.

    DEVELOPMENT

    Gen 2 boosts bass and volume, adds Meta AI, a camera, touch controls, and app connectivity for stylish, hands-free use.

  • Black Swan x Business

    Business & Management (Your MSc Lens)

    Traditional business models rely on trends, forecasts, and steady planning. Yet, as I explored in my dissertation, SWTs move in sudden leaps that disrupt every linear prediction. In this landscape, resilient and adaptive firms consistently outperform those dependent on pure forecasting. Traditional companies that keep their supply chains flexible, invest in experimental R&D that is groundbreaking, and will diversify their partnerships. With tech × fashion collaborations, these are far better positioned to withstand sudden shocks. After all, consumer behaviour doesn’t shift gradually; it pivots unpredictably

    Black Swan events show that consumer adoption doesn’t always follow a forecastable path. E. G. When TikTok triggered a sudden jump in demand for creator-focused eyewear, which later was perfected into the sleek Ray-Ban × Meta collaboration; a great example of fashion meeting tech in a way that actually worked.

    Health crises pushed step-tracking SWTs, including Oura-style rings, and biometrics to the mainstream. This unpredictability makes agile management crucial.

    With this explanation of how SWTs shape our population’s PESTLE (political , economic, social, technological, legal, environmental) factors, it’s clear that this market is one we need to understand, monitor, and anticipate.

  • Black Swan x Innovation

    Surprisingly often, technology first developed for medical use, ends up reshaping the consumer market. As I noted in my dissertation, one of the earliest examples of this crossover of SWT with medical devices was the pacemaker; fundamentally medical, deeply functional, implanted, yet theoretically wearable.

    Since then, sensors designed to monitor vital signs, track motion, support rehabilitation, or analyse neurological activity have steadily converged as they become smaller, cheaper, and easier to integrate. What began as clinical tools for diagnosis and recovery has been repurposed by consumer brands for fitness tracking, stress monitoring, sleep optimisation, and everyday health insights.

    This shift has not only broadened access to wellbeing data, but has also fuelled a new wave of fashion-forward wearables (smart wearable technology [SWTs]) where medical-grade innovation quietly powers lifestyle design. What once felt like “predicting the future” in design. has become more about creating conditions for serendipity. This mimics the concept central to Black Swan theory.

    A notable example is Hexoskin;

    Originally designed for astronauts, Hexoskin is a smart shirt equipped with sensors that track heart rate, HRV, breathing, movement, and overall activity. The data streams to a companion app in real time, offering detailed analysis that supports everything from everyday wellbeing to high-performance training. Comfortable, durable, and fully machine-washable, it enables long-term,

  • The Black Swan Effect

    The Black Swan effect refers to rare, unexpected events that have huge impacts, and only seem obvious in hindsight. It’s like the butterfly effect; small or unpredictable triggers lead to dramatic, far-reaching consequences.

    In short, it explains how humans underestimate the likelihood of extreme situations, but rely heavily on past data.

    Important attributes include unpredictability; nothing in the past clearly points defined the future.

    It concludes to really big consequences; PESTLE (as learned in my MSc: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) or cultural. It’s only afterwards when it becomes obvious and should have been expected.

    Black Swanevents can instantly transform entire industries, markets, technologies, and even society itself.

  • Oura Ring

    Following on with the SWT posts, a health-tracking smart ring. As with most other SWTs, it’s described as a “holistic health tool.”, this product was originally released in 2015, and was a great introduction to the SWT market. The concept was design to track your sleep, activity, and recovery, delivering personalised health insights through its companion app.

    The company’s latest product, the Oura Ring 4, expands on the Gen3 with more advanced tools for tracking and understanding your wellbeing.

    Like all other SWT products that have been featured before in this blog,  your tracks health which includes sleep activity and recovery,meanwhile personalise all data that has been collected.

    Overall, while this addition to the SWT market offers familiar features, the SWT sector really needs a more creative, innovative, and distinctive contribution. It is expected that it will still stay true to the brand’s identity.

  • CV structure

    To rewrite my updated CV, reflecting life after partially dying, followed by a nine-month coma, extended rehabilitation (as shared in this blog), and the completion of my MSc (with a dissertation focused on SWTs [smart wearable technology] my revised structure showcasing my full experience is outlined below.

    Part 1. Experience → What’s Shaped You

    – At Victoria Beckham, what part of the work felt most rewarding or natural?

    – At Li & Fung, which aspects gave you energy, and which were hardest for you?

    – During your MSc, what kind of work did you find yourself strongest in — research, analysis, planning, presenting?

    – How has your recovery shaped the way you approach work, creativity, or problem-solving?

    → Output: Clear sense of your  strongest experiences and transferable skills.

    Part 2. Strengths & Style → How You Work Best

    – When you’re at your best, are you more of a creator, strategist, or improver?

    – Do you prefer to work in depth on one project/brand, or move across different projects and clients?

    – What kind of pace and intensity feels sustainable for you?

    – What do others usually notice and value in the way you work?

    → Output: A picture of your natural role and ideal working conditions.

    Part 3. Teams & Collaboration → What Environment You Need

    – In a team, which role comes most naturally to you: idea generator, organiser/bridge-builder, or refiner/finisher?

    – Do you work better in structured, clearly led teams or in collaborative, flexible ones?

    – What kind of colleagues and managers bring out your best?

    – How important is independence versus being part of a close team?

    → Output: Insight into what team setups and cultures will help you succeed.

    Part 4. Future Direction → Where You Want to Go

    – if you could launch one fashion-tech or wearable product, what would it be — and why?

    – Which type of organisation excites you more: a large luxury group, a focused brand, a consultancy, or a startup?

    – What impact matters most to you: setting new standards in luxury, driving sustainability/inclusivity, or inventing new products?

    – Five years from now, what would you want to be able to say about your work?

     → Output: A shortlist of directions (e.g.fashion brand, tech company, brand innovation team, wearable tech startup, consultancy role etc). 

     

     

  • #AppleWatch

    I have a serious7… old, I know. But continuously evolving. This post is on my model, but the product in general.

    From various primary and secondary research, in general, this smartwatch sticks to primarily several functions: a watch, a timer, reminders and email.

    There are other, more sleep or sports focused apps, but for me, researching a single product, that focuses solely on being the best of the best of that field, means the data is more focused and the results are easier to digest.

  • Focus

    This blog history has been ALL OVER THE PLACE, true. But this TBI journey, you may know, has been a (difficult) journey of rebuilding my identity.

    …. Involving completing an MSc.

    With that, I had to write 10000 words exploring the SWT (smart wearable technology) market. This paper may get published, I do believe my main focus will be there. And probably post some interesting findings here😏