Industrial design doesn’t always mean corporate clients. Every once in a while, an ID firm fields gigs from individuals. As product design & development consultancy The Metcalfe Group writes:
A serial entrepreneur came to us with the desire to create an innovative new recreational cooler with features never implemented before: unique built-in seat backs, a fold-away rotating pull handle, umbrella holder, cargo hook attachments, and wheels that can navigate over a variety of terrain. The cooler would be designed for multiple markets: tailgaters, sports spectators, campers, fishermen, boaters, beachgoers, and more.
In an effort to ensure that the cooler would be able to traverse even the harshest of environments, a bevy of wheels were sourced and extensively tested on various terrain. In order to accommodate the use of the cooler while fishing or camping in the outdoors, larger tires were required to better distribute the weight and improve ease of use.
Mock-ups were created to assess ergonomic requirements and to gather data that would feed the Finite Element Analysis (FEA), used to determine the structural strength of the components. Various human loading scenarios were measured and computer simulations were performed using the forces from those tests. The result was a structurally-proven and ergonomically-efficient design.
As the basic requirements of the cooler were decided upon, industrial design concept sketches helped to determine the general form and to refine the aesthetics. Color was also explored with the client to determine the preferred color combinations. Some colors referenced existing outdoor products, but seemed to exclude the casual, everyday consumer. Blue was chosen because of its universal appeal, ability to adapt to multiple demographics and as a visual indicator of coldness.
During the engineering phase, the cooler was exhaustively shaped (guided by industrial design consideration) and analyzed by more than 100 finite element analysis simulations for determining structural integrity. This cooler had to withstand the weight of two large adults, including the force of them leaning back without the cooler collapsing or tipping over. It’s safe to say that it is one of the most highly engineered and functional coolers ever designed. One patent has already been granted, and another patent is currently pending.
You can see more of the Metcalfe Group’s work here.
One of the best ways to start the day is by enjoying a cup of coffee when you wake up while things haven’t started becoming busy yet. But a lot of times, I wake up late and hurriedly go through my morning routine and sometimes I’m not even able to grab that crucial cup of caffeinated goodness. What if the things that you use for your morning (or evening) coffee routine is something that can bring you an added source of peace and tranquility so your day can actually start (or end) right?
Designer: Suckhand Saren
This is the exact idea behind the concept for a set of coffee makers aptly called Zenbrew. The goal is to achieve a zen-like mood while you’re brewing your coffee and while you’re sipping your cup in peace. Using a combination of minimalist design, elegant aesthetics, and of course much needed functionality. The designer wanted to elevate what is simply the act of brewing coffee into a “sensory experience” but keeping it simple, elegant, and peaceful. The main design inspiration is the hourglass which is not always a symbol of zen but when combined with the minimalist aesthetic, it actually fits the concept.
There seems to be two kinds of coffee makers in the concept. The first one is closer to the usual coffee maker that we see in the market with the carafe with the handle but with a glass dome at the top where the brewing magic happens. The other design seems to be a combination of a pour over device and a bunsen burner. The carafe is a bit smaller and with a straight handle rather than a curved one. Both designs also have a futuristic, space-like feel which may also contribute to the other worldly zen you may experience while brewing and drinking your coffee.
While having coffee makers as aesthetic as this will not guarantee I’ll have a peaceful morning, it might actually help me get up earlier. Having a nice coffee maker, along with delicious coffee beans and other ingredients, are sometimes enough incentive for me to try and have an unhurried morning routine. Wake me up when this concept actually gets made into coffee machines.
This Bended Table and Bended Stool are by Dutch furniture designer Jair Straschnow. Both are made from 2mm steel sheets that are both galvanized and powder-coated for outdoor use.
“Bending the steel plates at a 45-degree angle creates a clever and strong construction where all connecting screws and sharp edges are hidden.”
“The [stool seat] has a slightly sloping angle, which allows any rainwater to run off the stool easily and allows the stool to dry quickly.”
Straschnow originally designed the series to be made from aluminum, but for reasons unknown, it’s gone into production in steel. Both pieces are in production by Dutch design brand Welvetree.
Local studio Hill West Architects has completed the sail-shaped Olympia Dumbo residential skyscraper in Brooklyn, which has a design informed by the industrial heritage of the borough.
Located alongside the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo, the Olympia Dumbo tower rises 401 feet tall (122 metres) and has 33 storeys. It has a wedge-shaped form and sits on top of an angular podium.
Hill West Architects have completed a sail-shaped apartment building in Brooklyn
“The building’s pre-cast concrete podium features substantial vertical elements inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge abutments and Dumbo’s historic buildings, while the glass and metal tower provides a holistic reference with its sail-like form,” Hill West Architects founding partner Stephen Hill told Dezeen.
It rises 33 storeys alongside the Brooklyn Bridge
“The tower tapers and twists as it grows higher, with the balconies projecting from each story to create an offset pattern and focus the view. As the light reflects the surface from different angles, the building comes alive in a way that complements the tones and textures of the neighbourhood.”
The building’s “fan-shaped” base reflects the curve of a nearby off-ramp at its back. The opposite side steps back from the street and holds the main entrance.
Its facade is clad in precast concrete panels
The entirety of the building is clad in precast concrete panels interspersed with slim windows.
The building’s upper volume is wedge-shaped. Its curved side gradually steps back as it reaches the top, allowing for each floor to have a private terrace. Vision glass window walls cover its expanse and create a rhythm in sync with the surroundings, according to the team.
The 76 residences are one to five-bedroom apartments, with 38,000 square feet (3,530 square metres) of indoor and outdoor amenities, including New York City’s “highest” private tennis court, a bowling alley and a pet spa.
“Workstead conceived the interior design to uniquely reference the story of New York Harbor with a subdued, organic palette, reinterpreting Hill West’s facade throughout the interiors,” said the team.
According to the team, the building has some of the most expensive apartments in Brooklyn.
Think back on your last interview. Did you talk to the point where the hiring manager’s eyes glazed over?
If so, you probably rambled on a little too long.
Here, we’re talking with media pros to learn why over-talking can ruin your chances of landing the job, as well as a few steps you can take to make sure you never do it again.
Talking Too Much Hurts Your Chances
Sure, it’s not the worst thing you could do in an interview, but it can hurt your chances of getting the gig. Nicole Williams, career expert and founder of WORKS by Nicole Williams points to a quote from Pauline Phillips (creator of the Dear Abby column): “The more you talk, the less you are listened to.”
“Interviewers are of course looking to learn about you and get a sense of your personality,” says Williams. “However, what they really want is someone who is succinct, articulate and pensive.”
Another thing to consider is the interviewer’s schedule. Dan Auerbach, operations director at Intuitive Digital, says the interviewer often schedules back-to-back interviews with several candidates. So, if you ramble over your allotted time, you risk disrupting the interviewer’s entire schedule.
Be Prepared
If you enter an interview without fully preparing for questions, you’ll be sure to ramble. To fix this, Williams suggests conducting a mock interview with a friend and recording the interview. In review, you can tell where you stumble, where you’re a little too verbose, and what responses can be polished.
“Being comfortable with what you are saying and how you structure your sentences is very important when it comes to interviews,” says Williams. “You don’t want to give one-word answers and you certainly don’t want to dive into a five-minute spiel.”
Polish your interview skills, impress the hiring manager and dramatically increase your odds of landing the job with a mock interview.
Deal with Silences
One of the oldest tricks in the book is the interviewer waiting longer than usual to respond after you’ve answered their question. Sometimes, the interviewer is simply taking notes; other times, he or she sees how you’ll fill the void.
“People typically see this as they didn’t answer the question properly and would fill that space with more information, typically stuff that may hurt their chances,” says David Blacker, managing principal of digital marketing agency Venerate Media Group.
Rather than continuing to answer the question, Blacker recommends asking, “Did that answer your question, or were you looking for more clarity?”
FAQs: Enhancing Interview Skills and Managing Over-Talking
Q: Why can talking too much during an interview be detrimental?
A: Talking excessively can hinder your chances because it might lead to less engagement from the interviewer, indicating a lack of brevity and thoughtfulness. It also risks overrunning the allocated time, potentially disrupting the interviewer’s schedule.
Q: What steps can be taken to prepare for an interview?
A: Prepare by conducting mock interviews with a friend and recording them to identify and polish areas where your responses may be too long or lack clarity. This helps you structure your answers more effectively and avoid rambling.
Q: How can one ensure they are not over-talking in an interview?
A: Be concise and articulate in your responses, delivering clear and relevant information without unnecessary details. Practice structuring your answers to questions in an informative yet concise way.
Q: What should you do when faced with silence after answering a question in an interview?
A: Embrace the silence as a normal part of the interview process. If you feel compelled to fill the void, ask the interviewer if your answer was sufficient or if they need further clarification instead of continuing to talk.
Q: How does being overly verbose affect the interviewer’s perception?
A: Over-talking can make you seem less articulate and possibly less confident in your answers. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can express themselves clearly and efficiently, reflecting good communication skills and respecting the interviewer’s time.
Q: What role does preparation play in avoiding over-talking?
A: Adequate preparation allows you to answer questions more confidently and concisely, reducing the likelihood of rambling. It helps you anticipate questions and structure your thoughts ahead of time.
Q: How can mock interviews help in reducing over-talking?
A: Mock interviews provide a safe environment to practice your responses, helping you identify when you’re prone to over-talking. They allow you to refine your answers and improve your ability to communicate effectively and concisely.
French firm Baluchon is known for its elegant, well-designed, and functional tiny homes that look super adorable on the outside while managing to be ingenious and efficient on the inside. And their latest model dubbed Bonzai is no exception! In a world where tiny homes are reigning supreme, the Bonzai is a smartly designed and lovely-looking little entrant. And trust me, this tiny home is quite little, even by tiny home standards. Measuring only 4.5 meters, the Bonzai tiny home is equipped with Japanese-inspired styling both internally and externally. Its compact and diminutive size also signifies that it is quite portable, and a space-saving structure.
Based on a double-axle trailer, the Bonzai tiny home is finished in a warm red cedar, accentuated by an aluminum roof, and spruce inside. The insulation for the home is a mixture of linen, hemp, and cotton, and there’s also a handy ladder attached to the exterior to offer quick access to the compact-sized rooftop deck. If you’re still unable to grasp the tininess of Bonzai, then you may like to know that it is half the length of a conventional North American tiny house, for example, the Raven – check it out for some perspective!
The entry point of the home is into the bathroom which is quite simple and amped with basic amenities such as a toilet and a shower. Adjacent to the bathroom is the kitchen, which is also quite compact, and equipped with a sink, a two-burner stove unit, and a fridge. Although, it is commendable that the kitchen has more storage space than anticipated for a small kitchen such as this. It also contains a pantry drawer and a pull-out table. The tiny home includes only one other room which can be entered via a shoji-style sliding door, and this room functions as a multipurpose living room and includes a generous amount of storage such as underfloor drawers and overhead lockers.
The room also includes a drop-down dining table, a wood-burning stove, and some shelving. A unique feature of the home is a home cinema setup with a soundbar, projector, and pull-down screen that makes a great space for some cozy movie nights. Sadly, there is no bedroom in the Bonzai, and nor does it accommodate a bed. This can be quite inconvenient. However, the owner rolls out a futon on the floor when he’s ready for bed.
You know that your resume needs to stand out in today’s recruiting environment.
When hiring managers review applications, they’ll usually have several candidates who can do the day-to-day job they’re looking to fill.
In these cases, applicants who differentiate themselves effectively will beat out those who wrote out a laundry list of what they were “responsible for.”
By incorporating key metrics and KPIs into your resume, you’ll make your claims more believable and immediately build up credibility in the eyes of hiring managers.
This article discusses 5 metrics that give your resume a competitive advantage.
1) Revenue & Sales Growth
If you’re responsible for improving company revenue or sales, cite specific figures to demonstrate your contribution.
Consider creating a spreadsheet to keep track of notable achievements from each of your roles:
How much did you increase revenue on a month-over-month or year-over-year basis?
How many sales did you make?
You’ll also want to put these metrics into context:
What strategies did you use to increase revenue?
Were there any headwinds (such as the pandemic) that make this a particularly impressive achievement?
When you leverage specific metrics and explain how you achieved them, you help recruiters envision how you’ll add value to their company.
This approach will leave a stronger impression than a generic statement saying that you were “recognized for consistently achieving sales targets.” Instead, you can explain that you:
“Increased online sales revenue by 20% year-over-year by implementing abandoned cart recovery emails in Shopify, exceeding team sales target by 150%”
2) Cost Reduction & Profitability Improvement
If you’re not in a position that generates revenue, think about quantifying ways in which you decreased costs.
Questions to address include:
By how much did you decrease operating costs?
Did you reduce the cost of producing a product or delivering a service? How?
Are there any other overhead costs you eliminated, such as outsourced contractors or expensive tools?
By how much did you improve your division’s profitability?
You may have to dig through old dashboards or invoices to gather these metrics, but hiring managers will be impressed by your thinking about ways to improve the company’s bottom line.
If your materials costs decreased because you secured better pricing from suppliers, explain that you:
“Lowered materials cost by 18% in 6 months by renegotiating contracts with 4 suppliers.”
3) Process Optimization
In almost any role, you can improve existing processes – even if it’s not officially part of your job description.
Remember that companies are always looking for ways to increase efficiency.
By putting numbers behind your achievements in this area, you’ll demonstrate how having you on the team will help the company get more done with fewer resources.
How much time did you save via new processes you created?
What tools did you leverage to make your work more efficient?
By how much did you improve efficiency?
What results did the analysis you conducted yield?
To measure efficiency, think about how long certain tasks used to take you to complete before you implemented new tools or processes.
If preparing month-end financial statements used to take a week and your new Excel models help you get it done in a day, you can write a bullet point such as:
“Reduced time to prepare month-end financials by 80% by creating a new Excel model”
4) People
You can still quantify your achievements if your role primarily involves leading people.
Elevate your bullet points that have to do with recruitment, training, and team leadership by addressing the following questions:
How many people were on your team? How many direct/indirect reports did you have?
How many candidates did you interview and for how many positions?
By how much did you improve team member engagement scores or retention?
How many training sessions did you deliver? How did they improve team performance?
These metrics help contextualize your role’s scope and impact, giving recruiters a clearer understanding of your leadership ability.
If team performance improved after you launched a new hire training program, you could say that you:
“Developed and rolled out a training program for new analysts that resulted in increased performance scores (+10 points) and on-the-job engagement (+18 points)”
5) Marketing & Partnership Development
If you work in marketing or build partnerships, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to quantify results:
How many impressions did your marketing initiatives generate?
Can you calculate the ROI of your marketing campaigns?
How many deals did you sign? How many partners did you bring on board?
By how much did you increase conversion rates?
Don’t forget to put your metrics into context by providing year-over-year comparisons or timelines to strengthen your case further:
“Established relationships with 4 investors, resulting in 6 new hotel development deals within two years.”
In Summary
Incorporating metrics into your bullet points will take research and advanced planning, but trust that the extra effort is well worth it.
Once you’re happy with your base content, you can tailor your resume to your target roles to further bolster your chances of landing interviews.
About the Author
Matt Glodz is the Founder of Resume Pilots, an award-winning executive resume writing service. Matt graduated from Cornell University, where he studied business communication with leading professors in the field. He is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer and Certified Professional Career Coach. At Resume Pilots, Matt and his team bring writing excellence, superior service, and market expertise to applicants who are looking for job-search services beyond mere resume assistance.
FAQs: Leveraging Metrics for Success
Q: Why is it important to include metrics on my resume?
A: Including metrics on your resume demonstrates your tangible impact on previous organizations, making your achievements more credible and compelling to hiring managers. It showcases your ability to drive results, giving you a competitive edge.
Q: What types of metrics should I include on my resume?
A: Consider including metrics related to revenue and sales growth, cost reduction and profitability improvement, process optimization, leadership and team development, and marketing and partnership development. Specific figures related to achievements in these areas can significantly strengthen your resume.
Q: How can I quantify achievements if I’m not in a revenue-generating role?
A: You can quantify achievements by detailing cost reductions, process improvements, efficiency gains, team development impacts, and the results of marketing initiatives. Look for ways you’ve contributed to your organization’s bottom line or operational efficiency.
Q: Can incorporating metrics into my resume make a difference in my job search?
A: Absolutely. Metrics provide concrete evidence of your contributions and can set you apart from other candidates who may only list duties or responsibilities. This data-driven approach can catch a recruiter’s eye and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Q: What if I can’t access exact figures or metrics from my previous roles?
A: If you don’t have exact figures, estimate the impact as accurately as possible or describe the scope of your projects and initiatives. You can also mention the methods or strategies you used to achieve results, giving context to your contributions.
Q: How do I make my achievements stand out with metrics?
A: Use clear, concise bullet points to highlight your achievements, including the metric, briefly explaining how you achieved it and the context if necessary. This format makes it easy for hiring managers to see the value you can bring to their team.
Q: Should I tailor the metrics on my resume for each job application?
A: Tailoring your resume’s metrics and achievements to align with the job you’re applying for can further enhance your application. Highlight the metrics and results most relevant to the position to demonstrate your suitability and potential impact.
Underwood, a London-based family concern, was in business from 1820 to 1925. While that postdates the Industrial Revolution, this object appears to have been hand-forged rather than mass-produced.
The design is quite interesting: Detentes on the bottom of each tool hold them nested against each other in the closed position, and the bow shape of the handle doubles as the spring that provides the pressure to hold them against each other. Gaps between the nested detentes indicate either the inconsistency of hand manufacturing techniques, or wear from the most frequently used tools.
Reddit being Reddit, there is debate about the function of some of the tools. Here’s one proposal:
A. A hook sailors used for untying knots
B. A dosing cup for powdered medication
C. Screw starter, long
D. Screw starter, short
E. Corkscrew
F. Toothpick
G. Saw
H. Screwdriver
I. Random pick
J. Hook for snagging fishing lines
I’m no expert, but I’d guess “F” is not a toothpick, but either an awl or marlin spike. And I think “I” is a reamer.
Underwood was not the only producer of such a tool. On Etsy you can see this Antique 9-Tool Bow, estimated manufacturing date 1905 – 1920 by Charles Barrett, another London-based cutler:
The order of the tools is slightly different but the design appears otherwise identical. And this one has a surviving leather case.
It’s also not clear if the original designer of this tool was British. An antiques site posted this German Folding Bow Multi-Tool, estimated manufacturing date 1880-1900.
The top of the bow is faceted, I assume for decorative purposes, and the inconsistency of the detentes appears to be poor manufacturing rather than wear. (Note that some of the indents are perfectly triangular, others decidedly less so.)
It’s weird to remember that there was a time when German-made goods were nowhere near the worldbeating quality they produce today.
Afrosport is a new book by Peet Piennar that explores the visual culture of African sports. Here, the designer selects five football logos from the book and explains their role in celebrating unity and independence.
Unveiled alongside the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament, which is currently underway in Ivory Coast, Afrosport was created by Piennar and his surf brand Mami Wata Surf.
The book explores the history of African sport and its influence on the world through the lens of design.
It features a mix of graphics and photography alongside in-depth analysis, including a foreword by former NBA professional basketball player Joakim Noah and an exclusive interview with Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba.
Interspersing the book are entire pages dedicated to the logos of different football clubs from across the continent, which according to Piennar serve as narratives of cultural heritage and collective identity.
Afrosport (above) explores football logos including that of the Kaizer Chiefs (top image)
“Most African national football logos were created after colonial independence when football played a key role in nation-building,” he said.
“Although football was a colonial influence, changing logos and colours were important to show change and rally people behind a newly independent nation.”
These historical influences still persist in logos to this day, according to Piennar.
“Even with neoliberalism, the rise of the individual football star and nation-building taking a back seat, the design history of football in Africa is still heavily connected to celebrating independence and unity between nations,” he said.
“African football logos tell a tale of identity,” he explained. “They group you as a team and allow you to paint the logo on your house, car and face without worrying about copyright or concepts like ‘It’s not them and us. You are part of the team.'”
Read on for five influential football logos from the African continent:
Ghana Football Association
In 1957, Ghanaian hockey player and designer Theodosia Okoh designed the Ghanaian flag, which later influenced not just the logo of the Ghana Football Association but the flags of many nations across Africa.
“Theodosia Okoh’s flag design for one of the first African nations to become independent from colonial rule, Ghana, set the tone for other nations to follow,” Pienaar said.
“As a hockey player, Theodosia Okoh is an example of the integration of design into sports culture and nation-building.”
Okoh chose the colours featured in the flag to convey various themes associated with Africa and its diaspora. Red serves as a symbol of the blood shed by those who fought for independence and green for the abundant tropical vegetation that can be found across Africa.
Yellow signifies the continent’s rich mineral resources, and the prominent black star embodies African emancipation and unity in the face of colonialism.
“Her design choice of colours, red, green, yellow and a black star, became the most known design set for many African countries and liberation organisations linked to Africa internationally,” Pienaar said.
Orlando Pirates
The Orlando Pirates football club was founded in 1937 in Orlando East – a community on the outskirts of Johannesburg in South Africa – by defectors from the local football team Orlando Boys Club.
The club’s name was born after their former coach decried them as pirates, while the distinctive skull-and-bones crest was popularised by a fan, who produced and distributed stickers that gained widespread popularity among supporters throughout South Africa.
The club’s iconography is also embodied by fans, who cross their forearms over their chest to mimic the logo.
According to Pienaar, the Orlando Pirates logo highlights the spirit and playfulness of African design and sport.
“Orland Pirates took a name that was supposed to be an insult as their pride,” he explained. We see this attitude of making fun to have a long history in football, especially in South Africa.”
“Diski is an example of a South African style of football that is not so much about scoring goals but more about making yourself famous as you humiliate your opponent with showboating, flair and skill,” he added, referencing a distinctive style of football developed by South African players.
“It all reflects this playfulness and outperforming your opponent with a humorous reflection of skill.”
Kaizer Chiefs
The Kaizer Chiefs logo was born in the 1970s, the peak of apartheid in South Africa. During that period, several of the country’s prominent sports figures relocated to the United States in search of opportunities.
Among them was football player Kaizer Motaung, who moved to the USA for three years before returning to play for the Atlanta Chiefs.
After returning to South Africa, he founded Kaizer Chiefs FC – named after himself and his former club, with a logo that took inspiration from the Atlanta Chiefs logo but features distinct colours.
“In what would be considered copyright infringement by the West, Motaung is indicating his path and showing recognition,” Pienaar explained.
“Chiefs have since become one the most successful clubs in Africa.”
Esperance Sportive de Tunis
The logo of football team Espérance Sportive de Tunis can be traced back to the club’s origins within the Bab Souika neighbourhood of Tunisia’s capital Tunis.
The club derives its name from Café Esperance, a prominent cafe in the local neighbourhood, where football enthusiasts gather to watch games and drink coffee.
The football club represents a broader tradition within North Africa, where in addition to serving as social hubs, cafes have a tradition of renting out their premises for the registration of sporting associations.
“With a strong Muslim influence in North Africa, people unfamiliar with Muslim culture and football might not realise the link between cafes and football,” Pienaar continued
“Many football logos in Africa do not purely come from a marketing perspective but reflect an honest, integrated interaction between culture and design.”
JS Kabylie
“Kabylie is one of a handful of African clubs that do not solely represent a city,” Pienaar said. “The club also represents an ethnic identity.”
Although based in the city of Tizi Ouzou, the club also represents the Kabyle people of Algeria, a branch of the indigenous Amazigh population of North Africa.
The Tifinagh alphabet, which is used to write several Amazigh languages, was chosen over the more common Latin script typically featured in football logos. It was used to write the club’s acronym, JSK, prominently positioned at the centre of the logo.
Also featured in the logo is the Amazigh symbol yaz, which embodies the “free man” and signifies the emancipation of humanity from all constraints.
Smartwatches have more or less become a stable presence in today’s modern lifestyle to the point that no one will make fun of you anymore for wearing a screen on your wrist, except those coming lovers of classic mechanical watches. That said, not everyone is a fan of these hi-tech timepieces and would prefer something less distracting and more focused on just the health-tracking aspects. Dedicated fitness bands, however, often come in sporty and rugged designs, as if the only ones that would wear them are athletes or very active people who don’t mind strapping a rubber or silicone band on their wrists, even on formal occasions. That’s where the new Moto Watch 40 comes in, offering a wearable that almost looks like a stylish smartwatch but is a fitness band at heart.
Although there was a bit of experimentation in the beginning, smartwatches today come in only two shapes: a square or a circle. Although circular smartwatches were touted to be classier or more stylish because of their resemblance to the majority of luxury timepieces, the Apple Watch has constantly made the case for equally elegant designs on square smartwatches. Unsurprisingly, there are some manufacturers that have even opted to walk the same path, producing smartwatches that, for better or worse, look like the Apple Watch.
The Moto Watch 40, however, is neither of those and is walking the fine line between smartwatch and smart band instead. It has a rectangular body, more common with fitness trackers, but the size of the device and its general appearance are more in line with smartwatches. It has a screen that curves at the edges, giving it a refined appearance compared to the rugged looks of common fitness trackers.
At the same time, however, its limited functionality leaves no doubt that it isn’t a smartwatch either. It has a variety of sensors for tracking activity, including blood oxygen levels and even sleep, but you won’t be seeing a lot of the advanced functions and options you’d find on a smartwatch. It supports only viewing notifications, so you’ll have to pull out your phone if you want to reply to messages or even take calls. Its 10-day battery life may sound a little disappointing, but the Moto Watch 40 compensates with an advertised charging speed of 25 minutes only.
That combination of essential functions and stylish design will set you back for only $64.99. It might sound like a tempting proposition, especially when other fitness bands are either too expensive or too informal. That said, even a wrist-worn device might still be too conspicuous for some people, and a smart ring that would let them wear their favorite mechanical watches could be the perfect compromise instead.
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