An engaging approach to hand washing

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) was held last week.

It’s an event where where developers around the world get an insight into the latest software updates for Apple devices.

There are always some exciting new features announced and I wanted to share one that I believe is a great example of an engaging design, that we can learn a few things from.

It’s a new Apple Watch feature that promotes hand washing by automatically detecting when you’re washing your hands and starting a 30 second timer.

In stands out in terms of engagement design because it provides clear value, is incredibly easy to use, and uses cute elements to motivate the user.

Let’s break these three elements down further.

The value is clear. Washing your hands properly is important, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, if you’re not already in the habit of regularly washing your hands for a full thirty seconds then it can be difficult to create this new habit.

So the value of this feature is clear; it helps you to remember to wash your hands properly.

The usability is frictionless. Location-based reminders are used to prompt you to wash your hands when you get home.

It also automatically detects when you’re washing your hands by using motion and audio sensing. It will start a timer automatically and tell you when thirty seconds has passed, using visuals, audio and haptic feedback.

This is a great example of frictionless design where it’s completely automatic - you don’t have to start or stop a timer yourself to use it.

The motivation design is great. There’s a clear goal - wash your hands for 30 seconds. There’s clear feedback in the form of a timer. Stop washing your hands before the timer is up and you’ll receive a prompt to keep washing.

Make it all the way to the end and you’re rewarded a playful animation of text saying “well done” in a cute bubble font.

So whoever designed this feature nailed the value, usability and motivation to create an engaging design.

These three things are really important to consider in anything you create. If you want to create an engaging design, ask yourself, does it have clear value, is it easy to use and is it motivating?

If you manage to support all three of these elements, you’re on your way to creating an engaging design.