I’ve been using Apple Watch since 2018 and been a fan. Its timer feature has been a lifesaver for me (Pomodoro technique, Gongfu tea timer) and I’ve been diligently logging my workout sessions with its workout app. Also the notification feature lets me take a peek at messages without triggering the Read receipt (it’s kind of cheating but I love it lol).
One thing that has been always bothering me is all those accidental taps on the Watch apps caused by folding arms. The worst is when the watch thinks I force-pressed the watch face and shows the watch face swap menu whereas I was just folding my arms. It’s so annoying and makes me wonder why they designed it this way.
I’m sure there were a lot of considerations that have gone into this and numerous user testings and human factors evaluations have been done, but weren’t there no one who reported this issue being so annoying? I wonder how many people would want to swap their watch faces frequently so much so that they need this “speed dial” for their watch face swap handy? I feel like this feature could’ve been under some Settings menu rather than triggered by the force-press interaction.
I think the force-press interaction on Apple Watch should be removed. I’m not sure if it’s just me or it happens to others as well, but after experiencing all these goofs like mistriggerred timers or other apps (btw they call the watch apps Complications, referring to all the fancy widgets on traditional expensive watches. Fancypants.), I found myself subconsciously became more hesitant folding arms. Sometimes right before I fold my arms I catch myself and wince a bit. This has definitely been caused by Apple Watch, an example of negative behavior change.
Maybe there’s a compelling use case that I didn’t even think of. But at least I wish Apple allows people to disable this force-press feature on the Apple Watch.
I feel like Apple force-presses users into adopting their way, the only right way in their mind.
HellaGritty 
Leave a comment