KeyLink

Project Info

Designer - Daren Cheng
Duration - 5 Weeks
Role - Research, Analysis, UX Design, UI Design, Branding

Background

Managing secure access and connectivity is challenging in today’s fast-paced world. KeyLink uses NFC technology in smartwatches to simplify interactions, enabling secure building access, effortless data sharing, and smart home control with just a tap. It enhances security and convenience, promoting a connected, seamless lifestyle.

HMW

How do we enable users to share NFC codes to access buildings through the capabilities of the smartwatch?

Overview

"Welcome to KeyLink, where your smartwatch becomes a powerful tool for daily life. Integrating NFC technology, KeyLink enhances your Apple Watch by enabling secure building access, effortless data sharing, and smart home control—all with a tap. It transforms everyday interactions to be smarter and more connected, keeping you in control and adding convenience."

Key Features

Secure Building Access

Enables quick, secure entry to buildings using NFC technology on smartwatches, eliminating the need for physical keys or cards.

Information Sharing

Facilitates seamless sharing of contact details or data for smoother social and professional interactions.

Customizable Access Management

Users can set the duration of NFC code validity for flexible access control.

Research

Quantitative- 25 Surveys

Qualitative- 5 interviewees

92.6%

92.6% of respondents are open to sharing their smartwatch’s NFC with trusted people, seeing it as a convenient and safe option for emergencies.

93.4%

93.4% of respondents think integrating fob functionality into smartwatches would boost convenience, making daily access smoother and reducing the need to carry extra items.

84%

84% of respondents have experienced losing or forgetting their fob, highlighting the appeal of smartwatch NFC integration to manage access more securely.

“With NFC access on my smartwatch, I can keep all my keys and fobs in one place, literally on my wrist. It’s easier not to search for my keys or worry about which pocket I left them in. I think this would simplify my daily routine.”

“Switching to digital access via my smartwatch also reduces the need for physical keys or fobs. It’s a small but meaningful way to reduce waste, which I think is a responsible environmental choice.”

“In a collaborative workspace, sharing access temporarily through my smartwatch would be ideal. I could let colleagues or clients in without handing over physical keys. It makes the entire process more flexible and secure.”

It’s Truly hard for THEM because...

Full
Research
Report

Limited Access Management via Smartwatch

Inadequate Security in NFC Sharing

Peosona

Busy professionals, multitasking students, on-the-go parents, and collaborative freelancers are tired of juggling keys and fobs. They want a sleek, innovative solution on their wrist that keeps life simple and secure. Imagine a smartwatch with NFC functionality that makes access a breeze, sharing a snap and lost keys a thing of the past. This is the future they’re ready for.

Analysis

Competitors

This competitor analysis reveals that while Samsung and Wear OS support essential NFC functions, neither Fitbit nor Apple Watch offer full NFC capabilities. None of the brands provide NFC addition, management, or sharing options, highlighting a market gap for a smartwatch with more flexible and customizable NFC access features.

User Journey Map

Design

Wireframes

Site Map

TEsting & Iteration

The iteration insights highlight the need for a streamlined and visually intuitive user flow for the NFC-enabled smartwatch access management system. Key improvements include simplifying the process for adding and sharing access, enhancing clarity through icons and color-coding, providing more distinct feedback for completed actions, and offering easy time-limit controls for temporary access. Additionally, a consistent interface for managing multiple access points would create a unified, user-friendly experience, helping users navigate and control their access efficiently.

Visual

Brading

Logo Design

The KeyLink logo blends a keyhole, radar waves, and perspective lines to symbolize secure, wireless access. The keyhole represents security, while the radar waves evoke NFC connectivity. The concentric lines add depth, highlighting KeyLink’s ability to seamlessly link users with their surroundings, near or far.