Wearable Device Design and Development

Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Wearable Technology in Healthcare course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.

Wearable Device Design and Development

Wearable Device Design and Development Glossary #

Accelerometer #

A type of sensor used in wearable devices to measure acceleration forces #

It is commonly used to track movement, gestures, and orientation.

Activity Tracking #

A feature in wearable devices that monitors and records physical activities such… #

A feature in wearable devices that monitors and records physical activities such as steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and active minutes.

App Development #

The process of creating software applications specifically for wearable devices #

This involves designing user interfaces, coding, testing, and optimizing the app for performance.

Battery Life #

The duration for which a wearable device can operate on a single charge #

Battery life is a critical factor in user experience and device usability.

Biofeedback #

The process of providing real #

time information about physiological functions to help individuals self-regulate and improve their health. Wearable devices use sensors to provide biofeedback.

Bluetooth #

A wireless technology standard used for short #

range communication between devices. Wearable devices often use Bluetooth to connect to smartphones, tablets, or other wearable devices.

Body Area Network (BAN) #

A network of interconnected wearable devices placed on or around the body to mon… #

A network of interconnected wearable devices placed on or around the body to monitor various health parameters and communicate data wirelessly.

Cloud Computing #

The practice of storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instea… #

Wearable devices can leverage cloud computing for data storage and processing.

Data Privacy #

The protection of personal information collected by wearable devices from unauth… #

Data privacy is a critical concern in wearable technology.

Data Visualization #

The presentation of data in graphical or visual formats to help users interpret… #

Wearable devices often use data visualization to display health metrics.

Design Thinking #

A human #

centered approach to innovation that focuses on understanding the needs of users, challenging assumptions, and prototyping solutions. Design thinking is essential in wearable device design and development.

Ergonomics #

The study of designing products and environments to optimize human well #

being and overall system performance. Ergonomics is crucial in wearable device design to ensure comfort and usability.

Fitness Tracker #

A type of wearable device designed to monitor and track physical activities, exe… #

A type of wearable device designed to monitor and track physical activities, exercise routines, and health metrics such as heart rate and sleep patterns.

Gesture Control #

The ability of wearable devices to recognize and interpret hand movements, gestu… #

The ability of wearable devices to recognize and interpret hand movements, gestures, or body language to interact with the device or control functions.

GPS (Global Positioning System) #

A satellite #

based navigation system that provides real-time location information. Wearable devices use GPS to track outdoor activities, map routes, and provide location-based services.

Hardware Development #

The process of designing and building the physical components of a wearable devi… #

The process of designing and building the physical components of a wearable device, including sensors, processors, batteries, displays, and connectivity modules.

Health Monitoring #

The continuous tracking and analysis of physiological parameters such as heart r… #

The continuous tracking and analysis of physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature using wearable devices.

Internet of Things (IoT) #

A network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data over the… #

Wearable devices are a key component of the IoT ecosystem.

Machine Learning #

A subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn from data an… #

Machine learning algorithms are used in wearable devices for predictive analytics.

Mobile Health (mHealth) #

The practice of using mobile devices, including wearable technology, for healthc… #

mHealth apps and devices enable remote patient monitoring and telemedicine services.

Navigation System #

The feature in wearable devices that provides directions, maps, and guidance for… #

Navigation systems often use GPS and sensors to determine location.

Optical Sensors #

Sensors that use light to detect and measure physical or chemical properties #

Optical sensors are commonly used in wearable devices for heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, and activity tracking.

Prototype Development #

The creation of a preliminary version of a wearable device to test functionality… #

Prototyping helps iterate and refine the final product.

Remote Monitoring #

The ability of healthcare providers to monitor patients' health status and vital… #

The ability of healthcare providers to monitor patients' health status and vital signs from a distance using wearable devices and telecommunication technologies.

Smart Clothing #

Clothing embedded with sensors, actuators, and electronics to monitor health met… #

Smart clothing is a type of wearable technology.

Software Development Kit (SDK) #

A set of tools, libraries, and documentation for developers to create applicatio… #

Wearable device manufacturers provide SDKs to support app development.

Speech Recognition #

The technology that enables wearable devices to understand and interpret spoken… #

Speech recognition is used for hands-free interaction with the device.

Strap Material #

The material used to make the band or strap of a wearable device #

Common strap materials include silicone, leather, stainless steel, and nylon.

Sustainability #

The practice of designing and manufacturing wearable devices with minimal enviro… #

Sustainability considerations include energy efficiency, recyclability, and ethical sourcing.

Touchscreen #

A display technology that allows users to interact with a device by touching the… #

Touchscreens are commonly used in wearable devices for navigation and input.

Usability Testing #

The process of evaluating a wearable device's user interface, functionality, and… #

Usability testing helps identify and address design flaws.

User Interface (UI) #

The visual layout, controls, and interactive elements that enable users to inter… #

A well-designed user interface enhances usability and user experience.

Virtual Reality (VR) #

A computer #

generated simulation of an interactive 3D environment that users can explore and interact with. VR technology is used in wearable devices for immersive experiences.

Wireless Charging #

A technology that enables charging a wearable device without the need for cables… #

Wireless charging pads or docks transfer power to the device through electromagnetic fields.

Wrist #

Based Heart Rate Monitor:

A sensor embedded in the wristband of a wearable device to continuously monitor… #

Wrist-based heart rate monitors use optical sensors.

Wearable Operating System #

A specialized operating system designed for wearable devices to manage hardware… #

Examples include watchOS, Wear OS, and Fitbit OS.

X #

Ray Imaging:

A diagnostic imaging technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to create det… #

Wearable devices do not typically use X-ray imaging due to safety concerns.

Yield Strength #

The maximum stress a material can withstand without permanent deformation #

Yield strength is an essential consideration in the design of wearable device components for durability and reliability.

Zero #

Day Vulnerability:

A security flaw or weakness in software or hardware that is exploited by attacke… #

Zero-day vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to wearable device security.

This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of key terms and concepts relate… #

Learners can refer to this glossary for quick reference and clarification of unfamiliar terms encountered during the course.

May 2026 cohort · 29 days left
from £90 GBP
Enrol