OPTIKAL

YEAR 2020.

Flying cars are still unreal. Self-driving cars have only killed 2 people. Bluetooth headphones have once again, been replaced by the good ol' 35mm headphone jack after the Great Revolution. The reliance on digital screens has caused a social epidemic of poor eyesight. Fortunately, OPTIKAL, a subsidiary of Warby Parker, developed a brand new way of seeing the world. Today, we follow the story of young Bailey, an ex-glasses enthusiast as he adapts to his life with perfect vision.

SO WHAT DID THEY DESIGN?

Check out amazon. It's not on there. The device is a unique implantable technology that sits unobtrusively on one's temple. With the simple installation of one step: put it on, it optimizes your eyesight by connecting your optical nerve to a larger database of vision. Unseen in the video, the device also provides easy access to Netflix, Hulu, and even Reddit. Memes can be made with a simple gesture by shaking your hand in front of your eye. Other user information can be accessed with a small premium of $2.99 a week. 

REFLECTION

We designed this product to demonstrate the risks that our dependence on technology could have, not to habits or opinions, but to physical health. With IOT's efforts to make objects seem "enchanted" or more user-friendly, the unintentional result is sometimes hiding how the product works and how it can affect the user. Technology that gives you artificially perfect vision might not be desired if it isn't permanent and also deteriorates your own eyesight. Additionally, with the product's subscription payment, the user has less agency over the use of the product. The complexity of the object is masked behind the ease of interaction to simplify the installation for the end user. This makes the product super accessible, but actually hides the technology and potential vulnerabilities of digital devices.

RECOMMENDATION

Prefer "opt-in" as the default setting

If it can't be "opt-in" then at least allow for an "opt-out" option

Design products that do not leave the user in a worse state after using the product.

Create more readable terms and services

Allow for a tiered subscription plans

When changing the price of a subscription plan, allow for ample notice and the ability to cancel if it becomes unaffordable