Source: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/designing-for-watchos. This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02. Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.
Designing for watchOS
Display.
Ergonomics.
Inputs.
App interactions.
System features.
Best practices
Support quick, glanceable, single-screen interactions that deliver critical information succinctly and help people perform targeted actions with a simple gesture or two.
Minimize the depth of hierarchy in your app’s navigation, and use the Digital Crown to provide vertical navigation for scrolling or switching between screens.
Personalize the experience by proactively anticipating people’s needs and using on-device data to provide actionable content that’s relevant in the moment or very soon.
Use complications to provide relevant, potentially dynamic data and graphics right on the watch face where people can view them on every wrist raise and tap them to dive straight into your app.
Use notifications to deliver timely, high-value information and let people perform important actions without opening your app.
Use background content such as color to convey useful supporting information, and use materials to illustrate hierarchy and a sense of place.
Design your app to function independently, complementing your notifications and complications by providing additional details and functionality.
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For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/designing-for-watchos