An expert introduction to the world of “playful wearables” and their design, with a wide range of engaging examples, case studies, and exercises. This pioneering introduction to the world of wearable technology takes readers beyond the practical realm (think Fitbits, Apple Watches, and smartglasses) to consider another important side of the technology—the playful. Playful Wearables offers an engaging account of what “playful wearables” are, why they matter, how they work, how they’re made, and what their future might hold. The book’s authors draw on decades of experience in design, development, and research to offer real-world examples, exercises, and implications, showing how this kind of wearable tech can introduce an invaluable element of play into our everyday lives. Wearable technology has become increasingly commonplace in our everyday lives. You, our reader, may be wearing one of these devices right now, whether it’s a fitness tracker such as the Fitbit, a smartwatch such as the Apple Watch, or perhaps smartglasses such as Snap’s Spectacles. Most people use these devices to track wellness and fitness data about themselves or to connect to others through social media, text messages, calendar alerts, and the like. This frames wearables as serious business, keeping us in touch with our own health and helping us maintain social ties. In this book, you’ll learn about and explore design considerations for another side of wearables: their potential to support play.