As the release date for the latest Jawbone UP3 approaches, Jawbone partner and designer Yves Behar discusses the wearability of wearables, data privacy and getting enough sleep.

How do you use your UP3?
Yves Behar: The UP3 gathers information over time; I can see my patterns on a daily basis and on a yearly basis. For example, I know that in February last year I got the least amount of sleep, and that affected my eating patterns and how much I walked during the day. This year, I’ve already taken steps to ensure that I remain consistent.

What was the biggest challenge in developing the UP series?
The real challenge for wearables is to make the product wearable. Since my partners and I at Jawbone created the first wrist worn activity and sleep tracker, there are many more players in this field. However, they are trying to include as much technology – and as many features – as possible, at the expense of wearability. People love personal data, insights, and eureka moments that help them make lifestyle decisions. To get the most out of the data, it has to be worn 24/7. The UP series' success lies in making bands that are comfortable day and night, and an expression of personal style.

What was the research process like to create the new one-size-fits-all wrist band?
We went through countless iterations, materials, clasp mechanisms and form factors. With the main sensor technology tucked inside a low-profile, CNC, magnesium chassis, we kept the form slim and waterproof. Because the band is closer to the skin and technology runs through it, we had to re-invent the clasp. We created a flat metal clip that glides over the sensors and locks in from the side to keep it comfortable – without piercing the surface of the strap. I don’t believe that wearables should imitate fashion or jewelry by hiding the technology. The UP3 band is iconic; it isn’t quite jewelry, but it isn’t quite technology – it lies somewhere in between. Its development took many months of design, explorations and prototyping.

Do you have any fear that tracking devices will be used by others to invade privacy?
Data should remain private. The UP series brings personal data to people that serves them directly, and when it comes to health that's what people want. In the end, the future of health, technology and lifestyle information will be in our hands.

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