Samsung Electronics is redefining how wearable devices are designed through computational design — a data-driven methodology that combines artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and human-centered design principles to create products with optimal fit, comfort, and performance.
At the heart of this innovation is the Samsung Design Innovation Center (SDIC) in San Francisco, home to the companys Computational Design Lab. Spearheaded by Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President and Head of SDIC, the lab harnesses AI, machine learning, robotics, and 4D scanning technology to analyze hundreds of thousands of quantitative and qualitative data points, fundamentally shifting product design from subjective feedback to objective, data-driven engineering.
“At SDIC, our mission is to deliver meaningful experiences by understanding people and their evolving lifestyles — always in the context of human-centered design,” said Casalegno. “Ultimately, we want to delight customers and create products that help people live happier, healthier, more creative and more productive lives.”
Developing wearables with the optimal fit and comfort remains one of the industrys most difficult yet crucial challenges. Fit directly impacts not only how seamless a device feels to use but also its overall performance and sensor accuracy. Since each persons anatomy is completely unique, achieving universal comfort has traditionally been a major hurdle.
Samsungs computational design approach solves this by using AI and advanced computing to generate, test, and refine product designs with greater precision than ever before. The methodology is currently applied across Samsungs entire wearable portfolio, including the Galaxy Watch8 series and the Galaxy Buds4 series.
For the Galaxy Buds4, the Computational Design Lab used 4D scanners to capture thousands of ear shapes from diverse populations worldwide. This data was fed into AI models that analyzed pressure points, ergonomic factors, and acoustic performance to optimize the earbuds shape and weight distribution. The result is a pair of earbuds that fit more securely and comfortably for a wider range of users while delivering superior sound quality.
Similarly, for the Galaxy Watch8 series, computational design was used to optimize the curvature of the watch back, the placement of sensors, and the distribution of weight across the wrist. By analyzing data from thousands of wrist shapes and movement patterns, Samsung engineers were able to design a watch that sits more naturally on the wrist, improving both comfort and the accuracy of health sensors like heart rate monitoring and bioelectrical impedance analysis.
“Computational design is how we bring our philosophy to life — it is the process of harnessing the immense power of AI, data and computing to design products for people, rather than expecting people to adapt to our products,” Casalegno explained. “This approach helps us to create devices that are fundamentally functional, intuitive, comfortable and beautifully crafted.”
The SDICs multidisciplinary team brings together designers, engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists who work collaboratively to push the boundaries of what is possible in wearable technology. By combining creativity with data-driven decision-making, Samsung is setting new standards for how wearable devices are conceived, designed, and manufactured.
As the wearable technology market continues to expand, Samsungs investment in computational design positions the company to deliver products that not only perform better but also integrate more seamlessly into users daily lives. The approach represents a fundamental shift in how consumer electronics are designed — one that prioritizes human anatomy and real-world usage data over guesswork and generalized sizing.
Image Source: Samsung Newsroom
