'Lens' by Yuxuan Hua: Innovation in AR Smartwatch

Lens

AR Smartwatch for Yuxuan Hua

Lens is an AR smartwatch for immersive outdoor adventures, blending spontaneity with simplicity. While existing AR devices like smart glasses and smartphones feel intrusive or disrupt exploration, Lens offers a seamless alternative. Worn like a watch, Lens’ AR features are available when needed, unobtrusive and always ready. Designed to be held like a traditional monocular, it unveils a new world with augmented content: identify creatures, explore new trails, or uncover constellations. Lens seamlessly merges the nostalgia of optical discovery with the thrill of modern exploration.

Yuxuan Hua 2025 Professional Silver Press Kit № 166878

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Download Press Kit № 166878 AR Smartwatch for Yuxuan Hua by Yuxuan Hua to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Lens by Yuxuan Hua

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AR Smartwatch by Yuxuan Hua

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Yuxuan Hua Lens

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The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Acknowledgements for photographs are in the Image Credits Section.

Yuxuan Hua AR Smartwatch

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

Unique Properties

Lens is an AR smartwatch for immersive outdoor adventures, blending spontaneity with simplicity. Unlike intrusive AR tools like smart glasses or smartphones, Lens offers a seamless alternative. Worn like a watch, its AR features are unobtrusive and ready when needed. Designed to be held like a monocular, Lens unveils a world of augmented content, merging the nostalgia of telescopic discovery with the thrill of modern exploration.

Production Technology

Lens was designed with a focus on ergonomic comfort and seamless functionality. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum for durability and lightweight wear, it features advanced AR projection, a wide FOV camera for immersive visuals, and a compact LiDAR for precise spatial mapping. The quick-detach mechanism enhances versatility, while extensive prototyping and real-world testing ensured optimal performance for outdoor exploration.

Project Duration

Lens began during the pandemic in 2021, driven by a desire to enhance connections and exploration during a unique time. After two years of development, it was completed in December 2023, ready to redefine how we engage with the world around us.

Operation Flow

Lens works seamlessly as a smartwatch and transforms into an AR monocular when removed from the wrist. Interaction is intuitive - simply hold it up to access features like navigation, identification, and stargazing. Key frames include wrist-worn mode for portability and monocular mode for immersive AR. Its unobtrusive design outperforms other tools by delivering instant insights without disrupting the natural experience, ensuring spontaneity and immersion.

Research

We interviewed hikers, foragers, and stargazers to uncover their main frustrations with outdoor AR apps: 1.Devices were too bulky to carry comfortably. 2.Many were too fragile for rugged environments. 3.Frequent screen interactions disrupted the flow of exploration. And these insights guided our design: 1.A quick-detach mechanism. 2.Intuitive monocular-holding gesture for seamless AR interaction. 3.A capacitive haptic button enabling both simple and complex controls. 4.An integrated haptic motor to reduce cognitive load, letting users stay focused on their surroundings.

Inspiration

Lens was inspired by the age-old act of sighting through telescopes, reimagined for the modern adventurer. Designed to be held like a traditional monocular, it blends the nostalgia of optical discovery with cutting-edge AR technology. Addressing the shortcomings of other AR tools - like the intrusiveness of glasses or the disruption of smartphones - Lens enhances exploration with instant, unobtrusive insights while preserving the spontaneity of outdoor adventures.

Project Overview

Lens AR Smartwatch has been a Silver winner in the Wearable Technologies Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Yuxuan Hua.

Silver Recognition

Yuxuan Hua was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Lens AR Smartwatch.

Yuxuan Hua Newsroom

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