A screenless smartphone alternative powered by artificial intelligence, the Humane AI Pin, was savaged by critics but designers should not make the mistake of dismissing it entirely, writes Abb-d Taiyo.

When the Humane AI Pin launched earlier this year it was branded one of the biggest tech fails of 2024. A smartphone with no screen, one expert called it "the worst product I've ever reviewed", citing its failure to complete basic functions such as making a phone call, playing a song or setting a timer when tested.

But barring its practical limitations, the concept behind the AI Pin was a brilliant exercise in design. It is a step in the right direction when it comes to personal technology being designed with user wellbeing in mind.

In a world where we are constantly drawn to our screens, the social responsibility of designers to facilitate healthier relationships with technology has never been more apparent. Digital design is centred around maintaining engagement, often in a bid to encourage sales or activity on channels. But good design, both user and product, should be transparent.

The Humane AI Pin can be linked to the concept of "invisible" design, which seamlessly supports users' goals without demanding unnecessary attention. While the AI Pin itself fell short of expectations, the idea behind it is something designers should be adopting in order to curb reliance on screens.

Posing a contradiction to the term "user engagement" and, ultimately, bottom lines, designing products like these is a risk. But, especially in the world of digital design, it can be a blessing if executed properly.

The principles of invisible design, such as subtlety, empowerment and a decrease in cognitive load, are what excellent digital design should be about. Removing barriers between users and tasks, digital design should not be about keeping users absorbed by the algorithm's digital infinity mirror, but about simply ensuring that users get what they need out of a product as and when they need it.

There is a delicate balance to strike between innovation and accessibility when bringing a new product to market. Although the Humane AI Pin aimed to curb our screen addictions and remove the complications between user and task, there was a gap when it came to communicating its real purpose to the public.

The critics were correct; it was a product that came at too hefty a price for minimal features. But the philosophy behind it – simplifying our interaction with technology in a more intuitive way while encouraging less reliance on it – was a forward-thinking idea that ultimately failed in its execution.

Products no longer need to be overstimulating in order to be appealing, and what users want is a simple, seamless way to get their tasks done. The focus has shifted from flashy features to intuitive design that anticipates user needs. Efficiency and ease of use are the new black, as people gravitate toward technology that fits effortlessly into their routines rather than demanding constant attention.

One of the guiding principles of invisible design, and something that I practise day-to-day, is empowerment. For a product to stand out today it needs to empower users without overwhelming them, and good design is the driving catalyst behind this.

As our relationship with technology morphs, under constant scrutiny, we increasingly rely on products to shape that interaction. The Humane AI Pin introduced a novel way of engaging with technology – one that prioritised human-centred interaction without compromising our sense of self. Its core principles should be a guiding light as we work towards the next venture.

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The 'worst product ever' has a lot to admire

Read Abb-d Taiyo's unabridged article for Dezeen examining the controversial screenless AI smartphone and what it could mean for the future of the industry.