Shape and Size Matter for Smartwatches: Effects of Screen Shape, Screen Size, and Presentation Mode in Wearable Communication

Abstract

This study investigates how variations in the screen shape (round vs. square) and screen size (large vs. small) of smartwatches affect their hedonic and pragmatic qualities and the evaluation of transmitted information. Results from a between-subjects experiment (N = 160) indicate that large screens positively influence information quality by simultaneously increasing both the hedonic and pragmatic qualities of smartwatches. However, the effects of round screens on information quality are mediated only by the hedonic quality, suggesting that square screens are more closely associated with the pragmatic, rather than hedonic, quality of the medium. The results also reveal that the effects of screen shape and screen size are moderated by the presentation mode (text + image vs. text only) of information.