The key, it seems to me, is to produce a device or token that combines several functions. People have too many different things that they need to take with them: phone, keys, loyalty cards, rfid dongles, credit cards, key cards, cash, coins, mp3 player, headphones, EZ Pass, Metrocard, bank card, debit card, ID card, drivers license, passport, watch, etc. We cannot tolerate any more accessories, which entail a whole new set of rules and instructions to read. So: the key is simplification and finding ways to reduce, not increase, the total number of things we need to carry. On the other hand, there are new features that we crave, like constant connectivity, and others that we really need, like better security against identity theft and other forms of fraud. The challenge, going forward, will be to provide these new capabilities, but at the same time simplify the overall user experience. That's what Google and Apple have done in their respective businesses.
I recommend you take a look at the Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda, of RISD. Here's a
link to his blog.
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