Genevieve Bell

Those of us who think about bringing outside-in perspectives to brands are quite familiar with Dr. Genevieve Bell. Others may recognize her from the 2014 New York Times profile. Formally, she is an Intel Fellow and a Vice President in the Corporate Strategy Office and is one the company’s most prominent social scientists who focuses on user experience.

A peek inside Genevieve Bell’s handbag tells a story. She carries a Blackberry, a camera, an extra hard drive, a blue tooth headset, and a power source: standard fare for someone who works in the technology sector as she does. But she also carries ear plugs, a passport, and at least two forms of currency at all times—evidence of her adventures as a globe-trotting anthropologist.

Wearing things to augment our physical selves is almost as old as humanity, but to get where wearable technology is going next, you have to understand the ...