Phonebloks has achieved quite a lot in just over a year, pushing the mobile industry toward modular design, instead of cramming every piece of tech into a sealed phone incapable of being repaired.

The project has spawned Project Ara, an ex-Motorola and now Google-operated project to create a modular smartphone. Other brands like ZTE have tried modular alpha designs, and industry observers are starting to see some progression to new environmental waste standards.

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Blocks is a new concept for a modular design, this time on wearables. The group has been pushing their message since June, but only recently unveiled a membership program - allowing fans early access to the first modular smartwatch designs - before the crowd-funded effort in the second quarter of 2015.

This new wearable concept will be developed by Blocks and partners. The crowd-funded effort will offer different types of modules for a price; users will be able to customize after initial purchase.

Users will be able to choose different displays: E-Ink, circular and square LCD. There will also be options for processors; batteries; fingerprint and health sensors; hand gestures; USB; SIM; payment support; hardware buttons; kinetic charging; audio; camera; memory and extra battery.

Currently, Blocks is testing Intel and Samsung's Tizen OS interface on the wearable, although Android Wear could be an optional change. In 2015, we may see more open platforms sprout up for wearables, including some Android ROMs like CyanogenMod.

When the device is ready to sell, Blocks will open up a platform to purchase different items - from different providers - on their virtual store. This will work similar to Motorola's Moto Maker, but with much deeper customization of the device.

TagsPhonebloks, Blocks, smartwatch, wearable, modular design