Explorations of wearable technology for tracking self and others

Abstract The purpose of this research is to explore designs and functions people like to have in wearable trackers and how these differ between novice and experienced users. Interviews were conducted with 20 people, consisted of novice and experienced users living in the US, by asking preferred designs and functions of wearable trackers for oneself and others, preferences on sharing the tracked data, and suggestions in designs and functions of wearables. The data were analyzed qualitatively. It is recommended to make wearable trackers as accessory types that are small, lightweight, and neutral colored. Wearable trackers can offer self-tracking of moods and feelings for novice users and self-track physical activities for experienced users. Novice users are more likely to track others’ physical health and experienced users preferred to track social media posts of others. Experienced users more reluctant to share their data with others than novice users. The results of this research will be helpful for designers, engineers, and marketers in the process of designing wearable technology