"in the wild activity tracking: academic research with commercial systems" danny harrison
TRANSCRIPT
In the wild activity tracking: academic research
with commercial systems
Daniel Harrison
UCL Interaction Centre, London, UK
@dbpharrison
Background
• Inactive behaviours are responsible for approximately 3.2 million deaths each year.
• Public policies alone may not be effective in encouraging physical activity.
Background: activity trackers
Real life
Seen as a way to help increase their physical activity.
•These systems embody different BCTs.
•Behaviour change is a complex, long-term process.
Academic research
They are subject to short-term studies:
•Results may be attributable to initial effects.
•Unclear how people use trackers over a longer period.
Research vs. Commercial Devices
• Previous studies utilised expensive research grade devices or prototype systems.
VS.
• Commercial trackers:– Relatively inexpensive.– “Reliable”.– Different forms.– Offer APIs & SDKs.– Embody a range of BCTs.
Walkerbit Study
• 50 participants. • Up to 32-weeks of use.• Three conditions:
– 16-week baseline– 4-week baseline– No baseline
Methods:• Commercial activity tracker
(Fitbit Zip).• Over 200 interviews.• Diary study.
Limitations of Evaluating Commercial Systems
• Participants saw us as technical support.
• No way to fix technical issues.
• System updates can change BCTs.
• Black box system.
