"In the wild activity tracking: academic research with commercial systems" Danny Harrison

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.

Thank you!

[email protected]

@dbpharrison