Abstract

Wearable technology for activity tracking has been widely adopted to support users in improving or maintaining their physical activity rates. However, while some users derive value from their trackers for a long time, others find barriers to incorporating this technology into their routines. Using an online survey focused on both ex-users and current users of activity trackers, this study investigated factors of discouragement and reasons that could contribute to long-term adoption. Subsequent interviews with a sample of ten participants were conducted to complement the understanding of the users’ experiences and their motivations. Through these approaches, the findings of this study suggest that long-term use is derived from the positive difference between the sense of usefulness and the effort necessary to maintain the continuous use of the devices.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Wearable technology--Public opinion; Exercise--Technological innovations--Public opinion

Publication Date

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Human-Computer Interaction (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Information Sciences and Technologies (GCCIS)

Advisor

Vicki Hanson

Advisor/Committee Member

Matt Huenerfauth

Advisor/Committee Member

Hugo Nicolau

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at QA76.592 .D38 2016

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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