Making lifelogging usable: Design guidelines for activity trackers

Abstract

Of all lifelogging tools, activity trackers are probably among the most widely used ones receiving most public attention. However, when used on a long-term basis e.g. for prevention and wellbeing, the devices’ acceptance by the user and its usability become critical issues. In a user study we explored how activity trackers are used and experienced in daily life. We identified critical issues with regard not just to the HCI topics wearability, appearance of the device, and display and interaction, but also to aspects of modeling and describing the measured and presented data. We suggest four guidelines for the design of future activity trackers. Ideally, activity tracking would be fulfilled by a modular concept of building blocks for sensing, interaction and feedback that the user can freely combine, distribute and wear according to personal preferences and situations.