User affordances and patterns of behaviour associated with wearable fitness devices

Abstract

This narrative study responds to a paper and statement by Yang (2016:256) who states that "despite the positive prospects and functionality of wearable devices, little research has been done on user acceptance and behaviours concerning them". This study made use of Engeström's second generation Activity theory (1983) to examine how wearable fitness devices influence and support a number of users' behaviour by attempting to uncover the underlying user affordances and patterns of behaviour that emerge when people interact with wearable fitness devices. Data was collected in the form of the content analysis that identified the hot areas of discussion in documents in the field. The second part of the case study was conducted through qualitative interviews with eight participants.. In addition, through emergent research data was coded and modified to best describe participant responses. All participants in this study were users' of wearable fitness devices which were identified via peers, referral and convenient target sampling. The snowballing sampling technique was also deployed to engage with willing participants. In addressing my research objective I have identified four user personas in relation to wearable fitness device usage. I also present some of the tensions and contradictions that users experience when engaging within their various individual wearable fitness device activity systems. My primary data analyses also identified seven themes which emerged from the obtained results, these include adoption, lifestyle management, a?ordances, self-reflection, community/normative influences, motivations/self-ecacy and goal setting and incentive.