Changing the mental model of users of wearable health devices
Overview
Background
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged where people cheat on the goals set by their body tracking devices. These devices, widely used for fitness and health tracking, are designed to assist with goal setting and progress monitoring. To ensure they are used effectively, it is crucial to understand how to reshape users' mental models and discourage such behavior.
As part of the study, we addressed this issue by introducing flexible goal-setting options for users, aiming to reshape their mental model around cheating.
Team
Ankita Doppalapudi
Lingyun Chen
Prachi Katkade
Print Jena
Timeline
4 weeks
Activities
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1:1 interviews
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Empathy mapping
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Brainstorming
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Final concept
Tools
Figma
Miro
Problem space
Target group: 18-26 years
As most people who use smart watches lie in the young adult demographic
Device: Apple Watch
Apple Watch has the largest share of wearable smart watch usage in the US, where we are conducting our research
Intent: Fitness enthusiasts
Most common intent users use Apple Watches are fitness related, giving us access to more users to conduct research
Problem
Most young adult Apple Watch users experience pressure (external or internal), to meet their fitness goals as it acts as a form of validation.
"
I feel like I have done enough for the day at work and I am tired...I just shake my hand to meet my goals
- P2, Male, 24 years
I feel like I have achieved something when I complete the goals on my device.
- P1, Female, 20 years
"
Recommendation
Reduction in pressure to meet daily goals through the introduction of weekly goals to give flexibility in deciding how much to perform each day​
This recommendation accounts for situations like: ​
1
Users being tied up with with college/office work on a particular day and are unable to meet their daily goal
2
Users are too tired to meet their fitness goal, and are more interested in performing a relaxing task
Why did we give this recommendation?
01 Primary research
Research goals to understand the context, product usage and mental model around cheating
Wrote down the themes and enquiry and relevant research questions pertaining to them
a) Introduction
Gain an understanding of what fitness means to the user
​What does fitness mean to them, how much weightage do they give to fitness in their life?
b) Product usage
Understand the mental model around the usage of the product wrt fitness
Why do they use the product? How is it helpful?
How do they keep track of their fitness goals using the product?
How do they cheat on their goals using the product?
c) Mental model around cheating
Understand the mental model around the usage of the product wrt fitness
What is the user's motivation to cheat?
How do they feel when they cheat?
What benefits do they feel while exhibiting this behaviour?
Snapshot of discussion guide with questions
​
02 Analysis
Most users cheat on their device as they feel pressurized to meet their goals, because of the self validation they receive once the task is marked as completed
Empathy Mapping
How might we reduce the pressure users feel to meet their fitness goals on Apple Watch
02 Brainstorming
Concept 1
Place autonomy in users hand by shifting from daily to weekly goals
Changing from daily to weekly goals would reduce pressure on user's end to cheat and meet their goals​​ for the day
Concept by Ankita Doppalapudi
Concept 2
Concept by Lingyun Chen
21 days challenge to help in habit forming and prevent cheating
Based on the 21-day habit formation idea, the 21-day challenge encourages users to build a routine.
While not scientifically proven, this idea has gained significant traction on social media. Leveraging its widespread appeal, we saw an opportunity to use it as a hook to motivate users to take the next step.
Concept 3
Concept 3: Celebrity role model goal setting to motivate users
This concept encourages users to set goals inspired by celebrity role model,. aiming to motivate them to complete tasks aligned with their desired outcomes
Potential drawback: This approach could inadvertently increase body image concerns.
Concept by Lingyun Chen
03 Final concept
Wireframes
Mashup: Concept 1 + Concept 2
Place autonomy in user's hand + 21 days challenge
Users can first start with setting weekly goals, and then move to a bigger 21-day goal
Users can select the week/21 days they would like to set their challenge for based on their schedules
Users can re-asses and change their goal midway during the challenge
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Ability to change goal once during the 3rd-day mark for weekly challenge
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Ability to change goals twice during the 11th-day mark for 21-day challenge
High Fidelity
