Beyond novelty effect: a mixed-methods exploration into the motivation for long-term activity tracker use

Area of Science:

• Consumer Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health

Background:

• Activity trackers offer quantified measurements for self-health management.
• Short-term studies often overlook the novelty effect and long-term usage motivations.
• Understanding sustained use is crucial for effective health technology development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of the novelty effect on activity tracker adoption.
• To identify motivations for sustained use of activity trackers beyond the novelty period.
• To provide design implications for future health-monitoring technologies.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative Fitbit log analysis and qualitative interviews.
• Study included 23 Fitbit users with a minimum of 2 months of device usage (69-1073 days).
• Behavioral understanding was developed through in-depth analysis of user data and experiences.

Main Results:

• Activity tracker usage exhibited two distinct stages: a novelty period and a long-term use period.
• The novelty period for Fitbit users in this study lasted approximately 3 months.
• Qualitative data revealed factors influencing continuous device use across different stages.

Conclusions:

• Long-term activity tracker use involves important dynamics beyond initial adoption.
• Findings contribute new knowledge to consumer health informatics and human-computer interaction.
• Design implications are provided to enhance future activity tracking technologies for sustained user engagement and effective health self-management.