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Evaluating Users' Experiences of a Child Multimodal Wearable Device: Mixed Methods Approach
Nancy L McElwain1,2, Meghan C Fisher1, Camille Nebeker3
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.
JMIR Human Factors
|February 8, 2024
Summary
Parents found new wearable devices easy to use and safe for child development research. Feedback on privacy varied, but improvements can enhance family experiences with these child health technologies.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Digital Health
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Wearable devices offer continuous, unobtrusive data collection for child development research.
- Few studies explore family experiences with child wearable research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess parents' and children's experiences with a new wearable device in the home.
- Evaluate usability, privacy, and risks/benefits of child wearable technology.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods approach combining interviews and questionnaires.
- Two studies involved parents and children aged 1 month to 9.5 years.
- Device integrated audio, ECG, and motion sensors, worn on a specialized shirt.
Main Results:
- Most parents found the device easy to use, safe, and remote visits convenient.
- Privacy concerns regarding audio data varied; machine learning and user controls mitigated some concerns.
- Parents reported positive experiences, including comfort, safety, and enjoyment, with minimal perceived burden.
Conclusions:
- Parental feedback provides actionable insights for improving wearable device platforms for children.
- Enhancements can optimize the experience of using child wearable devices in home-based research.
- Future research should prioritize family perspectives to refine digital health tools for pediatric studies.
