A Lived Informatics Model of Personal Informatics

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Personal Informatics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Existing personal informatics models primarily focus on behavior change goals.
• These models inadequately capture how individuals integrate self-tracking into diverse aspects of daily life.
• A new perspective is needed to understand the broader use of self-tracking tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel model of personal informatics based on the concept of 'lived informatics'.
• To characterize the integration of self-tracking into everyday life for individuals with varied goals.
• To identify challenges and future research directions in personal informatics.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 105, 99, and 83 past/present trackers of physical activity, finances, and location.
• Conducted interviews with 22 self-trackers to explore lived informatics experiences.
• Developed a model based on empirical data from surveys and interviews.

Main Results:

• The proposed lived informatics model details processes of deciding to track, selecting tools, collecting data, integrating information, and reflecting on tracked data.
• The model encompasses tracking and acting, as well as the phenomena of lapsing and resuming tracking.
• Identified underexplored challenges within the lived informatics framework.

Conclusions:

• The lived informatics model offers a more comprehensive understanding of personal informatics use beyond behavior change.
• This framework highlights the dynamic nature of self-tracking, including initiation, continuation, and cessation.
• The findings provide valuable insights for designing more effective and user-centered personal informatics systems and guiding future research.