An Exploratory Analysis of User Needs and Design Issues of Wearable Technology for Monitoring Running Performances

Wearable devices are becoming a “virtual coach” for novice, recreational and competitive runnner. In fact, wearable devices are non intrusive and can ecologically monitor the performance and the well-being of the runner, providing personalize information to enhance performance, comfort and prevention. In this paper we present an exploratory study of user needs and design specifications to develop wearable devices for long distance runners. Data was collected in twenty-two runners (16 females, 6 males, aged (35.54 ± 14.85 years)). Our results showed that 59% of participants is interested in being monitored and having feedback by a wearable device. Especially, only 27% of them like to be monitored during running activity. In conclusion, only 9.1% of runners consider the wearable device as a “virtual coach” for real-time feedback of their performance.

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