Paper (Talk)

People often engage in physical activity with others, yet wearable technologies like heart rate monitors typically focus on individual usage. In response, we discuss the potential of heart rate displays in a social context, by means of an augmented cycling helmet that displays heart rate data. We studied how pairs of cyclists engaged with this setup and found that access to another person’s heart rate data can result in social interplay which in turn supports engagement with the exertion activity. Through our design process and study, we reveal key dimensions of designing for social uses of heart rate data and wearable displays: temporal and spatial accessibility of data, technology support for its interpretation, and influences on heart rate. We also articulate a set of insights for designers that aim to support social exertion activities with heart rate data. As such, our work expands our understanding of wearable technologies’ unique interaction opportunities.