Co-designing wearable devices for sports: The case study of sport climbing. Issue 124 (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mencarini, Eleonora; Leonardi, Chiara; Cappelletti, Alessandro; Giovanelli, Davide; De Angeli, Antonella; Zancanaro, Massimo
• Is Part Of: International journal of human-computer studies. Issue 124(2019)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Human-machine systems -- Periodicals; Systems engineering -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Human engineering; Human-machine systems; Systems engineering; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1071-5819

Abstract

Highlights: Offers a user-driven perspective on the design of wearable devices for sports. Elicits climbers' values influencing wearables acceptance and the related design considerations. Presents design activities that involve potential users in the real context of use. Explores the possibility to augment interpersonal communication in sport through vibrotactile feedback. Compares different design solutions in the real context of use. Abstract: This paper presents the co-design process of a wearable device for rock climbing, an extreme sport that requires high physical, emotional, and cognitive involvement. From the preliminary investigation of climbers' needs, it emerged that their acceptance of wearables is mainly influenced by climbing sport-specific values like self-efficacy, trust, and adventure. Such values highlight the importance of the role technology should have beyond its functional purpose, i.e. how wearables should support climbers. Based on these insights, we designed and deployed a vibrotactile wearable device aimed at augmenting the communication between instructor and trainees and assessed its usefulness, usability, and pleasantness during an indoor climbing lesson. Finally, we conclude the paper discussing how the wearable we implemented meets the design criteria emerged from climbers' values and reflecting on the importance to gain new perspectives on the design of wearables for sports in general.