Exchange of Tracking Information on a Shared Platform - How the space of interaction can be designed to increase practitioners' motivation in physical activity outdoors

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Exchange of Tracking Information

on a Shared Platform

-

How the space of interaction can be designed to

increase practitioners motivation in physical

activity outdoors

Melinda Danielsson

Interaction Design Master’s programme, One year 15 credits Spring 2018 Supervisor: Jens Pedersen

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all the people who were willing to give their time and effort in

participating in the investigation of the study, you made this study possible. I would also like to express my gratitude to my friends and family that supported me throughout the study. A special thanks to my supervisor Jens Pedersen who gave me interesting and critical insights and guided me in the right direction.

Abstract

Interactive technology in the area of fitness and wellbeing has gained increasing interest in the HCI community with the emphasize to design technologies and tools in the aim to encourage people and make them more engaged in physical activity. However, there is little

investigation in which precise factors that contribute to user motivation and self-efficacy. Physical activity outdoors together with tracking devices enables the users to view and interpret the results from their practice based on movements. The data can then be visualized on geographic maps, which are powerful tools for presentation. Online platforms on the web give users the opportunity to share their own results together with other practitioners’ results. This creates a shared network of practitioners in a world-wide online setting, based on geolocated information visualized on geographic maps. The study starts with the hypothesis that the space of interaction on a map-based social network platform can be further developed in the aim to increase practitioners’ motivation in physical activity.

Two approaches are identified in the study: comparative and supportive. The study examines how they can be integrated in the space of a map-based social network platform in the aim to motivate practitioners. The study results in different kinds of features and investigate in practitioners’ experience of them.

Keywords: Geographic, Maps: Web, Platform; Interaction; Tracking; Physical, Activity; Walking; Running; Motivation; Human, Social, Behavior; Social, Network: Comparative; Supportive

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1 Introduction and background

The Public Health Agency of Sweden explains physical activity as something that “has many positive effects on our health, as it is associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases”. According to the agency, a sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of disease. (The Public Health Agency of Sweden, 2016). Motivation is the key to continuation in practicing physical activity, and this might both in the long and short run lead to increased physical and mental health.

Digital health products are expected to grow in the future, aligned with the increasing use of web and mobile (HealthStandards, 2017). The area in exercise, fitness and wellbeing has gained increasing interest in the HCI community with the emphasize to design technologies and tools in the aim to encourage people and make them more engaged in physical activity. However, there is little investigation in which precise factors that contribute to user

motivation and self-efficacy (Asimakopoulos et al., 2017).

Developing technology creates opportunities for individuals to view and interpret their health in a different way, and interact with the information they are given on an everyday basis. People can nowadays use different fitness trackers and smartwatches to get information related to their health, displayed in healthcare information systems. Tracking devices using GPS generates data based on the users’ movements. It is possible for users to share and interact with the results of the tracking data on the web. Physical activity outdoors together with tracking devices in a social network setting through the web enables the users to view and interpret their results after performing the activity together with others’ results.

With the increased use of tracking technology, maps become a more and more relevant tool for visualizing the data which represents the practitioners’ movements and results. Maps are an important tool for exploring and navigating in an area (Macfarlan, 2014). Visualizing data through maps can add visual information to the practitioner and lead to an increased

motivation.

Online platforms on the web give users the opportunity to share their own results and view other practitioners’ results. This creates a shared network of practitioners in a world-wide online setting based on information visualized in geographic maps. Online social networks have become a highly attractive target for many initiatives(Zhang et al., 2016). Zhang et al. (2016) say that online social networks health interventions have increased dramatically in recent years. Social networking sites are becoming ubiquitous in people’s everyday lives, and this is especially interesting in the public health domain (Laranjo et al., 2015). Maher et al. (2014) say that there is a need for future research in incorporated online social networks and to determine how to maximize retention and engagement. It is important to study technologies in the role of potential health benefits; hence it is valuable to create an understanding of a map-based social network platform in the area of physical activity outdoors in users’ perspectives. In that way, it can be assessed whether this kind of online platform has the potentials to make individuals more motivated in physical activity.

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1.1 Research objectives

The purpose of the study is to explore the space of interaction on a map-based social network platform and users’ needs together in the area of walking and running activity. The aim is to study if and how the space of this platform might increase users’ motivation in practicing physical activity. The study starts with the hypothesis that this kind of platform can be further developed in the aim to increase practitioners’ motivation in physical activity.

The two research questions are:

- What identifies the space of interaction on a map-based social network platform in the area of physical activity today?

- How can the space of interaction on a map-based social network platform in the area of physical activity be further developed in consideration to the users’ needs for motivation?

1.2 Target group

The study investigates in practitioners that are using or have been using any kind of tracking device tied to physical activity outdoors. Their experience of tracking devices was considered relevant because it shows that they are potentially interested in using technology together with their practice of physical activity outdoors, which this study builds on. The practitioners are in the ages between 20-30 years old and open and willing to practice physical, and want to find motivation in their practice. The respondents in the study were all chosen in relation to this defined target group, and were considered to represent one group of potential users for the kind of platform that is being investigated in.

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2 Literature review

This chapter provides an overview of the theoretical perspectives in the topic. The literature review is interdisciplinary and it includes an understanding of interactive geographic maps in physical activity, followed by what role online social networks have in individuals’

experience of physical activity. Finally, the literature review includes an overview of related work within physical activity connected to geographical maps facilitated by a web platform.

2.1 Maps on interactive platforms

The definition of a map is according to Oxford Dictionaries “A diagram or collection of data showing the spatial arrangement or distribution of something over an area”. At the same

time, interactive is ”allowing a two-way flow of information between a computer and a

computer-user; responding to a user’s input” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2018). Maps have the

potentials to organize information and visualize relationships (Yu, 2015).

Digital technology has given large groups of people access to maps and the ability to map themselves in their space (Yu, 2015). Interactive maps are flexible and information and design elements can be changed and reorganized. Interactive maps can be efficiently updated and are powerful tools for presentation. Some features in an interactive map is for example to be able to zoom in and out, and get an overall view or more detailed view (Macfarlan, 2014). There are different parts of interaction on a map-based social network platform on the web and linked to a tracking device. One part includes when the user publishes information into the platform based on data from the tracking device. Another part is to view and interpret information that is existing on the platform, and further search for a specific area of interest. The third part is to assimilate the information and transform it into use.

Most people typically associate maps with navigation and as a tool for finding their ways. A map shows specific mapmakers’ understanding of that space at a particular time. This is informing and confirming the map users’ understanding of that space. The ability to collect and study data created by individuals when they use GPS tracking technologies reveal different layers of an area and show how people move through them (Yu, 2015).

Maps can be used to find your way. Maps can also be used to create a sense of reality and an understanding of the world. Space can be seen as a physical location, meanwhile place is about the emotional and personal matter. Place is central to human behavior, decisions and thoughts of individuals (Yu, 2015).

2.2 Social network in physical activity

Social networks in physical activity can have either a comparative or supportive environment. ‘Comparison’ is according to Cambridge Dictionary about examining differences, or more explicitly “the act of comparing two or more people or things”. ‘Comparison’ is also about considering similarities and “the fact of considering something similar or of equal quality to something else” (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.).

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Social comparison strategies are implicit in exercise programs that include rankings, leader boards and social status aspects to increase physical activity (Zhang et al., 2016). Zhang et al (2016) refers to Leahey et al. (2012) and Shakya et al. (2015) andsay that “in these

competitive environments, people work towards their goals individually, and differences in goal attainment motivate individuals to adjust their aspirations upward. The dynamic process of comparing oneself to others increases everyone’s expectation for goal attainment and eventually improves overall levels of physical activity”.

Support through online networks provides users with emotional comfort that relates them with each other and at the same time create an awareness about particular health issues. ‘Support’ is according to Cambridge Dictionary about encourage, or more explicitly “to agree with and

give encouragement to someone or something because you want him, her, or it to succeed”.

‘Support’ can also be about help; “to help someone emotionally or in a practical way”, or to prove something; “to help to show something to be true” (Cambridge Dictionary, n.d.). Common types within social support include information, emotional and appraisal support. Informational support is the exchange of relevant advice or information within the topic; emotional support is concerned by the feeling of caring, love and sympathy; appraisal support is commission of feedback which is important for making decisions (Berkman et al., 2000). Social support is one of the most used and studied strategies in the aim to encourage behavior change in social networks (Berkman et al., 2000). A supportive environment is characterized by subjective norms. Subjective norms are beliefs individuals have when it comes to what others’ think of them performing the behavior (Cavallo et al., 2014).

2.3 Related work

OpenStreetMap is a technological tool built on a community of cartographers who contributes and maintains data regarding roads, paths and other geospatial information all over the world. The data is free to use and anyone can take part of the information that is being displayed (OpenStreetMap, n.d.).

Strava is an example of a web-based platform in physical activity. Strava works with a GPS

and smartphone tracking application, where the data can be uploaded to an online community for sharing, comparing and competing with other users (Smith, 2014). Strava is used by tens of millions of users worldwide, with over one billion activites uploaded. In 2017, it was said that the company has plans to change the platform and make it more like a traditional social network (Shead, 2017).

MapMyRun is another example of a web-based platform in physical activity. The user can get visual feedback and statistics to improve their performances. The user can also discover the best running routes, save and share their favorites and get inspired to reach new goals with a community of over 40 million users (GooglePlay, 2018). MapMyRun was originally created to track and record bike paths, but has since then also made a transition into a fitness tool where the users can share their progress with friends (Yu, 2015). MapMyRun had 227 million users in 2015 (MapMyRun, 2015).

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Both Strava and MapMyRun show how a map-based platform can be used in the area of physical activity. They show how interactive maps on these platforms can be used in individuals’ everyday lives.

Pokémon Go is a mobile game that uses Augmented Reality (see figure 1). The user can interact with the application in relation to real life and it uses the same technology as Google Maps. This means that the application is using the GPS of the mobile and is based on

geography. The user needs to get out and start walking to play and proceed in the game. It makes people exercise and socialize with other users. Features in this application makes people get together in large groups and go playing together (Herrera, n.d.). This application is interesting to mention because it shows how a community can be created in the context of physical activity related to geographical locations, and how it can increase motivation for physical activity and make people socialize in real life.

Figure 1. Image retrieved from https://www.cinemablend.com/games/1533430/what-is-pokemon-go-and-why-is-it-such-a-big-deal, showing the game Pokémon Go

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3 Methodology

A main focus in the study lies in understanding how practitioners view and interpret

information on the platform, and how they assimilate this information. More specifically, the study has a focus on a detailed view based on one map. The aim with the study is to

investigate in the space of interaction based on maps in social network platform. Therefore, a detailed view was considered to have a higher relevance than investigating in an overall view of all existing routes in a specific area.

“The Double Diamond” is a model that contains of four stages, fixated on a linear sequence with three gates (see figure 2 below). The model has a connection to traditional linear models. The model includes an approach of diverging and converging and in that sense it emphasizes the change of scope during the design process (Bobbe, Krzywinski, & Christian, 2016). The Double Diamond was used in the study to ensure that all steps in the design process were elaborated. Diverging and converging is a method that has potentials to create a focus in the design process, and makes it more legit to proceed to the next step of the design phase. The investigation started with a literature review, followed by two main directions of research: empirical research and theoretical research.

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3.1 Research phase

An empirical research was first made in order to understand practitioners’ needs and experienced problems in running and walking activity. The empirical research generated insights in their experience, feelings and thoughts regarding using tracking technology, view their results visually on a map and potential motivational factors.

The empirical research includes quantitative and qualitative interviews. The study is in that sense using a mixed method (Creswell 2009). According to Creswell (2009), the problems that are addressed by social and health science research are complex. Therefore, it is inadequate to use only one of them because it is not addressing the complexity.

The quantitative survey was conducted in the aim of creating an overview of the topic and find themes, which was further investigated in. It includes 24 questions (See appendix 1) and was sent to individuals that have used (or are using) an application or device when it comes to tracking their results in physical activity. It was sent out to people performing different kinds of physical activities. The survey includes questions concerning the users’ behavior and view on performing physical activities, and what aspects that motivate them the most. The aim with creating a quantitative survey as a first step was to understand the users at a wide range, and understand if there are any similarities or differences between the answers of the users depending on their experience and background in physical activity.

Qualitative interviews are the most common methods of data collection in the area of healthcare research. It can be used to explore views, experiences, motivations and beliefs of individuals (Gill, 2008). The qualitative interviews were made to understand the practitioners’ experience and thoughts on a deeper level (See appendix 3). Qualitative interviews were made to understand practitioners that experience an overall problem to motivate themselves.

Fulfilling practitioners’ needs might be the key to make the practitioners’ more motivated. It is therefore important to understand what needs the practitioners’ experience and how this could potentially be fulfilled on a map-based social network platform. The qualitative interviews were made in the aim to understand the users’ needs and experience in physical activity. These interviews were performed with two respondents which both had been using or were using some kind of tracking application or device.

Further on, a theoretical research was made in the aim to investigate if previous studies in the area of physical activity can be supportive to the findings from the empirical research. The theoretical research includes an examination of previous studies in human social behaviors. It is interesting to understand whether previous theories can reflect the findings from the empirical research, and in that sense create a deeper understanding of the topic. To be able to understand how map-based social network platforms in the area of physical activity can be further developed, it is important to first understand how these platforms are designed today. Therefore, the investigation includes an analysis of the space of the two platforms Strava and MapMyRun, which are both considered to be leading platforms within

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platforms, and thereafter by making a comparison between the two platforms to understand whether there are any differences between the platforms. This is followed by an examination of a previous study in the specific map-based social network platform Strava, which is used for practitioners performing physical activity outdoors. This generated an understanding of what features that exist today, but also created an awareness of possible features that do not exist today. By combining previous study of the specific platform Strava together with an objective analysis of features on Strava and MapMyRun, it was possible to get an

understanding both from a theoretical perspective but also from an analytical perspective in understanding what is existing today.

The findings from the research phase were gathered and analyzed, and resulted in several problem definitions. These problem definitions together with the expressed needs of the users from the empirical research were further structured. An understanding of existing features on map-based social network platforms today created the awareness of potential future features on this kind of platform. The empirical research and theoretical research resulted in a

foundation for starting the design process.

3.2 Design phase

The design phase started with an ideation where brainstorming was used as a method to generate many ideas. The brainstorming was documented through mindmaps. These ideas were further compared to the qualities and attributes of a map, and the ideas were evaluated according to this relevance. These ideas were analyzed more in detail in their connections to the findings from the research phase.

The next step was to sketch on the final ideas in a low-fidelity prototype. Sketching is according to Buxton (2007) suggesting and exploring rather than confirming something. The value of sketches lies not in the artifact itself but in the ability to support the desired and appropriate behaviors, conversations and interactions. This was considered as an important step to understand how to structure and categorize different features together.

An identification of final features was made. Further on, a wireframe was made and served as a template for the digital work. The design work resulted in a low-fidelity prototype, which served as a tool to investigate further in the users’ experience of different features and topics related to physical activity. The prototype was made by using print-screens from Google Maps.

3.3 Evaluation phase

The evaluation phase included qualitative interviews, where the respondents were asked to look at the low-fidelity prototype in relation to some guidance of questions (See appendix 4). The aim with the evaluation was to have the features as a grounding for starting a discussion regarding the respondents’ experience of them. The low-fidelity prototype is created in the aim to give the users a concrete example of how it could possibly be visualized.

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3.4 Ethical considerations

This study follows the ethical standards as formulated in Condex rules and guidelines for research in Humanities and Social Sciences (Swedish Research Council, 2017). All the participants in the investigation were informed, either in a written form or oral form about their rights, the aim with the study, that their contributions were to be treated anonymously and that the gathered material would be used for research purposes only.

4 Results from research phase

This chapter describes the results from the empirical research and the theoretical research, followed by the design phase and the evaluation phase. Results from the empirical research led to an identification of both a competitive and a supportive approach, hence a focus on these approaches were further examined in the theoretical research.

4.1 Empirical research

The empirical research includes a quantitative and qualitative study.

4.1.1 Quantitative study

There were in total 16 respondents in the survey. 12 people were females and 4 were males. One respondent was between 10-20 years old, one respondent was between 41-50 years old and another respondent was between 31-40 years old. 13 respondents were between 21-30 years old. 11 people were exercising by running; 9 were exercising by walking; 5 were exercising by cycling; 3 were adding “other” and 2 were hiking. The majority of the

respondents (10 people) answered that they never or very seldom are doing physical outdoor activity with another person. At the same time, 9 people answered that they maybe would want to do physical outdoor activity with another person more often.

The majority of the respondents thinks that it is difficult to motivate themselves in practicing physical activity. 7 people answered a 7 on a scale from 0-10 where 0 is ‘not difficult at all’ and 10 is ‘very difficult’ (See appendix 2). Feeling healthier, improvements in performance and to be able to see results visually are three reasons that are considered to make the respondents motivated.

Regarding features that the respondents especially like when using a tracking application or device, one respondent answered that: “You can pick a plan, decide how many days you want

to work out. It says what the days exercise focuses on so if you want you can look at their different work outs and pick another one for that day that fits you better.”

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The majority of the respondents (14 people) have not published any results on another platform. Two respondents who answered that they have published results on another platform before said that they did this to motivate or brag to their colleagues or to get motivated by others. The main reasons for the respondents that do not share their results are that they consider their practice as something they do for themselves, or that they do not consider it as interesting for others to view. One respondent also explains that he or she does not practice physical activity regularly and feel that his or her results are “too bad”.

Results from the quantitative interviews show that routines and attributes of a route is mainly connected to exploration. The experience of using tracking technology and attitude to using technology is linked together and affects how the users’ view technology in relation to their practice. Moreover, openness and social relations affect how a community is built and shaped. Goals, competition, comparison, supportiveness and self-testing all come into play when it comes to the need for interacting with others. Level and kind of practitioner as well as privacy and publicity are aspects that are current throughout the research activity.

The quantitative interviews resulted in definitions of the further direction of the study. The study continues with a focus on running and walking activity based on the most practiced activities as can bee seen from the quantitative interviews. The majority of the respondents think that it is difficult to motivate themselves, which will be further investigated in the study. Other themes within physical activity that emerged from the quantitative interviews and will be further investigated in are: social relations, possible reasons for increased motivation, exploration and the aspect of publishing results. All of these themes were considered to relate to the use of space on a map-based social network platform.

4.1.2 Qualitative study

The qualitative interviews include 37 main questions and some scenarios (see appendix 3). The interviews took place at a relaxed setting located in Sweden. The interviews were about one hour long each.

Both of the two respondents that were interviewed are females. One of the respondents is 25 years old and living nearby the city Västerås (respondent 1). She likes both walking and running when she is out practicing physical activity. She has lived nearby the city in less than a year and expresses an uncertainty regarding finding routes and areas to practice physical activity in. She also expresses an uncertainty regarding the presence of other practitioners’ in the area and feel like it is difficult to get to know other practitioners. She feels like she could potentially want to get to know more people in the area. The other respondent is 32 years old and living in the capital city Stockholm (respondent 2). She likes mainly walking. She especially likes it because she considers it relaxing. She has lived in the city in less than a year. She feels like she is not that familiar in the area and explains that there are a lot of public transports which replaces the occasions of moving physically by yourself. However, she feels like there are a lot of potential routes to use, even though she has not been able to explore all of them.

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Exploring and choosing routes

Both of the respondents expressed a positivity against viewing their results visually on a map. Both also considered landmarks as something helpful in the process of finding their way, respondent 2 even sees this as an opportunity to discover new routes. On the other hand, respondent 1 felt that it is difficult to find new routes and that they seem complicated to get to know. The respondent thinks it takes too long time, but would consider doing it if the activity would be together with another person.

Respondent 2 explains that he/she used to plan her routes and physical activity in the past, but felt that it took too much time and that it almost took longer to plan rather than performing the actual activity. Respondent 2 considers it as motivating to know how long and how far she has walked.

Challenges and goals

Respondent 1 likes challenges that are accomplished during a specific time range and think that it can be motivating to make comparisons with others by having a measure to strive for. The respondent talks specifically about competition as a bet, where she together with

someone else decide some kind of prize to the one that reach a certain goal first. The respondent likes this because then the focus moves from looking at your bodily results to winning that price. Then you are not as aware of the practice it self. Respondent 1 also likes the concept of being able to participate in various levels of an activity, and get suggestions on how an activity can be practiced more easily or more difficult. Respondent 1 also brings up the concept of using “Streaks” which is a function on applications that count everyday in a row that there has occurred an interaction between users. The respondent highlights this function as something that would be interesting to use also in the context of physical activity, and expresses this as something potentially motivating if there is an option to choose level. Respondent 2 does not feel any need of having goals with the practice, but at the same time she also discusses that it might be good to have goals. Respondent 2 believes that the function that enables a comparison in personal results through a tracking application is a good way to get motivation, however, not specifically for her. Respondent 2 believes that a tracking application helps for motivation in a high degree if she has not been physically active in a longer period before. The main reason to this is the possibility to look at previous results.

Social relations and sharing results with others

Respondent 1 expresses a willingness to practice physical activity together with someone, but also explains an unfamiliarity in the neighborhood and the people living there. The respondent considers that it takes away the “I have to” – feeling when practicing physical activity

together with another person. The respondent feels that when she has not practiced physical activity for a while, it is easier to do so if starting the activity together with someone. Respondent 1 considers it more easy to practice physical activity when the respondent has asked someone of advice and/or promised someone to practice physical activity. She feels a sense of duty and gets disappointed if she could not keep the promise. The respondent also says that it creates a feeling that she wants to proof something to someone. However, the respondent expresses an unwillingness regarding sharing results to others, mainly because she does not feel like the results are good enough. On the other hand, the respondent likes to see others share their results and gets inspired by it. The respondent notes that this is depending

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on the level of the inspiration source. If the person sharing his or her results is too advanced in the level of practice, the respondent feels that she can not relate.

Respondent 2 feels that she is open for getting advice, but notes that the person giving the advice should understand her level of practice. If this person is too pushy, she explains that there might occur an opposite effect in decreased physical activity instead. This is also linked to the respondent’s mood. Respondent 2 says that she compares herself with others.

Respondent 2 highlights anonymity as a major aspect in sharing results with others, especially in the beginning of the activity. Respondent 2 considers sharing results as bragging, but also thinks that it might be a good way to get advice through. The respondent thinks that sharing results publicly is a function for people who wants to compete, and discusses that these competitions can make her quit the challenge or quit practicing physical activity. Respondent 2 continues talking about whether it is motivating to see someone else share their results on their practice, and explains that it is easier for her to get inspired if the face of the influencer is not visible. The reason to this is that it is more easy to relate and see herself in the situation. She also expresses that it is easier to get motivated if the person is either completely unknown for her or a close friend. Respondent 2 mainly use Pinterest as an inspiration source, and says that the benefits with this platform is that there are inspirational quotes and examples on physical activities.

4.2 Two approaches: comparative and supportive

Throughout the quantitative and qualitative interviews, different themes are found within physical activity in running and walking. These themes are based on helping, informing, and/or challenging the practitioners in some way. Furthermore, the themes are identified by exploration of routes, social relations with others, sharing results with others, challenges and goals and development over time. These themes can be characterized both by a comparative and supportive approach, which can affect how the practitioners’ view and interpret

information. In that way, it is important to understand the differences between these approaches and how they might be experienced in the area of physical activity. This might affect motivational aspects in practitioners’ physical activity. This knowledge is an important part of understanding how the space on a map-based social network platform can be designed.

4.3 Theoretical research

The study continues with an examination of a supportive approach and a comparative

approach by creating an awareness of previous theories and an analysis of existing platforms. A comparative approach includes both comparative and competitive attributes.

4.3.1 Supportive approach

Literature on networks and health suggests that online relationships improve physical activity by using supportive interactions that encourage wellbeing (Centola, 2010, 2011). Online networks where people are cooperating with each other and are working towards the same goals, can generate improvements in individuals’ levels of physical activity (Cohen et al., 2006). Zhang et al. (2015) investigated in social media interventions and highlight the different roles of promotional messaging and social influence for encouraging behavior

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change. The results of the study show that promotional messages were effective for increasing initial engagement in physical activity classes. However, these effects were less visible over time (Hornik, 2002, Randolph and Viswanath, 2004). Peer networks improved participation levels and increased personal levels of engagement in physical activity. Zhang et al. (2015) found that social influence significantly increased the expectation of repeated participation. A suggestion of a potentially effective strategy is to use a mixed approach that encourages physical activity through media campaigns, which are then replaced by peer influence networks that might encourage a continued engagement.

Social support can reduce the perceived efforts in creating new exercise routines by providing a companionship in the activity (Cavallo et al., 2014; Uchino, 2004). Social support also reduces an uncertainty of exploring new exercises by adding relevant sources of peer information (Wing and Jeffery, 1999).

Previous study (Cavallo et al. 2014) found that companionship and esteem support are important among college-aged women who are motivated to be physically active. The study examines that here is a significant direct relationship between esteem support and physical activity and an indirect relationship between companionship support and physical activity through intention. In other words, esteem support has a stronger direct relationship with physical activity than companionship support. Strategies that connect individuals with others to exchange these kind of supports and increase opportunities for communication, should be emphasized in physical activity interventions among that specific population.

4.3.2 Comparative approach

Observing other peoples’ behavior can motivate individual change in a process where people consciously or unconsciously comply with descriptive norms. Descriptive norms are

behaviors that can be observed or their results can be observed within a community (Shakya et al. (2015). An online social network can also be shaped by social comparison through competitive relations (Foster et al., 2010; Zhang et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2016). People in competitive groups are the ones that are the loudest. Competitive groups are shaped by goals by the most active members. These relationships help to motivate in physical activity, because they create higher expectations for people in their own levels of performance. In a

competitive environment, each person’s activity raises the bar for other people (Sloane-Penn, 2016).

Zhang et al. (2016) conducted a study with students from a university in Philadelphia, in the aim of investigating in what aspects of online social networks that can increase physical activity. The students were assigned one of four conditions from either supportive or

competitive relationships and either with individual or team incentives for attending exercise classes. The study reached the conclusion that social comparison was more effective for increasing physical activity than social support and that there was no influence from either individual or team incentives. Increased response to physical activity occurred when exposing individuals to relevant reference points from others. Physical activity in social comparison was based on individual rewards for exercising. The study showed that exercise levels were greatest in the combination of both competitive and supportive environment, which also used collective rewards and not only individual. Both individual and team rewards were equally effective for motivation to practice the activity.

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In summary, social networks that use social comparison can be effective for motivating desirable behaviors. They reached the insight that adding a minimal competitive reference point into an otherwise support-based environment can change ineffective health networks into highly motivating social resources.

Physical activity often involves the development and maintenance of skills. Social contacts are a part of individual exercise, but self-esteem may be equally important and can be affected both by feedback received from social contacts but also direct comparison with them. Positive feedback in exercise skills from social contacts prefigures exercise behavior (Shakya et al., 2015).

Shakya et al. (2015) say that: “Because exercise requires skill to accomplish, people may

possibly be assessing themselves according to those skills (or the markers of those skills, such as fitness), and therefore losing motivation if they feel that they do not measure up. Rather than trying to adapt to the norms of the reference group of exercisers, those who feel that they cannot live up to those norms may, we speculate, simply quit the group (or refrain from becoming a part of the group to begin with). Shakya et al. (2015) reach the conclusion that

individuals are making health behavior decisions based on comparisons, but that these decisions are different depending on the type of comparison and which behavior. Different kinds of social interventions may be needed to promote healthy behavior in different domains. The knowledge in what identifies a comparative approach and supportive approach and how they might affect the experience in physical activity creates a foundation for continuing to understand how specific existing platforms are built today.

4.3.3 Existing platforms in relation to a comparative and supportive approach

An analysis of the two existing platforms Strava and MapMyRun is being made by

identifying features on these platforms. The comparison is based on the step where users can get a detailed view of a route. This step was considered as most relevant in relation to the aim and scope of the study. This space enables more detailed and modified information based on a map, rather than the space of simply viewing the titles of all existing routes in the area. The analysis of the two existing platforms are also created based on whether the identified features might have comparative or supportive approaches.

Next follow images of the interface in a detailed view of the routes in Strava and MapMyRun (See figure 3, 4 and 5).

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Figure 3. Print-screen of a detailed view of a specific route from Strava

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Figure 5. Print screen of a detailed view of a specific route from MapMyRun The results of the comparison between the two platforms can be seen in figure 6.

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Figure 6. Table showing a comparison of features in a detailed view of a route

The table shows that Strava has 17 of 25 possible features. Strava does not have features that are referring the users to similar or other routes from the creator, and does not have any information of the creator. Strava does not have an objective description of the route, despite the information regarding distance, location, name of route, elevations and type of activity. Strava does not use the feature to view the route in a 3D video. These features can all be used in MapMyRun.

MapMyRun has 18 of 25 possible features. MapMyRun does not have information regarding amount of attempts, grade of route, personal place or personal best time. The platform does not have the option to set a goal, compare efforts and does not provide a more detailed view of a leaderboard based on different search alternatives.

Both Strava and MapMyRun has the feature of a visual overview, distance, begin point, best times, elevation, leaderboard, option to add the route to your site or blog and to view the change of elevation visualized on the map. Both platforms use public presentations of

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Moreover, 8 of these 25 features can be considered comparative and/or competitive. Among these 8 features, Strava uses all of them meanwhile MapMyRun uses 3 of them. Supportive features in exploration and planning are in total 4 of 25 features. Among these 4, Strava uses 1 meanwhile MapMyRun uses 3. Important to notice is that no one of these supportive features are based on social support from other members, but rather work as an informative tool.

In general, among all the 25 features, a comparative and/or competitive approach might be considered more current than the supportive features. Furthermore, Strava can be considered to be more comparative/and or competitive than MapMyRun.

4.3.4 Study of Strava

William Smith at Clemson University investigated in 2014 how Strava is used and

experienced for bicyclers (Smith, 2014). Smith reached the results that cyclists’ experience of using Strava is marked by a motivation to improve. Strava users are clearly and inarguably experiencing motivation to cycle more. Emotions and an increased sociability could be tied into a person’s motivation. Motivation was investigated as being influenced by competition, comparison with others and self-testing. Motivation was the common theme in the

investigation, but not all users felt motivation through competition, comparison and self-testing. Participants had different self-classifications of their practice levels. Smith found that some users preferred competition with others, meanwhile others preferred to compare their own results. Many participants in the study were motivated by one, two or a combination of competition, comparison and self-testing. Smith found that typically, the Strava users who classified themselves as more “serious” riders were also the ones that were motivated by competition with others. However, participants experienced this competitive environment as “friendly”. Several participants described a need for comparing their results to others. Some users preferred to compare results and then compete to beat this other person. Other users preferred to compare and got more motivated by this comparison but not necessarily beat the other person. Smith also found out that the users have an emotional attachment to the

technology, or to the experiences connected to the technology. Smith discusses that this emotional attachment to technology could be used in the aim of increase user motivation. Smith says that: “Strava, by nature, is a very social technology. It is built around other users.

If the technology did not connect with other users you would be left with a simple tracking application. Having connections to other users facilitates the themes of competition with others and comparison with others. Perhaps this is part of Strava’s popularity. Where other interactive fitness technologies track only the owner’s data, Strava affords competition and comparison amongst peers. If Strava’s popularity is indeed due to comparison and competition, then this likely means people with a more competitive personality will excel using the technology.”

Smith explains Strava as a relatively new technology. Smith says that possible future versions could cover a function that indicates the users’ overall motivation level during a specific day, or options to classify a ride in effort. He is conceptualizing the technology as open to social

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shaping and construction. Hence, Smith suspects that the technology will become much more social in the future by allowing direct messages, chat and photo/video sharing.

4.4 Discussion of research phase

Both the empirical research and theoretical research show that aspects related to human social behavior might affect how the practitioners’ use and interpret a map-based social network platform. It relates both to individuals’ own perception of themselves but also their perception of their environment and other individuals’ presence in this environment. The experienced level of performance, self perception, esteem and view on different social relations seem all to come together and affect how the practitioners would interact on a map-based social network platform. Based on the empirical research, practitioners seem to express some insecurities regarding sharing their private results in a shared open network of practitioners.

The practitioners were uncomfortable with the idea of letting others’ view their results, mainly because they feel like they would not have any control in knowing where and from who their results can be viewed. This raises the question of publicity versus anonymity. This is interesting to investigate in further and understand how the effect of using publicity and anonymity in a map-based social network platform can be different depending on how it is used.

The empirical research shows that practitioners’ mainly can get motivated by viewing results visually and viewing improvements in performance. The respondents’ highlight these

functions on a tracking device, and it might show a need in performing physical activity to get motivation. Maps in the area of physical activity visualize the practitioners’ results and have the potentials to illustrate changes in performance related to geographically based results. The empirical research also shows that planning and scheduling activities might also be aspects that can maintain the practitioners’ motivation. This is also important to take into consideration when designing a map-based social network platform in the area of physical activity.

Social relations

Both the empirical research and the theoretical research show that social relations can

generate motivation and inspiration for the practitioner. However, this is related to who that is the influencer, in what context and how it is communicated. The empirical research shows that the practitioners consider that exercising together with someone else could add a more enhanced experience of practicing physical activity, and that it might make them more motivated. Other practitioners could also work as influencers and sources for motivation.

Exploring new routes

The empirical research shows that exploring new routes can add an enhanced experience for the practitioners and make them more motivated, and there seems to be a need for an

increased awareness of possible routes in the area. A map-based social network platform can generate information regarding different routes where the users can get local information, both visually and in a written form. In that sense, this platform might increase the

practitioners’ motivation by giving relevant and efficient information regarding different routes in the area.

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Comparative and supportive approaches

The empirical and theoretical research show that both comparing themselves with others and challenging themselves might be a need that results in increased motivation. A supportive and comparative approach have different ways of displaying information to the practitioner, hence the environment and the character of the platform might have different effects on the

practitioner. Both a supportive and comparative approach can have features that can promote physical activity. However, using only one of them might risk to seclude practitioners who want to increase their motivation but do not find motivation only by one of the approaches. Based on the study of Strava (Smith, 2014), it might seem like more advanced practitioners would get more motivated by a comparative approach. Shakya et al. (2015) say that some practitioner could risk to loose motivation in a comparative environment where they feel like they do not measure up and can not live up to the norms in the community. The empirical research shows that some practitioners consider comparisons as motivational factor, however, this comparative environment needs to be carefully formed to relate to the practitioner’s perceived advanced level. Smith (2014) found that motivation was the common theme in the investigation, but not all users felt motivation through competition, comparison and self-testing. This discussion reinforces the findings from Zhang et al. (2016) study, where exercise levels were proven to be the greatest in the combination of both competitive and supportive environment, which also used collective rewards and not only individual.

Existing map-based social network platforms seem to vary slightly in the features. Strava can be considered to maintain a more competitive approach, which also the study of Smith (2014) shows. Even though MapMyRun has more features that can be considered supportive, these features are primarily working as an informative tool.

It is interesting to investigate in how this technology can be further built on the social aspect, as Smith (2014) states could be a potential future development.

Based on the findings from the empirical and theoretical research, different problems in the area of physical activity and motivation can be found. Some of the problems emerge when the practitioners’ needs are not fulfilled and this might affect the motivation. The problems found based on the empirical and theoretical research phase are examined below:

a. The practitioners experience that it takes too much time and that it is difficult to break their routines and explore new routes, meanwhile exploring new routes can be seen as a motivating factor (empirical research)

b. The practitioners are very seldom practicing physical activity with someone else, but are willing and open to do so if they would get the opportunity. This could be a potential source for motivation. However, they experience that it as difficult to get in contact with other practitioners (empirical research)

c. Some kind of competitions might make the practitioners unmotivated if the level is too advanced in relation to their experienced level of performance (theoretical research) d. Sharing results seem to come with a requirement of keeping a certain advanced level

in performance. This means that less experienced practitioners are not comfortable in sharing their results with others, and more advanced practitioners are the ones that are the loudest (empirical research, theoretical research)

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The research phase was the foundation for the start of the design process.

5 Design Process

The design process is based on the insights from the previous stage of empathizing and defining attributes in the topic. All the insights from the research phase were unitized; the users’ needs, problem statements, knowledge in existing features on Strava and MapMyRun, and knowledge in the two different approaches comparative and supportive.

5.1 Ideation and identification of relevance

The design process starts with an ideation phase, where brainstorming and mindmaps were made to generate many different kinds of ideas. Brainstorming is used to bring free thinking. It is important to get as many ideas as possible at the beginning of the ideation phase (Dam, Siang, 2018). The brainstorming was documented through mindmaps, first in a categorization of themes within the topic, followed by an ideation mindmap. The categorization mindmap worked as a reference to further develop ideas based on these categories in an ideation mindmap. The mindmaps can be seen below infigure 7 and 8.

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Figure 8. Showing a mindmap of ideation The ideas were further compared to the qualities and attributes of a map-based social network platform, and the ideas were evaluated according to this relevance. The aim with the study is to understand what can motivate practitioners’ in their physical activity, and not to change the focus to something else then the actual performance. Therefore, ideas that were based on games or otherwise not relevant to practicing physical activity were not chosen to work further with. All ideas were categorized and evaluated according to the four criterias:

1. Existing or Potential features, 2. Relevance to physical activity/Map display, 3. Relevance to needs and problems and 4. Comparative or supportive approach. A part of this evaluation can be seen in figure 9.

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Figure 9. Table showing a categorization and evaluation of four aspects relating to the topic The ideas that could potentially fulfill both the aim with the study and problems and needs in physical activity were further written down on post-it notes to get a clearer overall view of the ideas and how a possible structure of them could be made (see figure 10). The purple post-it notes to the left represent topics related to viewing and interpreting routes. The yellow post-it notes represent comparative features meanwhile the green post-it notes represent information regarding routes. The pink post-it notes represent games and challenges.

[Left] Figure 10. Post-it notes in the process of generating concepts These ideas were analyzed more in detail in their connections to the findings from the

research phase. Below is a table (figure 11) that shows needs and problems gathered from the research phase and whether this is from empirical or theoretical research.

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Figure 11. Table of grounding of design choices

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5.2 Sketching phase

The fourth step was to sketch on the final ideas in a first low-fidelity prototype (see figure 12). Sketching is according to Buxton (2007) suggesting and exploring rather than confirming something. The value of sketches lies not in the artifact itself but in the ability to support the desired and appropriate behaviors, conversations and interactions. This was considered as an important step to understand how to structure and categorize different features together, and how it could potentially be most natural to navigate in the platform. The clearer the low-fidelity prototype is, the more reliable the evaluation of it will be.

Figure 12. Image of a sample of sketches Further on, a wireframe was made which served as a template for further digital work (see figure 13).

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6 Final prototype

The final features are divided into four categories with features:

The final prototype resulted in several features. These features represent both existing and potential new features. They were all considered to relate to the problem statements and previous findings from the research phase.

The final digital low-fi prototype can be seen below, followed by a description of the designed platform.

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The platform has a simulated name called Stay Active. All pages have the common categories ‘Explore routes’, ‘Compare efforts’, ‘Get information’ and ‘Challenges’.

The feature ‘most popular routes’ is built upon members in the network grading the route according to how they experience the route and how much they like it. The amount of yellow stars is showing the grade of popularity, and a text is describing how many practitioners that have graded the route. The user can also view the name of the route, the name of the creator of the route, distance, location and lowest elevation, highest elevation and difference in elevation. Last the user can view information regarding all the practitioners that have practiced the route. The feature ‘most practiced routes’ is built on the same properties as the ‘most popular routes’. However, instead of stars, there is a description of how many times the route has been practiced in total during a specific month. The feature ‘advancement levels’ differs from the other two in having symbols of fires that represents the average experienced advancement level of the route among members in the network. ‘View only routes that cross paths’ is built upon the idea of letting users view which routes that are linked to each other by crossing paths. ‘View routes that are similar’ is built upon the idea of letting users view which routes that are similar to each other, and giving references to other routes. Both of these features show a description of the valid routes. ‘View the terrain’ is built upon the idea of letting the users view a heat map in relation to a level of the character of the ground. This is not specifically focusing on one route. ‘View development’ is showing the average

development during a specific time range on a specific route, and depending on the position on the map. The user can both view his or her own development, and other members’

development. The user also gets information regarding amount of practitioners’ attempts and amount of practitioners. ‘Leaderboard’ is showing the best times of practitioners ranked on a list. ‘View description of route’ is showing other members that have added personal

information regarding how they felt about a route. ‘View images from the route’ is showing other members uploading images from the route, meanwhile ‘feedback’ is showing other members’ giving feedback to you as a practitioner. ‘Practitioners in the area’ is showing publicly in what area members usually perform their physical activity, and is divided in groups according to colours which represents level of practitioner and type of activity. Challenges for a ‘specific route’ is showing streaks, bets, goals and all of these can be

performed either with one more person or several other persons in group. Bets are counted by points. This feature also has a calendar of routes. ‘Connect routes’ is an extended feature and adds the possibility to add more routes to the challenges.

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7 Evaluation phase

The design phase is followed by the evaluation phase, which consists of qualitative interviews based on the respondents’ view of the low-fidelity prototype.

7.1 Results

Qualitative interviews were performed meanwhile the participants viewed the low-fidelity prototype (see appendix 4). Two of the respondents were the same persons that were

interviewed in previous qualitative interviews. There was already an understanding of these respondents’ experience of physical activity based on these questions. In that sense, it was interesting to further interview them based on the low-fidelity prototype and understand if and how they experienced the final concrete low-fidelity prototype. One more respondent was interviewed, a man that is 24 years old living in Lund, and is mainly running. He has lived in the city in around 2 years.

Below follows a presentation of the results and a reflection of the evaluation phase.

The features ‘most popular routes’ and ‘advancement levels’ seem to be considered the most valuable features for guidance in finding new routes. The respondents think that viewing the most popular routes give them a notion of quality in terms of attributes of the route, but also a notion of a frequent activity of practitioners’ using these routes. This might, as one respondent say, create a sense of safety and security in knowing that other practitioners are also present in the area. Further on, it is considered informative to view an average grade of how other

members have experienced the advancement level of the route, and something that is “very important” and “relevant”. The respondents express a need for understanding and knowing the advancement level of a route before doing the actual performance, and express a positivity against viewing other members experience of it. This feature has the potential of making the respondents more sure about their choice of routes. One respondent says that “I think this is

very relevant. Let’s say that I’m just about to start running and go to a new route, and then it is super difficult, then I don’t want to continue running”. Furthermore, this respondent says

that “Recently I got to know about a route here nearby and when I went there, there were

only hills. Even though it was only sort of 3 kilometers, it was really difficult”.

One of the respondents says that viewing advancement level of a route is especially relevant when wanting to find a completely new route. The respondents think that the feature ‘view similar routes’ also maintains a value in terms of exploring more routes, but considers this feature as something that would be used at a later stage where the practitioner has shaped an opinion regarding a specific route.

In general, all the respondents seem to be confused or consider it as irrelevant to use the features ‘most practiced’, ‘view the terrain’ and to some extent ‘view only routes that cross paths’. The respondents think that ‘View the terrain’ in the use of a heat map like in the prototype, would not be valuable when exploring new routes. The respondents express an uncertainty regarding interpreting and using a heat map as such, and one of them say that there would be a much greater need for viewing numbers or ranking systems of elevation levels of the route. One of the respondents say that the use of a heat map could be more relevant when making a route on the platform.

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Two of the respondents preferred to get images from others as a source of description of the route, meanwhile one of the respondents preferred a written description from others. One respondent explains that one of the most important things of performing physical activity outdoors are the attributes of a route and the environment. Images were considered valuable in their ability to show how it looks in real life and something that is inspiring to view. Images are also considered to be more objective, which two of the respondents explains as something good. Images give relatively a real-time description and it is expressed as

potentially helping the respondents in recognizing the route, both while searching for a route online but also later when performing the route. One of the respondents suggests that it would be interesting to be able to categorize images according to the different seasons.

All of the respondents express an openness for publishing images from the routes they have taken, however, this is somehow depending on the occasion and the time. One of the

respondents preferred to get a subjective description of the route from other practitioners. The respondent says that this is valuable because it generates a more personal description and describes the experience of the route.

It is considered as interesting and a possible source for motivation and inspiration to get feedback from other members in the network. It is both funny and valuable to get feedback from someone that does not know you. The respondent that experience this thought also say that this could result in a friendship with the other person. However, all of the respondents express an insecurity regarding if this function would be used and how it would be used. The respondents point out that they would not be that active in giving other practitioners feedback. One respondent say that it would be difficult to do this, and that it would need to be some concrete advice. Two of the respondents say that potential members might feel the same and do not take their time and effort in giving others feedback. In that sense, there is a risk that this feature is simply not being used. There is also a risk of giving members free choices of interaction and it can lead to conversations that are either out of the context or negative in any kind. There is a risk that members are not giving constructive feedback, and that they express improper thoughts or advices. Moreover, one respondent thinks it would get even worse by letting members be anonymous.

Based on all of the respondents’ answers, the feature to be able to view all practitioners that have practiced the route seem to not fulfill their needs. One of the respondents says that: “You

set your own goals either way. Age and gender doesn’t matter that much because I will run in my pace anyway you know”. Similarly, it is not considered that important to view other

practitioners’ average development over time. It is not expressed as motivating or inspiriting to view specific practitioners’ development, however, viewing an average value of other practitioners’ developments seem to be more functional. One respondent suggests that it could be useful to view the average development of all practitioners performing the route, but points out that it is important to make it clear and categorize it according to some measurement of experience and advancement levels, so that the average results do not only show the “best” times. It can get easier to understand and picture a possible development by having these measures, and thereby become more motivating. One of the respondents say that it could be interesting to view other practitioners’ development, but only if the practitioners are close contacts to the respondent. All of the respondents also express either an unwillingness or an insecurity regarding letting other members in the network to view their personal

developments publicly. One respondent say that anonymity would solve this problem and make it more comfortable to use. The main interest in using this kind of feature would be to view your own development over time. All of the respondents express a positivity against