Exploring Future Wearables for Stress Management: Insights from Value-Oriented Design Workshops

Abstract

Advancements in wearable technology and stress research improve the quality and potential of wearable stress management technology (WSMT). However, previous work indicates that such technology can inadvertently infringe on personal and moral values, and that guidance for designers is limited. Therefore, we organized exploratory design workshops with participants with a degree in design or a related field (N=21) to inform value-oriented WSMT. Our results showed that different values are important per design feature, while care appeared to be an important value across all levels. Additionally, value-oriented design of WSMT requires understanding the values’ meaning, embedding, importance, and interconnections. WSMT designers should be aware of their stance, particularly towards responsibility for (managing) stress. We present a value-oriented WSMT framework and design guidelines to support WSMT development. Our work contributes to the WSMT literature by presenting ideas on the form factor, measurements, and interventions for value-oriented WSMT, and directions for future research.