Performance and Pleasure: Exploring the Perceived Usefulness and Appeal of Physical Activity Data Visualizations with Older Adults
Dimitri Vargemidis, Kathrin Gerling, Vero Vanden Abeele, Luc Geurts · 2023 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing · doi:10.1145/3615664
Summary
This mixed-methods study examines how older adults perceive and value different approaches to visualizing physical activity (PA) data from wearable activity trackers. The researchers combined semi-structured interviews (N=17) and an online survey (N=27) with 44 older adults (average age 70, range 61-88) living independently in Western Europe to explore preferences across six distinct visualization styles: Fitbit's numerical dashboard, a coupon-based reward system, abstract artistic circles, the UbiFit Garden metaphor, an exploration map, and physical ring artifacts. The study addresses a gap in accessibility research: while wearable activity trackers are increasingly marketed to older adults for health monitoring, most commercially available visualizations emphasize performance metrics (steps, distance, calories) without considering whether this approach resonates with older users. The researchers draw on sports psychology literature distinguishing between "performance" (objective, measurable outcomes) and "pleasure" (subjective enjoyment of activity) to frame their investigation. Participants evaluated each visualization on perceived usefulness, visual appeal, motivational potential, and hedonic/pragmatic qualities using the AttrakDiff questionnaire. The study also explored how older adults' lived experiences, personal interests, and activity habits shaped their visualization preferences.
Key findings
Two major themes emerged from thematic analysis. First, visualization preferences are highly individual and mediated by lived experience of late life. Personal interests, hobbies, and familiarity with existing systems strongly influenced appeal—gardening enthusiasts preferred UbiFit Garden while others found it "too childish." Some visualizations triggered negative associations: one participant noted that abstract circles reminded her of "someone going through dementia." Fitbit's visualization was most familiar and rated highest for perceived usefulness (μ=3.7) though not necessarily most motivating. Second, performance and pleasure can be complementary rather than opposing. While 75% of participants agreed visualizations should show performance data, 50% also valued emphasizing PA as pleasurable experience. The researchers propose adding a fifth type of pleasure to Phoenix and Orr's framework: "the pleasure of experiencing the body perform"—the immediate satisfaction of physical movement itself. Critical accessibility findings emerged: participants emphasized agency, rejecting visualizations that felt supervisory ("I don't need to be monitored"). Some found step-focused metrics exclusionary for those who swim, do yoga, or primarily do housework. Privacy concerns arose around physical data artifacts visible to visitors. Extrinsic rewards (coupons) were polarizing—some found them motivating while others felt they diminished intrinsic enjoyment.
Relevance
This research has significant implications for designing accessible health technology for aging populations. The core finding—that no one-size-fits-all visualization works—challenges the uniformity of current commercial fitness trackers. Designers must understand their specific older adult audience rather than treating them as a homogeneous group. The study offers four design implications: (1) acknowledge how lived experience shapes visual preferences and symbolism interpretation; (2) respect older adults' agency by avoiding supervisory or patronizing presentations; (3) recognize that pleasure and performance coexist—some users want data, others want encouragement, many want both; (4) understand that perceived usefulness varies by activity type and living situation. For accessibility practitioners, the infantilization concern is particularly important—well-intentioned "friendly" designs using flowers or cartoon elements may feel condescending. The exclusionary nature of step-counting for activities like swimming, yoga, or housework highlights how activity tracking technology can inadvertently marginalize certain users. This research demonstrates that accessible design for older adults requires participatory methods and attention to the diversity within this demographic.
Tags: older adults · physical activity · data visualization · wearable technology · activity trackers · aging · user experience · inclusive design