Running has been perceived as an easy way of becoming physically active. Over time, amateur runners start to use technology to keep track of their training and be aware of their improvement. In that sense, this article explores runners' experience with activity tracking technology. After giving a brief review of literature in user experience and running experience, this paper demonstrates the runners' experience with tracking technology through an empirical study conducted with 30 runners. The paper illustrates the experience of runners with sports tracking technology over time, by discussing the importance of usefulness, interactivity, connectivity, and personalization of information within the experience.

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Abstract. Many people use physical activity tracking products to gather personal behavioral data, make better decisions, and make changes to their behavior. While the proliferation of new products on the market makes collecting personal data easier, how to help people engage with these products over a long period of time remains an open question. To uncover which features of physical activity tracking products lead to engaging experience, we conducted a study with people who use physical activity tracking products to support or track behavior change. We conducted baseline interviews and had participants interact with either a BodyMedia armband or a FitBit activity tracker. Participants rated their experience with the product daily for a period of four weeks and reflected on their engagement at the end of the study. Through synthesis and analysis of the study findings, we draw out four characteristics for engaging experience in physical activity tracking product use: connectivity, curiosity, personalization, and motivation.

This study, investigating the perceived qualities of on-body interactive products and applying the repertory grid technique, determines what will lead users to avoid or approach these new technologies. It also presents a preliminary framework to help designers understand the perceived qualities of these products.

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