traces overlaid onto a map as their only means of remembering. Most often, the only stories runners share are those of injuries and quitting races (somehow it is easier to remember the negative aspects of a run).

We are addressing the need for more runner narratives by exploring possibilities for additional data gathering as well as using the data already gathered in a more efficient way. Positional data from mobile apps and GPS watches is already available and will soon be augmented by shoe-mounted sensors such as runScribe ( runscribe.com). This creates an opportunity for HCI to build systems that will support sense-making based on runner data, which will lead to a better understanding of the runner experience. We have investigated how one can build new forms of visualization as an alternative to map-and-path activity displays, in the hope that better representations of the runner’s surroundings will facilitate recall.

But new forms of mapping activities are not enough to allow runners to understand and reflect on their training. Gathering visual data may be one supplementary solution.

Many sports practitioners use sports cameras such as GoPro to record and analyze training sessions. In the case of running, such devices are too heavy and certainly impossible to use during races. As many runners report that race situations differ significantly from training sessions in terms of how the runner perceives the exertion and the surroundings, a lightweight solution for gathering visual data may be very useful. We are experimenting with using lifelogging [ 6] solutions toward that end. Juxtaposing position, pace,

weather data, and possible other numerical sources with visual snapshots of the route will provide a vehicle for discussing past runs.

NEW CHALLENGES FOR
INTERACTION DESIGN

While technology has indeed been successful in promoting running and providing basic data on training, there are still many unexplored design spaces. Our studies of runners and runner communities show that technology can support the less pleasant aspects of running as well as help runners reflect on how their training affects their bodies. We also see a need for designing not only for the runner but also for their social environment, taking into account the ways in which running affects the everyday routines and the needs of supporters.

Building better interactive technology for runners still requires many field tests and failed designs, but there is surely much potential for HCI to improve the lives of advanced amateur runners.

Endnotes

1. Chatterjee, S. and Price, A. Healthy living with persuasive technologies: Framework, issues, and challenges. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association

16, 2 (2009), 171–8.

2. schraefel, m.c. and Churchill, E.F. Wellth creation: Using computer science to support proactive health. Computer 47, 11 (2014), 70–72.

3. Rogers, Y., Connelly, K., Tedesco, L., et al. Why it’s worth the hassle: The value of in-situ studies when designing Ubicomp.

Ubicomp 2007, 336–353.

4. Mueller, F., Agamanolis, S., and Picard, R.
Exertion interfaces: Sports over a distance
for social bonding and fun. Proc. of the
SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors
in Computing Systems. ACM, New York,
2003, 561–568.

5. Toscos, T., Faber, A., An, S., and Gandhi, M. P. Chick clique: Persuasive technology to motivate teenage girls to exercise. CHI ’06 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems. ACM, New York, 2006, 1873–1878.

6. Kärkkäinen, T., Vaittinen, T., and Väänänen-Vainio-Mattila, K. I don’t mind being logged, but want to remain in control: A field study of mobile activity and context logging. Proc. of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. ACM, New York, 2010, 163–172.

 

Paweł Woźniak is a Ph.D. student at t2i Interaction Lab, Chalmers University of Technology. He researches interfaces that help humans make sense of the data surrounding them. His dream is to start the first HCI lab in Poland. Paweł holds an M.Sc. in computer engineering from Lodz University of Technology. → [e-mail]

Kristina Knaving is a Ph. D. student in interaction design at University of Gothenburg. Her research focuses on how to visualize and narrate information for playful and motivational experiences. She has a M. Sc. in media technology and engineering from the University of Linköping. → [e-mail]

Staffan Björk is a full professor in the Department of Applied I T at Chalmers and Gothenburg University. He has a Ph.D. in informatics from Gothenburg University and conducts research within the areas of gameplay design, pervasive games, and interaction design. → [e-mail]

Morten Fjeld is a professor in HCI at Chalmers University. In 2005, he founded the t2i Interaction Lab ( www.t2i.se). He holds a dual M.Sc. degree in applied mathematics from N TNU (Trondheim) and ENSIMAG (Grenoble), and a Ph.D. from E TH (Zurich). In 2011, he was a visiting professor at NUS Singapore. → [e-mail]

A series of race pictures taken in a cross-country event with a lightweight lifelogging camera attached to the runner’s running belt. Can we use these images to help runners remember more about the race and understand their performance better?

DOI: 10.1145/2724584 COPYRIGH T HELD BY AUTHORS. PUBLICATION RIGHTS LICENSED TO ACM. $15.00