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.
→ pawelw@chalmers.se
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.
→ kristina.knaving@air.gu.se
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.
→ staffan.bjork@ait.gu.se
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.
→ fjeld@chalmers.se
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