Data Won’t Change Your Behavior: A Critical Design Exploration of Quantified Self Technologies

Data is becoming a ubiquitous phenomenon in our culture. Technologies
that collect data about us on our behalf, such as lifelogging
and quantified self devices, have been presented as able to
help people change behaviors. This paper presents a study exploring
the meaningfulness of these devices and their use. To investigate
this topic, we designed our own QS device, using a critical
design approach, called Feeler. We also conducted an experiment
in which five participants used the device. Feeler guides users to
meditate, study, and play. When the user is engaged in these activities
with the device, it collects biological data (EEG) from the
user and further asks users to share their own impressions about
their attention and relaxation levels. From the experiment we
collected about 7.5 hours of audio data, including think-aloud and
semi-structured interviews. The audio was processed by marking
interesting sections for further analysis and contextualization. Our
results indicate that people are trustful of QS technologies and the
ability of such technologies to help them initiate behavioral
changes. We also found out that the use of these technologies is
targeted towards productivity and self-improvement, such as
avoiding procrastination, improving focus, and avoiding social
media.