Proposal of a Reflective Relationship Formation Model between Users and Self-Trackers Based on Data Content Characteristics

Background To answer the research question, “How can a product’s user tracking record change the user’s behavior or emotions when shared with the user?”, in this study the user tracking record was analyzed considering its role as a trigger for reflection. Methods First, in the definition stage, the role of user tracking records in the system was considered as a base study. Second, in the analysis stage, a systematic literature review was selected as a research method with the aim of extracting the data content characteristics and use experience factors, and analyzing the relationship between data content characteristics and experience factors. Third, in the application and modeling stage, the above relationship results are applied to the stage where a reflective relationship is formed between the user and the self-tracker. Results First, the security(+/0) factor was found to be a major factor in the experience of using the self-tracker. Second, the positive experience factors with high frequency induced through the use of trackers were self-esteem(+) and pleasure-stimulation(+). The data content characteristics composition that induced each experience factor was changed for each stage of the reflective relationship. Third, negative experience factors with a high frequency of induction through the use of trackers were self-esteem(-) and physical thriving(0/-), which caused the transition from each stage of the reflective relationship to their discontinuation of use. Conclusions Based on the analysis results, a reflective circular relationship model between users and self-trackers is presented. In this model of exploration–reinforcement–maintenance, data content characteristics that cause experience factors are presented. This model enables the identification of the user experience factors that lead to departure from the circular relationship by improving or weakening the relationship from each stage of the reflective relationship to the next, and the characteristics of the data content characteristics that induce it.