3.2.
secondary research
When looking at the type of product that was to be produced, it was essential to look into the context of which it would sit. Various attributes and market trends would need to be considered and researched, to enable a better understanding of how the product would communicate and relate to the market today. It was necessary to do secondary research online as it would be the most up to date, therefore most relevant. With access to TED lectures, blogs, forums, and websites online, there was access to the most developed trends and ideals that are currently being forecasted. This access to information would not be available through any other source, due to the lack of constant updates that is offered online. Market trends can change and develop so much in such a small amount of time that it became pivotal to gain a further understanding of the applications and movements. SWALK took into consideration what was happening socially, politically and digitally, to ensure a maximum success rate.
When creating a product that would measure data, one would have to consider the type of trends that have been forecasted. This is to keep the product relevant for a sustainable amount of time. The quantified self is a growing movement of people that have a distinct interest in measuring and monitoring aspects of themselves, to eventually improve their health and behaviour. As this phenomenon is rapidly growing in popularity, and expanding in ways to monitor even more aspects of personal data, it is considered very much to be an up and coming trend. This is due to people willing to become more aware and informed about their own information. It offers a personal insight into the function of the physical condition and psychological mannerisms that our bodies produce.
quantified self
health & wellbeing
louise
One of the reasons why people are becoming so fascinated with their own personal data is due to the current obsession with health and wellbeing. This is a craze that is centred on how to improve your fitness, happiness, beauty, stress levels, dietary, and wellbeing. It has come about as a result of the fast growing number of concerning health issues causing alarming states of health in the UK. Inactivity being a key topic in health issues, reports suggest that inactivity causes serious illnesses such as dementia and premature death. Other reports have suggested that “significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week” (1996, John Foreyt). Since the outbreak of self-improvement products and methods, there has been a shift in approaches. In the beginning, we were bombarded with ‘quick-fixes’ that claimed to nip bad habits in a short period of time. The reality of these, seem to cause fluctuations in health and can eventually make you worse off than when you started. Therefore methods are beginning to change to attempt to re-build consumers trust. Brands are now offering more long-term options that offer a more consistent and sustainable result. “It’s only recently that people have begun to see the link between physical activity and mental health” (2007, Professor Nanette Mutrie). People are more concerned with not only looking better, but feeling better. We have never been so occupied with the idea of our own wellbeing and healthy lifestyle than we are today, and it is showing no sign of slowing down.