Challenges in Displaying Health Data on Small Smartwatch Screens

Using smartwatches for self-tracking purposes has become increasingly common. This tracking is possible as a result of the many sensors embedded in modern smartwatches including GPS, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. The ability to obtain personal health-related data is one of the most compelling reason to purchase such devices. However, form factor limitations create numerous challenges for users hoping to access and interpret the data available. Typically, users rely on a secondary device, such as a smartphone to view health data. The aim of our research is to identify methods to improve user consumption of health-related data directly on a smartwatch. To study and apply novel visualization approaches, several key challenges need to be addressed. We present these here along with their corollary methods of circumvention.