Consumer perceptions on smart wearable devices for medical and wellness purposes

Abstract

This study examined Smart Wearable Devices (SWDs) in the form of smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart textiles and jewelry for medical and wellness purposes in the IoT era. Forty-five volunteers participated in a semi-structured interview. The data collected from respondents was used to study consumer perceptions of SWDs. Although many of the participants in the study had heard of SWDs, almost none knew what Body Sensor Networks (BSNs) were. An investigation was also conducted to find a solution to the problem of abandoning the use of SWDs. In the results, many respondents stated a 'real need' for the device as the most important feature for not abandoning it. Some of the smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart textiles and jewelry exhibited at CES 2019 - Las Vegas were listed in the text to highlight the advances in the SWD market. In the authors' opinions, very important steps forward have been made with smart jewelry.