A pilot study for utilizing additive manufacturing and responsive rewards in physical activity gamification

Health related issues from being overweight or obese are significant global challenges, and whilst increased activity is known to reduce the health risks associated with these conditions, current wearable and activity tracking devices alone are insufficient to motivate everyone over the long-term necessary to make significant change. This paper explores novel gamified systems as part of a pilot study to leverage additive manufacturing and Internet of Things technologies to increase motivation for physical activity, creating new ways for people to be rewarded in the physical world, and for activity data to be communicated in more abstract and customizable ways. These systems were exhibited and discussed at the 2017 Design 4 Health conference in Melbourne, Australia, and are intended to contribute to research by designers and fitness companies in thinking beyond the digital interface, and in particular to engage young people in the physical world.