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Keep on Running! An Analysis of Running Tracking Application Features and Their Potential Impact on Recreational Runner’s Intrinsic Motivation

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Human-Computer Interaction. User Experience and Behavior (HCII 2022)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 13304))

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Abstract

Physical activity is known to help improve and maintain one’s health. In particular, recreational running has become increasingly popular in recent years. Yet, lack of motivation often interferes with people’s routines and thus may prohibit regular uptake. This is where running tracking applications are frequently used to overcome one’s weaker self and offer support. While technology artifacts, such as sport watches or running applications, usually count as extrinsic drivers, they can also impact one’s intrinsic motivation levels. The aim of this study was thus to investigate upon the motivational impact of distinct features found within applications specifically used for running. Focusing on the 22 most famous running applications, a semi-structured, problem-centered interview study with \(n=15\) recreational runners showed that intrinsic motivation is stimulated from diverting runners, aiding them in their goal setting, decreasing their efforts, improving and sharing their run performance, allowing them to receive acknowledgements, as well as providing them with guidance, information, and an overall variety in their training routines.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Online: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity [accessed: October 10th, 2021].

  2. 2.

    Online: https://www.statista.com/statistics/276623/number-of-apps-available-in-leading-app-stores/ [accessed: January 13th, 2021].

  3. 3.

    Online: https://www.statista.com/statistics/276623/number-of-apps-available-in-leading-app-stores/ [accessed: January 13th, 2021].

  4. 4.

    Online: http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/news/item/18502_New_Symbian_and_Meego_applicat.php/ [accessed: January 13th, 2021].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, Communication and IT, MCI – The Entrepreneurial University, Innsbruck, Austria

    Dorothea Gute, Stephan Schlögl & Aleksander Groth

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  1. Dorothea Gute
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  2. Stephan Schlögl
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Correspondence to Stephan Schlögl .

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  1. The Open University of Japan, Chiba, Japan

    Masaaki Kurosu

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Gute, D., Schlögl, S., Groth, A. (2022). Keep on Running! An Analysis of Running Tracking Application Features and Their Potential Impact on Recreational Runner’s Intrinsic Motivation. In: Kurosu, M. (eds) Human-Computer Interaction. User Experience and Behavior. HCII 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 13304. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05412-9_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05412-9_25

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