Driven by the rapid pace of technical innovation in biosensing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and wearable computing, on-body smart devices are seeing unprecedented uptake in consumer markets, particularly with youth. The motivations of economics combined with the lack of governance, the unexplored possible impacts of normative values, and other ethical issues inherent in on-body smart devices for youth creates an unprecedented, urgent and widespread yet largely invisible societal concern. How may these devices impact the development of the next generation? There is little research that anticipates potential negative impacts of on-body smart devices on well-being. In this presentation, Alissa will summarize her research in this space and present seven themes for consideration by product and UX designers. Following Alissa and her team’s guidance will ensure designs promote well-being in terms of youths’ identity formation, the development of autonomy and agency, and what sources of information youth turn to for authority about themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand some of the ways that on-body smart devices and applications may negatively impact youths’ identify formation, sense of autonomy and agency and what sources of information they believe about themselves.
• Understand considerations when designing on-body smart devices and applications to ensure youths’ well-being including the importance of personalization, data transparency, social context and age appropriate empowerment.
• Understand the value of co-designing on-body smart devices and applications with youth and get pointers about how to do this research as part of product development.