Understanding data perspectives through insights about cats

Researchers at Imagination Lancaster are inviting you to take part in an exciting study where participants will receive different forms of information about others, in this case information about cats. We want this to be fun and interactive with the chosen participants helping us to shape and improve the design of future health and wellbeing tracking technologies.

What is this research exploring?

This is part of a PhD project that is critically examining the way tracking technologies are designed and what future systems might look like. These tracking technologies can include activity trackers like FitBit, apps such as Google Fit or tracking devices like Withings sleep mat. We want to understand people’s perceptions of information or ‘insights’ they receive about an ‘other’, in this case one of the researcher’s cats called Dumpling.

What would I be expected to do?

An interview (1 hour) – On Microsoft teams participants will be asked questions related to themselves and their cats as well as their views on self-tracking technology and associated data.

Week experience – We will send you messages via WhatsApp with information about the cat Dumpling. Throughout the week you will receive various forms of information related to Dumpling including photos and videos and occasionally be asked questions about your thoughts relating to this information.

A workshop (2 hours) – All participants will be asked to take part in a workshop at Lancaster University campus to discuss the week’s experience.

Can I take part?

To take part in this study we are looking for people who fit the following criteria:

• 18+ years old
• Own a cat
• Use some kind of tracking device either for yourself or your cat (Fitbit, Apple Watch or Tractive as some examples)
• Be able to get to Lancaster University campus for an in-person workshop

Participants will be offered a £50 voucher on completion of this study to thank them for their participation and reimburse them for the time taken to complete this study.

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in taking part in this study please leave your name and email address at:

tinyurl.com/imagination-cat-project

If you would like more information or have any questions please contact k.snooks@lancaster.ac.uk

Thank you!

Please see the poster for more information:

Poster for cat study