A4 Refereed article in a conference publication

Sleep Tracking with a Smart Ring : A Needs-Affordances-Features Perspective




AuthorsFeng, Shan; Mäntymäki, Matti

Conference namePacific Asia Conference on Information Systems

Publication year2025

Journal: Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems

ISSN2689-6354

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability No Open Access publication channel

Web address https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2025/hci/hci/7/


Abstract

The impacts of sleep tracking have drawn considerable scholarly attention in recent years. However, why and how people use sleep-tracking technology is less well understood. To address this question, we conducted in-depth interviews among 38 Oura smart ring users. Guided by self-determination theory, we identified satisfaction and frustration of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the sleep-tracking context. Thereafter, guided by the needs-affordances-features perspective, we mapped these needs to their corresponding affordances and features. Finally, we outlined three key findings unique to sleep tracking: personalized features and suggestions with a guidance-flexibility balance are important for autonomy satisfaction; competence satisfaction is central and benefits from appropriate goals and positive feedback; and relatedness is less central due to the personal nature of health data. Our findings contribute to IS research and practice by providing new insights into the needs of sleep-tracking users and offering guidance for designing technology that effectively meets these needs.



Last updated on 12/01/2026 10:01:39 AM