Mobile Behavior: an Omnicom Group Company

When it comes to the Internet of Things, Nike+ is probably the most cited example of successful consumer application. In fact, Adweek named it Digital Campaign of the Decade last December. Together, a $20 sensor, iPhone/iPod, and iTunes enable users to track their running progress and compile a quantified self.

We've said it before: If anyone can make wearable computing cool, it's Nike. They've already triggered change by making the connected shoe a reality. Now we look to designers, hackers, and artists who have been reprogramming Nike+ sensors to provide insight into what could be next.

In early June, Fast Company reported on Nike+ 26, a project by designer Michael Robinson. Using the Nike+ sensor, Michael not only collected running data, but was able to visualize it in a glanceable fashion. Every mile the wearer runs, one of the 26 lights turns on, symbolizing progress during a marathon.

My idea is about exploring the broadcasting of the NIKE+ information that has so far always remained private to each runner. For each mile you run, a light goes on from the back of the trainer to the front so that when you pass someone running, they know you’re faster and have gone further.

Michael considered not only the collection of data, but also its use. We are reminded of the importance of feedback loops, the value in the architecting and presenting of data in ways that affect behavior.

Another interesting hack for your Nike+ shoes involves Foursquare. Casey Halverson's setup lets him to automatically check-in to a venue by just walking in the front door. How he does this is extremely rudimentary, but it demonstrates what's possible. Location aware sneakers remind us of Blue GPS shoes, or satellite-monitored footwear for hikers and soldiers who fear being kidnapped.

Taking it to the next level, what if Nike+, or a platform like it, was completely open source? The same thing that is happening to the desktop and mobile web would happen to what we wear on our feet. Innovation. Our shoes, what we do, and where we go with them would become part of the programmable web, APIs and all.

Polar WearLink+ is a wearable heart rate monitor that is compatible with all Nike+ gear. It is meant to be used during exercise, where a user's heart rate is transmitted wirelessly to their Nike+ iPod Sport Kit or Sportband.

From the press release:

It will improve the training experience of Nike+ users helping them to understand how hard they are working in any given run. Users can see their beats per minute while they run with their Nike+ SportBand, or hear spoken feedback of their BPM during their Nike+ iPod workout. And after training, heart rate data can be transferred to the nikeplus.com web service. Users can track how long they ran in their target heart rate zone and see their heart rate progress over time.

If anyone can make wearable computing cool, it's Nike. The WearLink+ is just one example of how we are attempting to quantify ourselves. Mobile computing and a variety of sensors are what let us track and monitor our condition. Because our culture places such high priority on physical optimization, personal health and fitness is a natural entry point for these technologies.

Our web-based activities have been easily monitored; now with mobile phones, real world behavior is now measured by everyday consumers. Some examples include place history (where we go) and media consumption habits.Whether this data is collected actively or passively, it can present insights into our individual behavior. Smart recommendations and detailed personal information let us act accordingly.