WatchIt Review

WatchIt! is a watch device for kids to help combat childhood obesity. It tracks activities to promote a healthier lifestyle, which is similar to the fitbit. I think a fitbit type device dedicated to kids is good because the fitbit has found success with its instant gratification features such as the step counter. The WatchIt’s design has lots of colorful options to attract kids and make them want to use the watch. I really liked the feature that connects the watch to the user’s smartphone blocking six apps of the user’s choice for 10 minutes. The WatchIt’s use of blocking apps on smartphones because of the shifting focus on the smartphone (as was stated in the group presentation). Blocking the six apps for ten minutes ensures that the child will get at least an hour’s worth of physical activity each day. The app connected to the smartwatch is another great way to  promote physical activity by awarding achievement tokens for certain activity levels. Winning these medals and being able to share it with other online users will make the app more enjoyable. Being able to see other peoples’ progression in the app will motivate the child to do more physical activity. The cost of the device is within the price range because its goal is directed to combat childhood obesity in all social classes. The group showed that they would keep the cost as low as was able. The only suggestion I have is to expand the disabling feature to include the computer and TV.