Commentary

Rules For Wearable-Tech Data

Wearable technology is poised for exponential growth over the next three years, but the value of this technology to marketers will depend heavily on the rules for how the data will be gathered and used.

It’s inevitable that marketers are going to use this data, because it creates even more depth of understanding about their customers.  From activity trackers to digital watches, the volume and scope of what will be available is intriguing. This data is even more personal than what people do on the Web because it relates to personal health, which may already fall under some governmental regulation

As this is a burgeoning area, industry groups are not yet ready to tackle the topic , but I thought I’d propose some ideas for how data from wearable tech could, and should, be utilized.

I think the industry should only use first- or second-party data and no third-party data should be made available, unless potentially aggregated in larger groups and unable to be broken down to individuals.

First-party data gathered from the company owning the device is absolutely fair use and should be harnessed for speaking to and building a relationship with the customer.  After all, when someone straps on a Fitbit, they are specifically looking to find ways to better themselves, so Fitbit has a right to engage with customers by suggesting ways to help them achieve their goals.  That use of first-party data creates a more loyal customer, as it would in any other category such as CPG or financial services. 

Over time, if the customer sticks with that wearable tech and maybe expands to other devices, the cross-channel implications are mind-boggling.  For example, it’s rumored the next version of iOS will be an iHealth app that tracks primary physical activity using the phone.  If that can be crossed with browser data or any other aspects of the Apple product set, Apple can provide a very customized experience, potentially including targeted infomercial content when it delivers its TV product, or even creating a health channel on the current Apple TV platform. 

Second-party data is also a natural place to foresee growth. Second-party refers to two companies, both of whom have a direct relationship with their customers, engaging in a private network to share their first-party data for use only in co-marketing and targeting opportunities.  This second-party use of first-party data is protected by most privacy policies and is commonly used throughout marketing already, so the implied permission is established and accepted by consumers.  As a use case here, you can foresee a hotel chain working with Nike to offer special travel packages for visitors with an interest in health, which could include special running packages, healthy meal options and more.  This would be very interesting to business travelers looking to stay fit while on the road for work.

The thing about third-party data is that it must first be gathered, then classified, then put to use. Third-party data related to health might be helpful from a categorical perspective because it could group users into large aggregations of healthy vs. passive, etc., but it might not be that useful due to the issue of recency.  For example, someone who exercises regularly may have to take a break because they get sick, etc.  Or they may simply fall out of routine. So beyond the issue of privacy, the issue of accuracy over time plays into things.

As wearable tech continues to become a category of interest for marketers, we’re going to have to craft the rules for how the data can be used, ensuring consumer comfort with these devices.

Where do you think the category is headed?

3 comments about "Rules For Wearable-Tech Data".
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  1. Kurt Ohare from ohare & associates, March 19, 2014 at 1:15 p.m.

    Corey -
    I think setting some ground rules for wearable technology is very necessary - in fact for all technology be it Google, smartphones or FitBit. The most important is that the users participation be on an opt-in not an opt-out basis.

    I don't think the consumer of technology should be subject to any form of marketing unless they specifically determine the specific contacts that they would like. Unless the product is free and advertising is the financial mechanism for it's existence.

    And the assumption that you make with items like the FitBit - which is expensive in it's own right - that the wearer is eager to receive uninvited information and advertising is - well, wrong. I returned mine for that very reason.

    Then we have to deal with the issue of privacy of that information and how it's being managed, shared and ignored. But that's another subject.

    I believe there are a large number of people who just want to use technology on a personal level and not feed their entire personal history into marketers databases.

  2. Amy Buckner Chowdhry from AnswerLab, March 19, 2014 at 2:09 p.m.

    Wearables in the form of smart watches are just the tip of the iceberg. AnswerLab's recent survey of digital execs underscores how quickly industry sees this trend becoming truly mass market, and how potentially unprepared a lot of digital businesses are for this wearable wave. Upshot: Any business that depends on the digital world to interact with customers should start thinking beyond the concept of desktop/mobile/tablet. AnswerLab Wearables Survey Results: http://answerlab.com/company/press-releases/wearables-survey-results/

  3. Paula Lynn from Who Else Unlimited, March 19, 2014 at 3:16 p.m.

    It should scare the living ___ out of you. Makes Big Brother look like amebae.

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