The fast-growing market for smartwatches owes its origins to the burgeoning need for self-monitoring of tracking health and fitness parameters by individuals. In the present study, we analyzed the technological evolution that has a bearing on the emergence of dominant design in smartwatches. This study proposes a technometric approach to explore the technological evolution and the emergence of dominant design. We employed two multivariate techniques: principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis, to study the technological characteristics of wearable devices. Technology progress has been traced using two dimensions, viz., smartwatch size (form factor) and monitoring capability. Further, emergence of dominant design in smartwatch industry segment has been identified using discriminant analysis. The study findings can help industries formulate new product development strategies by tracing the trends of product characteristics (or technologies) using multivariate tools.

While health conscious users of wearable devices are improving the rate of diffusion of smartwatches in global markets, the proliferation of brand variants offered by the manufacturers need to be systematically analyzed. We examined the technical and functional attributes of smartwatch models using the Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) to gain insights into the brand positioning of wearable devices. Our analysis identified and differentiated the branded variants using two product dimensions: activity tracking and device morphology.

Continuous use of wearable devices for health and fitness tracking plays a vital role in driving product innovations and expanding the markets. The present study developed a novel conceptual model to comprehend continued use of wrist wearables by examining technological, institutional, individual, and psychological factors in the context of wrist-worn device usage. Our results supported the relationship between continuous usage intent and individual variables such as technical support, isomorphic pressures, innovativeness and health information sensitivity. Steps to promote the continued use of wearable technology are elaborated.

Seamless integration of wearable devices with mobile apps fast emerged as a public health imperative to improve physical fitness. Despite the rapid proliferation of health and fitness apps, their adoption by smartphone users has been sparsely studied. Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA), a systems method, has been employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of health and fitness mobile apps. The IQA study indicated that technical features, data accuracy, and value for money were the primary drivers influencing the adoption of health and fitness mobile apps. Through qualitative and empirical investigations, the present study contributes to the body of knowledge on health and fitness wearable devices.