BACKGROUND
Remote measurement technology (RMT) such as mobile health devices and applications, are increasingly used by those living with chronic neurological and mental health conditions. RMT enables real-world data collection and regular feedback, providing users with insights about their own conditions. Data visualizations are an integral part of RMT, though little is known about visualization design preferences from the perspectives of those living with chronic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
Explore the experiences and preferences of individuals with chronic neurological and mental health conditions on data visualizations derived from RMT to manage health.
METHODS
In this systematic review, we searched peer-reviewed literature and conference proceedings (PubMed, IEEE Xplore, EMBASE, Web of Science, ACM Computer-Human Interface proceedings, and the Cochrane Library) for original articles published between January 2007 and February 2020 that reported perspectives on data visualization of people living with chronic neurological and mental health conditions. Two reviewers independently screened each abstract and full-text article, with disagreements resolved through discussion. Studies were critically appraised and extracted data underwent thematic synthesis.
RESULTS
We identified 28 eligible publications from 24 studies representing 11 conditions. Coded data coalesced into four themes: desire for data visualization, the impact of visualizations on condition management, visualizations as data reporting tools, and visualization design considerations. Data visualizations were viewed an integral part of users’ experiences with RMT, impacting satisfaction and engagement. However, user preferences were diverse and often conflicting, both between and within conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
When used effectively, data visualizations are valuable, engaging components of RMT. They can provide structure and insight, allowing individuals to manage their own health more effectively. However, visualizations are not “one-size-fits-all,” and it is important to engage with potential user during visualization design to understand when, how, and with whom the visualizations will be used to manage health.