An investigation of wearable and IoT technology for health applications: a user centered approach

Abstract

The convergence of wearable technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened new possibilities for health monitoring and older adults care. However, existing systems remain fragmented, often lack interoperability, and tend to overlook the unique usability needs of older adults. This research investigates how a user-centered approach can inform the design and development of a Unified Wearable Device Framework (UWDF) to enhance integration, accessibility, and data visualization across heterogeneous IoT devices. Drawing on qualitative research involving older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and technical personnel, the study identifies key design requirements and develops a working prototype of the UWDF platform. The framework emphasizes simplicity, modularity, and human-centered computing (HCC) principles. Usability testing demonstrates that the platform improves ease of interaction, supports personalized health monitoring, and facilitates caregiver engagement. The research contributes both a practical solution for managing diverse wearable health devices and a methodological reference for designing inclusive healthcare technologies that support aging-in-place.