Fitbit One: Self-Tracking Made Easy

The Fitbit One is a self-tracking device that records steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and stairs climbed. It can also monitor sleep patterns and the device wirelessly uploads all the data online and to the mobile app.

Based on how active the user is during the day, there is a “flower” that grows with more activity and shrinks with less. Over the course of testing the device for a month and getting sub optimal feedback (e.g. I don’t move enough), I certainly became motivated to move more.

Pros of the FitBit:

– Small and portable, can be easily hidden

– Easy to use, one button controlled

– Well constructed, informative yet simple website and mobile app

– Good positive feedback through badges and goal setting

Cons of the FitBit:

– Has to be attached to clothing or placed in a pocket; I narrowly avoided washing it twice

– Reacts poorly to cold weather; in below freezing temperatures it froze up