Health Tracking for Women

This two-hour, in-person workshop invites women to reflect on health tracking technologies such as wearables and apps (Strava, Apple watch etc.) in relation to their experiences. The session combines creative writing with group conversation, offering a chance to explore both the promises and the blind spots of digital health tools.

The workshop will begin with a short introduction (about 15 minutes), outlining the aims of the session and giving participants the chance to introduce themselves. As an icebreaker, everyone will be invited to briefly share their own experiences with health tracking technologies - whether they regularly use devices like smartwatches, experiment with fitness apps, or choose not to engage with them at all.

The main activity (around 45 minutes) is a guided creative writing exercise using a “story completion” method. Participants will be presented with three short fictional scenarios, each featuring a woman interacting with a health tracking tool. For each scenario, there will be 10 minutes of continuous writing time to respond in character - imagining how she feels, how she engages with the technology, and how it might be redesigned to better reflect her needs. This activity is designed to encourage spontaneous and imaginative responses, without pressure for polished writing.

After each writing exercise, there will be a short group discussion (approximately 15 minutes each). These conversations will be recorded to help identify key themes. Sharing short stories is voluntary and participants can choose to keep them private if they’d like.

A short break midway through will provide time for refreshments and informal connection with others (about 15 minutes). The workshop will conclude with an open feedback session (10 minutes), where participants can reflect on the method itself and suggest ways it could be developed further.

This workshop explores the everyday experiences of women who use - or choose not to use - health tracking technologies such as fitness wearables and health apps. These tools are often promoted as empowering ways to monitor activity, sleep, or wellbeing. Yet, the reality is more complex: people’s experiences of these technologies are deeply individual, shaped by diverse bodies, lives, and circumstances.

Many health tracking tools are designed with narrow assumptions about their users, often prioritising male bodies and lifestyles. As a result, they may fail to account for women’s unique experiences, such as hormonal fluctuations, reproductive health needs, unpaid care work, or conditions like endometriosis. This oversight not only limits the usefulness of these tools, but also risks reinforcing gendered gaps in health knowledge.

This workshop takes a step toward addressing these issues by focusing specifically on women aged 18-35. Through creative writing and group discussion, participants will reflect on their own encounters with wearables and apps, imagining how these tools could be reimagined to better support women’s health and wellbeing.

As an attendee, you can expect three key benefits. First, relevance to your life: this is a chance to have your voice heard on technologies that shape daily routines and self-understanding. Your input will contribute to future research that aims to influence designers and developers. Second, skill development: participants will be encouraged to write creatively and spontaneously, offering a rare opportunity to explore storytelling as a tool for reflection. Finally, the workshop offers a supportive and cathartic space: sharing experiences with other women can be validating, inspiring, and empowering.

By taking part, you will not only develop your own voice, but also help lay the groundwork for more inclusive health technologies in the future.

Dr Olivia Fletcher, University Teacher in Geography at University of Liverpool

People who identify as women, aged 18-35

Of particular interest to those who are interested in or use health tracking technologies and apps (step count, smart watches, Strava etc.)

24 hours before event starts