In our research group, we are currently carrying out several empirical research studies to inform the design of future personal informatics (PI) systems. These studies include projects investigating the use of gamification elements to encourage engagement based on a user's personality type, varying levels of feedback during day-to-day PI use, and categorizing and evaluating the suitability of dispatching PI notifications across a wide variety of wearable devices and using different feedback modalities. We provide an overview of these projects and suggest ways that our early results might contribute to the discussion of next-generation systems at the UbiComp 2015 QS workshop.

Information work generally occurs within a multitasking environment with attention focused on the computer screen, constant task switching and frequent interruptions. In this environment, software-based task management techniques may blend in too much to be optimally effective. The Time Machine is proposed as a physical interface distinctly separated from the task environment with real-world manifestations of arbitrary concepts of tasks and time, while providing constant visibility of status through an ambient display for self-reflection. The Time Machine aims to promote distributed cognition and utilize the stage-based model of personal informatics and the Pomodoro technique toward productive and enjoyable task management.