Why wearables should be free

Companies shouldn’t just give out wearables for free; they should pay users for data, argues Hans Neubert, frog’s chief creative officer.

“Owners of wearable technology, like the upcoming Apple Watch or Microsoft Band, are the most vital part of the product ecosystem because they generate valuable information each time they wear their devices. Yet they also pay for the privilege. Brands should rethink their value proposition, make wearable devices free, and monetize the data, or risk losing out on the possibility of mass-market adoption. […]

Convincing consumers to wear a product that lacks an emotional connection, and tells them something they already know (or can easily guess), requires a nuanced strategy: incentivize the regular usage of the device and monetize the data in a way that is transparent and rewarding for everyone involved.”