Practice Theory Approach to Wearable Technology. Implications for Sustainability

Wearable technology is a combination of design and technological solutions that can be worn on one’s body. Due to its functions, especially ones related to monitoring of health-related indicators, it has initially been met with enthusiasm. However, subsequent trends address that wearable devices have become yet another short-lived goods abandoned by their users within a couple of months after purchase. Additionally, in business terms, the market of wearables has been dominated by large corporations such as Apple and Xiaomi, with very few middle- and small-size businesses staying afloat. Because of these patterns, wearable technology has come under criticism of being unsustainable in various terms. This study looks at the problem through the practice theory lens. Drawing on a variety of concepts derived from practice theory (elements of practices, bundles and recruitment), this study departs from a popular argument of ‘fixing’ wearables, and, instead, focuses on daily activities with wearable technology. The study elucidates both consumers and producers’ sides, and accounts for a contextual specificity of different countries.


Daria Morozova is part of the Department of Culture and Learning at Aalborg University. ‘Practice Theory Approach to Wearable Technology. Implications for Sustainability’ is her PhD Thesis.