The Oura ring’s app has introduced an AI advisor that takes a different approach to health tracking. Instead of simply reporting data, it asks questions that prompt users to analyze and reflect on their habits and feelings. This strategy, inspired by Rogerian psychotherapy and motivational interviewing techniques, helps users gain insights into their priorities and behaviors.
How the Oura Advisor Works
The AI advisor engages users in conversations about their health data, asking questions like “How are you feeling about your movement?” or “How do you feel about your recovery practices?” These questions encourage users to think critically about their habits and make adjustments as needed. The advisor also acknowledges users’ concerns and offers gentle, non-prescriptive suggestions.
Examples of the Advisor’s Questions
- “Your sedentary time has decreased to 6h 11m. How are you feeling about your movement?”
- “How do you feel about your recovery practices, and is there anything you’d like to adjust?”
- “How are you feeling about managing stress this week?”
The Power of Asking Questions
The Oura Advisor’s approach is based on the idea that users already possess the information they need to make positive changes. By asking questions and prompting reflection, the advisor helps users set their thoughts in order and identify their priorities. This technique is reminiscent of the 1960s chatbot Eliza, which used simple, open-ended questions to simulate a conversation.
The Oura Advisor is more sophisticated than Eliza, as it can recall previous conversations and access data from the ring’s sensors. However, its primary value lies not in providing answers but in asking the right questions. By engaging with the advisor, users can experience a form of self-reflection and motivation, similar to what they might gain from talking to a therapist or trainer.
Conclusion
Oura’s AI advisor offers a unique and potentially valuable approach to health tracking. By encouraging users to reflect on their habits and feelings, it provides a more nuanced and personal understanding of their health data. As the author notes, “I think it’s helping,” and this approach may prove to be a significant advantage in the world of health and fitness tracking.
