ZamZee
A web-based platform paired with a pocket-size gadget that tracks activity and rewards teens for moving around more.
Increase physical activity in teens to improve health and fight sedentary behavior by creating a web-based platform paired with a pocket-size gadget that tracks activity and rewards teens for moving around more.
THE PROBLEM
Research shows that between the ages of 11 and 14, young teens become increasingly sedentary. Sedentary behavior can lead to devastating long-term health consequences, including obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer.
THE INNOVATION
Zamzee is a digital platform that motivates teens to move around by making activity fun, social and rewarding. Teens wear a pocket-size device that tracks their daily movement. The device connects to their computer, and their activity information is translated into currency that is added to their Zamzee account. Currency is awarded for movement based on a teen’s improvement over his or her average (rather than total movement). This currency can be used to purchase virtual and tangible goods, including badges, gift cards, and merchandise. Teens can also share their progress with friends, compare data and compete as groups, and connect with others within Zamzee.
“Zamzee works! In tests, we’ve had several hundred teens spending more than 10,000 days using Zamzee and tracked effects on their physical activity. Teens with Zamzee were on average 30% more active -that’s nearly equivalent to running an extra marathon a month.” — Jonathan Attwood, CEO Zamzee
THE VISION
By tapping into the power and appeal of social technology, Zamzee hopes to inspire teens to make physical activity a long-term, regular part of their lives. The product will be available to consumers in 2011.
“We hope to ignite a lifetime of activity in teens – inspiring and empowering them to go out there and move more. We’re giving them fun tools and a great experience, which has the byproduct of getting them active and impacting long-term behavior change.” — Jonathan Attwood, CEO Zamzee