Using tracking technologies well: the contribution of the concepts of 'tightness' and 'grip'

The focus of this chapter is on wearables, electronic monitoring devices (tags), used with the specific purpose of tracking the movements of those wearing them. This chapter focuses on two domains, which on the surface appear to be diametrically opposed – care and criminal justice settings. In both settings, wearable devices are used to track wearers’ movements as risk management tools. However, they do this for different stated purposes – to enhance freedom in care settings and to restrict freedom in criminal justice. The paper utilises the concept of ‘tightness’ or ‘grip’ to compare the design of tracking systems in the two settings suggesting that it provides a framework to understand how tracking systems are currently designed and the experiences of wearers and significant others. It concludes that the framework provides a mechanism to design more responsive tracking systems, which take account of the differing needs and experiences of wearers, thereby increasing their effectiveness in terms of take up, retention and compliance. In doing so, it underlines the urgent need for a regulatory framework for care settings and a need for further research, focused on users’ experience particularly in the care domain.