DOSE: An open-source, iOS watch-based tool for experience sampling

Abstract

Smartwatches facilitate low-burden rapid-access micro-interactions, making them ideal for Experience Sampling Methods (ESMs). Despite the Apple Watch being the most popular smartwatch in the U.S., it has yet to be utilized in ESM studies due to a lack of accessible frameworks that enable deployment without technical expertise. We developed DOSE, an open-source ESM framework tailored for the Apple Watch. It includes tools and documentation that allow researchers to configure surveys, build custom apps, deploy studies, and stream data to servers without programming skills. We evaluated the framework's feasibility in a 28-day field study with 18 participants (mean age = 55.3 ± 9.2). Results showed reliable prompt delivery and high response rates (>80% overall), with median interaction times under 10 seconds. Participants demonstrated increasing efficiency in responses over time. These findings establish the DOSE framework as a practical, scalable solution for Apple Watch-based ESMs and a foundation for future smartwatch research.