Fig. 1: Data flow within the virtual fitness buddy ecosystem.

The mixed reality kiosk served as the central communication hub between parents and children. All children wore Fitbits on the nondominant wrist, and their step count was synced whenever they visited their virtual dog through the kiosk. The virtual dog’s appearance and behavior changed to reflect the PA performed by the child; more PA led to a slimmer virtual dog with a happier demeanor. Each time the child visited the kiosk and interacted with the dog, their PA performance synced to the kiosk was reported to the child’s parents via text message.