Impact of light logger and dosimeter placement on wearability and appeal in real-life settings

Background Light exposure plays a crucial role in human health, influencing sleep, circadian rhythms, and visual development. As wearable light loggers are increasingly used to monitor real-world light exposure, their design must balance metrological accuracy with comfort and usability. Methods We assessed the perceived wearability and appeal of eight light logger designs and placements (chest pin, wrist, necklace, sleeve collar, collar pin, neck loop, hat pin, and glasses) using an online survey completed by 145 participants (mean age 32 years, 52% female) from the UK, USA, and other countries worldwide. Each design was rated on overall attractiveness, likelihood of wear at home, at work, in public settings, in social contexts, during exercise, expected wear duration, and perceived interference with daily activities. Results The chest pin received the highest overall ratings, followed by wrist and necklace, while glasses and hat pin placements were rated lowest across most contexts. Likelihood of wear was highest in the home setting and significantly lower in social (β = –0.92 ± 0.08) and work (β = –0.84 ± 0.08) contexts. Compared to the chest pin, other placements were rated up to 2.6 points lower (e.g., glasses: β = –2.62 ± 0.10). Wearing position significantly influenced all ratings (p