Fogg Behavior Model Research Articles

The digital cumulative complexity model: a framework for improving engagement in digital mental health interventions.

Mental health disorders affect a substantial portion of the global population. Despite preferences for psychotherapy, access remains limited due to various barriers. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have emerged to increase accessibility, yet engagement and treatment completion rates are concerning. Evidence across healthcare where some degree of self-management is required show that treatment engagement is negatively influenced by contextual complexity. This article examines the non-random factors influencing patient engagement in digital and face-to-face psychological therapies. It reviews established models and introduces an adapted version of the Cumulative Complexity Model (CuCoM) as a framework for understanding engagement in the context of digital mental health. Theoretical models like the Fogg Behavior Model, Persuasive System Design, Self-Determination Theory, and Supportive Accountability aim to explain disengagement. However, none adequately consider these broader contextual factors and their complex interactions with personal characteristics, intervention requirements and technology features. We expand on these models by proposing an application of CuCoM's application in mental health and digital contexts (known as DiCuCoM), focusing on the interplay between patient burden, personal capacity, and treatment demands. Standardized DMHIs often fail to consider individual variations in burden and capacity, leading to engagement variation. DiCuCoM highlights the need for balancing patient workload with capacity to improve engagement. Factors such as life demands, burden of treatment, and personal capacity are examined for their influence on treatment adherence. The article proposes a person-centered approach to treatment, informed by models like CuCoM and Minimally Disruptive Medicine, emphasizing the need for mental healthcare systems to acknowledge and address the unique burdens and capacities of individuals. Strategies for enhancing engagement include assessing personal capacity, reducing treatment burden, and utilizing technology to predict and respond to disengagement. New interventions informed by such models could lead to better engagement and ultimately better outcomes.

The implementation of online and offline hybrid weight management approach for pregnant women based on the Fogg behavior model in Hainan, China: a pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study aimed at evaluating the effects of online and offline hybrid weight management approach based on the Fogg behavior model on total gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes.MethodsPregnant women in Hainan, the southernmost province of China, were recruited into a randomized controlled trial, which was designed to develop a WeChat platform for pregnancy weight management, and implement individualized and continuous pregnancy weight management services for pregnant women under the guidance of the Fogg behavior model. All pregnant women participating in the study were included in the full analysis set (FAS) for analysis. The pregnant women who completed the intervention and provided all outcome indicators were included in the per protocol set (PPS) for outcome evaluation.ResultsFifty-eight pregnant women were included in FAS analysis, and 52 pregnant women were finally included in PPS analysis. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two groups at baseline. The gestational weight gain of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In the control group, the rate of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy was 48.26%, the rate of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy was 93.30% in the intervention group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In the delivery outcomes, the cesarean section rate in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension in the intervention group was lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The neonatal weight and incidence of macrosomia of the intervention group were lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study combined the individualized and continuous pregnancy weight management of the online WeChat platform and offline consultation based on the Fogg behavior model, showing great potential in improving maternal and infant outcomes.Trial registrationThe study was registered with www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200066707, 2022–12-14, retrospectively registered).

Exploring large language models as an integrated tool for learning, teaching, and research through the Fogg Behavior Model: a comprehensive mixed-methods analysis

Exploring large language models as an integrated tool for learning, teaching, and research through the Fogg Behavior Model: a comprehensive mixed-methods analysis

A Mobile Applet for Assessing Medication Adherence and Managing Adverse Drug Reactions Among Patients With Cancer: Usability and Utility Study.

Medication adherence and the management of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are crucial to the efficacy of antitumor drugs. A WeChat applet, also known as a "Mini Program," is similar to the app but has marked advantages. The development and use of a WeChat applet makes follow-up convenient for patients with cancer. This study aimed to assess the usability and utility of a newly developed WeChat applet, "DolphinCare," among patients with cancer in Shanghai. A qualitative methodology was used to obtain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of patients with cancer when using DolphinCare from the usability and utility aspects. The development phase consisted of 2 parts: alpha and beta testing. Alpha testing combined the theory of the Fogg Behavior Model and the usability model. Alpha testing also involved testing the design of DolphinCare using a conceptual framework, which included factors that could affect medication adherence and ADRs. Beta testing was conducted using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews allowed us to assist the patients in using DolphinCare and understand whether they liked or disliked DolphinCare and found it useful. We included participants who had an eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) score of ≥50%, and a total of 20 participants were interviewed consecutively. The key positive motivators described by interviewers were to be reminded to take their medications and to alleviate their ADRs. The majority of the patients were able to activate and use DolphinCare by themselves. Most patients indicated that their trigger to follow-up DolphinCare was the recommendation of their known and trusted health care professionals. All participants found that labels containing the generic names of their medication and the medication reminders were useful, including timed pop-up push notifications and text alerts. The applet presented the corresponding information collection forms of ADRs to the patient to fill out. The web-based consultation system enables patients to consult pharmacists or physicians in time when they have doubts about medications or have ADRs. The applet had usabilities and utilities that could improve medication adherence and the management of ADRs among patients with cancer. This study provides preliminary evidence regarding the usability and utility of this type of WeChat applet among patients with cancer, which is expected to be promoted for managing follow-up among other patients with other chronic disease.

Hierarchical Control Planning Based on the Film 'Avatar: The Way of Water' to Minimize Work Accidents Among Fishermen

Cultivating health and occupational safety among fishermen can involve various strategies, such as reviewing movies for insights. These films serve as reflections of the relevance to the cultural aspects of fishermen's health and safety, contributing to the Health and Occupational Safety Triangle or Hierarchy Control. Hierarchy Control, a sequential risk reduction process, encompasses elimination, substitution, design, administration, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The study aims to reduce or eliminate work accidents for fishermen, utilizing planning hierarchy control with an approach involving Macro Ergonomics, Semiotics, and the Fogg Behavior Model. Findings identify a minimal health and safety culture during service, leading to the design of three hierarchy controls: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for machines and equipment (administrative control), ship closures for noise reduction (engineering controls), and the implementation of Personal Protective Equipment. However, elimination and substitution remain challenging to implement in daily service activities.

Determinants of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Acceptance among Caregivers in Nigeria: A Fogg Behavior Model-Based Approach.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among adolescent girls is critical to reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers in Nigeria. This study assesses the factors influencing caregivers' acceptance of HPV vaccination for their charges, using the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM) as a theoretical framework. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 1429 caregivers of girls aged 9-17 in six Nigerian states, using a survey instrument based on the FBM. Participants were recruited via Facebook and Instagram advertisements and interviewed through Facebook Messenger in August and September 2023. The study received ethical clearance from Nigeria's National Health Research Ethics Committee. We applied bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess the relationships between the caregiver's perception of how likely their adolescent girl was to get vaccinated in the next 12 months and motivation, ability, social factors (such as discussions with family and friends), injunctive norms, previous COVID-19 vaccination, and respondents' sociodemographic characteristics. Adjusted odds ratios derived from logistic regression analyses revealed that caregivers' motivation and ability, as well as social factors, were significantly associated with their perception that the adolescent girl in their care would get vaccinated within the next 12 months. Our findings suggest that behavioral interventions tailored to enhance motivation, ability, and social support among caregivers could significantly increase HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls in Nigeria.

Construction and Algorithm Research of Online Learning Interaction Behavior Model Based on FBM

Abstract The development of online learning environments has facilitated changes in educational interactions. This study focuses on an in-depth exploration of learners’ online interaction behaviors based on the theory of the Fogg Behavior Model, all in the context of accurately depicting and optimizing these interactions. Considering the complexity and richness of online education platform data, this paper proposes an improved analytical methodology to accurately model and predict learner behaviors, expecting to provide a scientific basis for the development of personalized teaching strategies and the enhancement of learning experience This methodology is based on the Fractional Brownian Motion and BAS algorithms to analyze the data of online learning platforms. The study collected data such as login, learning status, and course grades, and used the combination algorithm to optimize the Hurst index estimation and improve prediction accuracy. The number of view notifications is significantly correlated with the interactive learning behavior of resources at the 0.01 level, and the correlation coefficients are 0.297, 0.557 and 0.360. The algorithm accurately reflects learner behavior, provides optimization strategies for online learning platforms, and enhances learning efficiency and interaction quality.

Lean persuasive design of electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) indexes for e-commerce stores based on fogg behavior model

Lean persuasive design of electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) indexes for e-commerce stores based on fogg behavior model

Sustainable consumer behaviour in clothes disposal in the Sri Lankan context

Purpose: Interest in sustainability has developed in recent decades and individuals are being encouraged to shift toward consumption that is more socially and environmentally sustainable. Sustainable consumption encompasses the acquisition, use, and disposal of goods as a subset of general consumption. The phrase "disposal" in the context of apparel consumption refers to whether a garment is merely discarded, resold, reused, or recycled. This study investigates how consumers can be persuaded to adopt sustainable practices when disposing of clothes.&#x0D; Design/methodology/approach: The study has been conducted by using 366 respondents in Sri Lanka as a quantitative study. This study used the Fogg Behavior Model to investigate what would stimulate consumers to include sustainability criteria. There are three independent variables of the study namely; motivation- sensation anticipation, motivation-social evaluation, and ability which have tested the influence on the dependent variable sustainable clothing disposing behavior while investigating the moderation effect from the trigger. &#x0D; Findings: The results of the study indicated that variables motivation- sensation anticipation, motivation- social evaluation, and ability have a significant positive impact on sustainable clothing disposing behaviour. Furthermore, the trigger has no moderation impact on the relationship between motivation- sensation anticipation, motivation- social evaluation, ability and sustainable clothing disposing behaviour.&#x0D; Originality: Even though clothing disposal has become a significant area for marketing research, especially in post-consumption behaviour, no research has been found on how consumers sustainably dispose of clothing in the Sri Lankan context.&#x0D; Implications: This research provides recommendations, suggestions, and insights for marketers and fashion retailers to design their strategies when introducing a novel approach like sustainable clothing disposal.&#x0D; Keywords: Clothing Disposal, Fashion, Post Consumption, Sustainable Consumption

Using Gamification To Increase E-Learning Engagement

E-learning is limited from a pedagogical standpoint because it can't emote or captivate students the same way a teacher can. To compensate for the lack of sensation or emotional engagement, an e-learning system must aim to encourage students in other ways. JB Fogg conducted study on the subject of persuasive technology and how to develop tools that affect a user's emotions. He introduces the Fogg's Behavior model, which looks into the circumstances that can lead to a particular behavior. There are numerous uses for this idea in human-computer interaction. Games are a regular aspect of life that delight players while also modeling behavior. We can improve user engagement with an e-learning application and its particular activities by incorporating game mechanics and dynamics into tasks and e-learning processes. Gamification is a term that has many applications in business practices and suggests tried-and-true methods that are comparable to those used in games. Gamification is the process of integrating elements of gaming into non-gaming applications, particularly user-friendly internet and mobile platforms. Furthermore, it seeks to persuade users to engage in the appropriate behaviors in respect to the applications. This description is connected to the terms serious games, serious gaming, playful engagement, and game-based technology. In this section, we'll examine each one in more detail, as well as examine how well they apply to e-learning and the learning process as a whole.

Using Gamification To Increase E-Learning Engagement

E-learning is limited from a pedagogical standpoint because it can't emote or captivate students the same way a teacher can. To compensate for the lack of sensation or emotional engagement, an e-learning system must aim to encourage students in other ways. JB Fogg conducted study on the subject of persuasive technology and how to develop tools that affect a user's emotions. He introduces the Fogg's Behavior model, which looks into the circumstances that can lead to a particular behavior. There are numerous uses for this idea in human-computer interaction. Games are a regular aspect of life that delight players while also modeling behavior. We can improve user engagement with an e-learning application and its particular activities by incorporating game mechanics and dynamics into tasks and e-learning processes. Gamification is a term that has many applications in business practices and suggests tried-and-true methods that are comparable to those used in games. Gamification is the process of integrating elements of gaming into non-gaming applications, particularly user-friendly internet and mobile platforms. Furthermore, it seeks to persuade users to engage in the appropriate behaviors in respect to the applications. This description is connected to the terms serious games, serious gaming, playful engagement, and game-based technology. In this section, we'll examine each one in more detail, as well as examine how well they apply to e-learning and the learning process as a whole.

Changing attitudes towards HIV testing and treatment among three generations of men in Cameroon: a qualitative analysis using the Fogg Behavior Model

IntroductionMen are less likely than women to test for HIV and promptly initiate antiretroviral treatment, resulting in advanced HIV disease and increased mortality rates among them.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with men and leaders in the west and central regions of Cameroon. Men were recruited from existing community groups and stratified by age: 21–30 years, 31–40 years, and 41 years and older. Community leaders were recommended by the community dialogue structure chairman. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide in English or French, depending on the participant’s preference. Transcripts were coded in the MAXQDA v.12 software and analyzed using thematic analysis and by age group. The Fogg Behavior Model was used to gain a deeper understanding of the different perceptions across all age groups.ResultsYounger men (21–30 years) were generally more accepting of HIV testing, as it had become normative behavior. Although financial barriers could limit access, free testing was mentioned as a prompt to initiate HIV testing. The middle age men (31–40 years) had the most concerns about HIV testing interrupting their work day and recommended increasing testing locations and hours. The older men (41 + years) were the least motivated to get tested, citing worries about the impact on their social standing within the community. All age groups reported being motivated to begin treatment if they were found to be HIV-positive.Participants also provided insights regarding community HIV testing and treatment messaging. Younger and older men preferred to hear directly from qualified health professionals, but younger men noted that social media, radio, and TV could be utilized. Middle age men also identified TV and radio as effective mediums, if door-to-door messaging was not an option.ConclusionsThe study highlights important considerations when planning future information-sharing activities for HIV testing and treatment. Since lived experiences differ across generations and societal roles continue to change, not only should the content of messages differ among the generations, but the means of communication must also be considered to ensure the messages are conveyed through a trusted source.

THE ASSOCIATION AND CONFLICT BETWEEN CORPORATE CULTURE AND EMPLOYEE BEHAVIOR IN THE VUCA ERA

In the context of VUCA, enterprises want to maintain their core competitiveness in a harsh environment, to a large extent, to have robust and soft power, and the root of soft power is corporate culture. Corporate culture is a guiding role, cohesive role, normative role, incentive role, and social influence role, which is expressed as a kind of belief and behavior with a corporate personality. Employee behavior is the study of enterprise employees as the main body, the enterprise as the context of human behavior, motivation and ability of these two factors are the preconditions for the occurrence of employee behavior. Corporate culture influences employees' way of thinking and behavior patterns and has a strong correlation with employees' behavior. However, there are inevitable conflicts between corporate culture and employees' behavior, incredibly individual employees' behavior. The article discusses the association and conflict between corporate culture and employee behavior and the shaping of employees' golden behavior based on corporate culture. Based on the Fogg behavior model, the article optimizes corporate culture from the perspectives of employee behavior motivation, ability, and external normative constraints, strengthens the association, weakens the conflict, shapes employees' golden behavior, and improves the cohesion and core competitiveness of the enterprise.

To Act or Not to Act-a Sense of Control Is Important for People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to Increase Physical Activity: Grounded Theory Study.

Among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low level of daily physical activity (PA) is the main risk factors for developing cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal comorbidities. Increasing PA in people with COPD is complex as PA behavior itself is complex and multifaceted, including personal, physiological, and psychological elements as well as social and environmental factors. Although eHealth solutions such as web-based support or websites have shown positive effects on PA in people with COPD, the results are inconclusive, and it is still unclear how eHealth solutions might be used to support positive changes in PA behavior in people with COPD. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of increasing objective PA when using a web-based eHealth tool among people with COPD. This study was part of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial with in-depth interviews between the 3- and 12-month follow-ups. The methodology used was constructivist grounded theory. All sampling included participants from the randomized controlled trial intervention group, that is, participants who had access to the eHealth tool in question and agreed to be contacted for an in-depth interview. Inclusion of participants continued until data saturation was reached, resulting in an inclusion of 13 (n=7, 54% women) participants aged between 49 and 84 years and living in 8 municipalities in Middle and Northern Sweden. Two interviews were conducted face-to-face, and the remaining interviews were conducted via telephone. All interviews were recorded using a Dictaphone. The analysis resulted in 3 main categories: welcoming or not welcoming action, having or lacking resources, and lowering the threshold. The first 2 categories contain barriers and facilitators, whereas the third category contains only facilitators. The categories lead to the more latent theme Perceiving enough control to enable action, meaning that it seems that perceiving the right amount of control is essential to maintain or increase the level of PA when using an eHealth tool among patients with COPD. However, the right amount of control seemed to depend on the individual (and context) in question. The core category indicates that a need for a certain sense of control was interpreted as necessary for increasing the PA level as well as for using an eHealth tool to help increase the PA level. The eHealth tool seemed to strengthen or weaken the perception of control by either providing support or by being too demanding on the user. Perceptions varied depending on other environmental factors. The Fogg Behavior Model illustrated how motivational levels, ability levels, and functional triggers interact within our findings. Thus, this study provides further evidence for the importance of empowering the patients to boost their level of agency and their ability to improve PA levels. RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030788.

Development of a Physical Activity Triggers Questionnaire.

This study aimed to develop a Physical Activity Triggers Questionnaire for Chinese college students and to evaluate its reliability and validity. On the theoretical basis of the Fogg behavior model and semi-open interviews, an initial questionnaire with 18 items was compiled. The initial questionnaire was administered to 575 students, and to examine its reliability and validity, item discrimination analysis, correlation analysis, homogeneity test, and exploratory factor analysis were conducted using SPSS 26.0. After the examination of the initial questionnaire, the initial 18 items were reduced to 14. The 14-item questionnaire was administered to 621 college students, and with the data, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, validity test, and reliability test were conducted. To examine the psychometric properties of the 18 items, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted, and their reliability and validity were examined. After the first round of item development analysis, four items were removed, and a triggers questionnaire with 14 items was developed. The 14 items had three dimensions, including spark, signal, and facilitator triggers, and the cumulative explained variance of the three dimensions was 61.21%. The confirmatory factor analysis of the three dimensions of the 14 items indicated appropriate scale fit indices. The internal consistency reliability, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability of the 14 items were 0.925, 0.821, and 0.860, respectively, showing that the items have appropriate reliability. The Physical Activity Triggers Questionnaire of the study has acceptable reliability and validity. It is the first questionnaire to measure Chinese college students' triggers of physical activity and will provide a new basis for the understanding of psychometric properties of physical activity triggers. In addition, the future findings collected from the developed triggers questionnaire can be used to develop strategies to promote health among college students.

About modern approaches to the user experience design

Behavior engineering is a new and highly effective emerging feld for helping design good habits, but it can also be used for manipulative purposes. The tech giants have entered the fray for our attention, which they need to generate windfall profts. They use artifcial intelligence technologies to analyze user behavior and develop a "retention" strategy. The commercial imperative is to design "enforcement" of the digital products and services that are created. However, this approach is contrary to the needs and rights of users, especially children. The article discusses the Fogg Behavior Model, as well as examples of its use in the design of user products, when the user is addicted to the product or, rather, the need to use it.

Use of a Practitioner-Friendly Behavior Model to Identify Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination and Other Behaviors.

The lack of capacity for the design and implementation of behavioral interventions in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health institutions. There is a need to task-shift, to translate social and behavioral science concepts into “practitioner-friendly” models—models which can be used by intervention designers, implementers, and evaluators with limited technical and financial resources. We illustrate the use of the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM), a model identified as being easy for practitioners to adopt in low-resource settings. The study uses data across four different behaviors in Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. The behaviors examined are COVID-19 vaccine uptake, condom use, iron folate use, and modern contraceptive use. The data are from surveys of healthcare workers (HCWs), married men, women of reproductive age, and adolescents, respectively. The FBM states that behavior happens when both motivation and ability are present, and a prompt occurs. In other words, persons with high motivation and high ability are the first to adopt a behavior. We created a categorical variable for motivation and ability and tested whether high motivation and high ability are associated with a greater likelihood of adopting a behavior. In Nigeria, HCWs with high motivation and high ability had 27 times higher odds of being vaccinated. In Pakistan, married men with high motivation and high ability had 35 times higher odds of condom use with their wives. In India, women with high motivation and high ability had 9 times higher odds of iron folate use. In Nigeria, adolescents and young women with high motivation and high ability had 8 times higher odds of contraceptive use. The study findings suggest that the FBM has the potential to be applied in low resource settings for the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral interventions. Rigorous testing of the FBM using data from experimental or quasi-experimental studies is recommended.

Implementation of Design Thinking Methods in Information Systems Academic Guidance at the Information Systems Department Faculty of Computer Science Sriwijaya University

During their study period, one of the programs provided to students is academic guidance. Academic mentoring is an activity where students consult academic supervisors which aim to help students plan studies and solve study problems, one example is the academic mentoring program at the Information Systems Department, Faculty of Computer Science, Sriwijaya University. However, in practice there are problems experienced by students but they are not detected from the start because of the low monitoring of their academic supervisors which causes delays in graduation. This study aims to produce a prototype design of the Academic Guidance Information System so that it can be used as a platform for monitoring student guidance. The method used is the design thinking method which has 5 stages, namely empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test. At the ideate and prototype stages, the Fogg Behavior Model theory is used as a reference material. Evaluation of the prototype design results using the Maze Design usability tool. Testing uses two test methods, namely the Mission Usability Score (MIUS), Maze Usability Score (MAUS) and System Usability Score (SUS). The MIUS and MAUS tests got a score of 78 and entered the medium/marginal characteristics. The SUS calculation gets a score of 90.25 which leads to the acceptable category with a grade scale (A). The test results were carried out with 1 test iteration to 20 respondents and showed that the design had met the feasibility standard. Keywords : Information Systems, Academic Guidance, Design Thinking Methods, Fogg Behavior Model, Maze Design.

Just-in-Time Prompts for Running, Walking, and Performing Strength Exercises in the Built Environment: 4-Week Randomized Feasibility Study.

BackgroundApp-based mobile health exercise interventions can motivate individuals to engage in more physical activity (PA). According to the Fogg Behavior Model, it is important that the individual receive prompts at the right time to be successfully persuaded into PA. These are referred to as just-in-time (JIT) interventions. The Playful Active Urban Living (PAUL) app is among the first to include 2 types of JIT prompts: JIT adaptive reminder messages to initiate a run or walk and JIT strength exercise prompts during a walk or run (containing location-based instruction videos). This paper reports on the feasibility of the PAUL app and its JIT prompts.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to examine user experience, app engagement, and users’ perceptions and opinions regarding the PAUL app and its JIT prompts and to explore changes in the PA behavior, intrinsic motivation, and the perceived capability of the PA behavior of the participants.MethodsIn total, 2 versions of the closed-beta version of the PAUL app were evaluated: a basic version (Basic PAUL) and a JIT adaptive version (Smart PAUL). Both apps send JIT exercise prompts, but the versions differ in that the Smart PAUL app sends JIT adaptive reminder messages to initiate running or walking behavior, whereas the Basic PAUL app sends reminder messages at randomized times. A total of 23 participants were randomized into 1 of the 2 intervention arms. PA behavior (accelerometer-measured), intrinsic motivation, and the perceived capability of PA behavior were measured before and after the intervention. After the intervention, participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire on user experience, and they were invited for an exit interview to assess user perceptions and opinions of the app in depth.ResultsNo differences in PA behavior were observed (Z=−1.433; P=.08), but intrinsic motivation for running and walking and for performing strength exercises significantly increased (Z=−3.342; P<.001 and Z=−1.821; P=.04, respectively). Furthermore, participants increased their perceived capability to perform strength exercises (Z=2.231; P=.01) but not to walk or run (Z=−1.221; P=.12). The interviews indicated that the participants were enthusiastic about the strength exercise prompts. These were perceived as personal, fun, and relevant to their health. The reminders were perceived as important initiators for PA, but participants from both app groups explained that the reminder messages were often not sent at times they could exercise. Although the participants were enthusiastic about the functionalities of the app, technical issues resulted in a low user experience.ConclusionsThe preliminary findings suggest that the PAUL apps are promising and innovative interventions for promoting PA. Users perceived the strength exercise prompts as a valuable addition to exercise apps. However, to be a feasible intervention, the app must be more stable.

Can Personalization Persuade? Study of Notification Adaptation in Mobile Behavior Change Intervention Application.

The growing ubiquity of smartphones and the ease of creating and distributing applications render the mobile platform an attractive means for facilitating positive behavior change at scale. Within the smartphone as a behavior change support system, mobile notifications play a critical role as they enable timely and relevant information distribution. In this paper we describe our preliminary investigation of the persuasiveness of mobile notifications delivered within a real-world behavior change intervention mobile app, which enabled users to set goals and define tasks related to those goals. The application aimed to motivate the users with notifications belonging to one of two groups—tailored and non-tailored, seeing them as sparks in the Fogg Behavior Model and personalizing them according to the users’ Big Five personality traits. Results indicate that customized messages may work for some individuals while working poorly for others. When analyzing users as a single group, no significant differences were observed, but when proceeding with the analysis on the individual level we found seven users whose personality traits notifications interact with in interesting ways. Our results offer two general insights: (1) Using personality-tailored messaging in a dynamic mobile domain as opposed to a static domain leads to different outcomes, and it seems that there is no one-to-one mapping between domains; (2) A major reason for most of our hypotheses being false may be that messages that are deemed as persuasive on their own are not what persuades people to perform an action. Unlike the clear-cut findings observed in other domains, we discover a rather nuanced relationship between the personalization and persuasiveness that calls for further exploration at the individual participant level.