Persuasive system design: state of the art and future directions (original) (raw)

Methods for designing persuasive systems continue to be a challenge and although some frameworks have been proposed to remedy this, they are all characterised with limitations that impedes their effective usage. In light of this, we propose the Unified Framework for Analysing, Developing and Evaluating persuasive technologies (U-FADE), which integrates key concepts in the Persuasive Systems Development model, the 3-Dimensional Relationship between Attitude and Behaviour model, Persuasive Pathway Model and Persuasive Technology Onion to address this limitation by providing a stepwise approach to facilitate persuasive technology design. The proposed integrated framework is conceptual and thus there is the need for further studies to investigate and demonstrate how it can be put to use.

The use of interactive technology for changing, shaping or reinforcing attitude or behaviour which is commonly known as persuasive technology is currently attracting attention in information systems research. Persuasive technology combines the positive attributes of interpersonal interaction and mass communication to achieve optimal persuasion. It aims to accommodate individual difference during persuasion: a situation which is not commonly characterised with mass media persuasion. Amidst the benefits it brings to behavioural and attitudinal change interventions, current research have demonstrated that there is a lack of methods for its design. Consequently, most of the existing persuasive technology applications do not follow systematic processes during the design phases. As an attempt to remedy this situation, the Persuasive Systems Design (PSD) model has been introduced. However, although the PSD model provides a guide on what should be considered during analysis, design and evaluation, it fails to provide adequate information on how it should be done. Thus designers know what to do but not how to do it. To address this limitation, this study presents the 3-Dimensional Relationship between Attitude and Behaviour (3D-RAB) model and the Unified Framework for Analysing, Designing and Evaluating persuasive technology (U-FADE). The 3D-RAB argues that by analysing and identifying the various levels of cognitive dissonance of users before and during behaviour interventions, designers can craft persuasive messages to enhance persuasion. The U-FADE on the other hand expands the PSD model to include the 3D-RAB model and provide steps that can be followed to develop persuasive technology applications. The model and the framework were validated and it was observed that the U-FADE and the 3D-RAB are both effective for persuasive technology design.

Humans are predominantly driven by intrinsic or extrinsic motivations. These motivations could be a blend of varying subtleties ranging from living a healthy life, financial stability, having social connections and so forth. As humans we have different attitudes and beliefs that gradually develop our characters. Intriguingly, not all of us act in accordance with our beliefs (Langrial, 2012). For instance, we all are aware that smoking is injurious to our health, but people follow smoking. Humans have a natural tendency to behave in contradiction to their beliefs. In other words, there is a gap between what an individual believes and what she/he essentially does. This varying behaviour gives rise to a distinctive state of cognitive unease (Festinger, 1962). The system based persuasive technology and the persuasive design are highly influenced these logic.

This paper presents findings of our study on peer-reviewed papers published in the International Conference on Persuasive Technology from 2006 to 2010. The study indicated that out of 44 systems reviewed, 23 were reported to be successful, 2 to be unsuccessful and 19 did not specify whether or not it was successful. 56 different techniques were mentioned and it was observed that most designers use ad hoc definitions for techniques or methods used in de- sign. Hence we propose the need for research to establish unambiguous defini- tions of techniques and methods in the field

The objective of persuasive technology researches is to develop persuasive systems that are able to change or reshape human behavior. Persuasive technology has quickly found a wide range of applications in many fields of research and development like marketing, health, safety and environment. The key element in designing successful persuasive systems is the improvement of the persuasion process. An important factor that should be included in the persuasion process is the user experience. This paper reviews the current trends of persuasive technology and shows some example of the available persuasive systems. The contribution of this paper is proposing a new and promising research direction for building persuasive systems that take the user feedback as a key element in the persuasion process. Some of the systems that follow this approach have been proposed and illustrated.

This paper presents a new model for understanding human behavior. In this model (FBM), behavior is a product of three factors: motivation, ability, and triggers, each of which has subcomponents. The FBM asserts that for a person to perform a target behavior, he or she must (1) be sufficiently motivated, (2) have the ability to perform the behavior, and (3) be triggered to perform the behavior. These three factors must occur at the same moment, else the behavior will not happen. The FBM is useful in analysis and design of persuasive technologies. The FBM also helps teams work together efficiently because this model gives people a shared way of thinking about behavior change.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the First International Conference on Persuasive Technology for human well-being, PERSUASIVE 2006. The 31 revised full papers presented together with 1 introductory paper are organized in topical sections on psychological principles of persuasive technology, persuasive technology: theory and modelling, design, applications and evaluations, ethics of persuasive technology persuasive gerontechnology, and ambient intelligence and persuasive technology.