Walking & Talking:Promoting Physical Activity through Texting

Presented by Rosemary Ehlers

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How to Change Behavior

Fogg Behavior Model:

A person needs motivation, ability, and a trigger in order to perform the desired action.

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Triggers

A trigger is the event or situation that prompts the user to act.

Trigger Types:

External: a note on a calendar, an alarm clock ringing

Internal: hunger, a sudden idea

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Triggers

Successful triggers are noticeable, are associated with the target behavior, and occurs when the user is both motivated and able to perform the target action

Unsuccessful triggers lead to irritation (not enough motivation) or frustration (low ability), and create negative associations with the target behavior

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Persuasive Systems Design

Proposed by Kristian Torning and Harri Oinas-Kukkonen

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Persuasive Systems Design

Design Principles:

Primary Task SupportDialogue Support

System Credibility Support Social Support

Why are cellphones so great?

Pervasive & Mobile

But fragmented.

Number of cellphone subscriptions in US 1985-2004

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Why is texting so great?

UniversalSimple

Interactive

Reaches younger

demographics

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How can texting help people exercise?

Sending information – education, notification

Gathering information – collecting data, individual journaling

Getting answers – from a database, or a person

Connecting people – both individuals and groups

(Future use) Transactions – setting appointments, buying health items

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Other factors in promoting exercise

Structural factors:

SafetyAestheticsDestinations

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Conclusion

Behavior Change Methods+

Mass Communication=

Real Change

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