Persuasive technology, an introduction

Persuasive technology is defined as any ‘interactive computing system designed to change people’s attitudes and behaviors.’(Fogg, B.J., 2003). In his definition Fogg refers mainly to interactive computing systems such as software, websites and mobile applications.

Persuasive technology can be categorized as an application of design with intent method (Dan Lockton, David Harrison, Neville A. Stanton, 2010), that provides a broader vision of persuasion through design. The authors define Design with Intent (DwI) as ‘design intended to influence or result in certain user behavior’. DwI method can be applied in different fields such as architecture, graphic design, product design, ergonomics and software applications among others.

DwI method was born with the objective of influencing user behavior to reduce the environmental impact of products which consume resources during use (Dan Lockton, David Harrison, Neville A. Stanton, 2010). The importance of users’ behavior and decisions in environment impact is highlighted not just by academics, see for instances UK Government’s Stern Review (Stern, 2007), where behavior change is mentioned as a priority in this field,  but also by governments and philosophers (Curren, 2009).