Persuasive Technology

Interactive computing systems designed to change users' attitudes or behaviors through persuasion rather than coercion. Common persuasive techniques include goal-setting, self-monitoring, rewards, reminders, and social comparison. While persuasive technology has shown success in health and fitness applications, research indicates that strategies effective for younger users may not work for older adults or people with disabilities, who may have different motivations, values, and definitions of success. Accessible persuasive design requires understanding users' intrinsic motivations rather than imposing external behavioral targets.