Evaluating Mobile-Based Behavior Change Support Systems for Health and Well-Being

This chapter highlights the challenges in planning; developing, and evaluating mobile-based Behavior Change Support Systems (BCSSs). These systems have shown significant potential in promoting healthier lifestyles. Mobile-based BCSSs have created opportunities for system designers and researchers to incorporate persuasive techniques aiming at changing peoples' behaviors. However, there are several challenges that seemingly hinder the planning and development of effective BCSSs. For example, it appears that system designers are somehow unaware of defined intentions relating to expected outcomes from using the BCSSs. This chapter aims to provide a better understanding of persuasive strategies and software features that are frequently employed in existing systems using the Persuasive Systems Design Model (PSDM) and the Outcome/Change Design Matrix (O/C Design Matrix). Based on the findings from expert evaluations, the findings indicate that the studied BCSSs have not been systematically designed in terms of persuasive software features including relatively weak human-computer dialogue features and lack social support features. The weaknesses in the design of mobile-based BCSSs call for a comprehensive understanding of the behavior change process. This chapter highlights the identified design flaws in the evaluated BCSSs and recommends the use of PSD model and O/C Design Matrix in the planning and development of mobile-based BCSSs.