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A Self-learning Application Framework for Behavioral Change Support

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Part of the book series: Communications in Computer and Information Science ((CCIS,volume 736))

Abstract

The paper analyzes current weaknesses of behavioral change support systems such as the lack of adequately taking into account the heterogeneity of target users. Based on this analysis the paper presents an application framework that comprises various components to accommodate user preferences and to adapt system interventions to individual users: a goal hierarchy which users can tailor to their needs, dividing nudges into different types that correspond to speech acts, rules for context-specific triggering of nudges. User adaptation is realized with approaches from user modeling and collaborative filtering. The result is a self-learning application that changes in line with a user’s progress, which is expected to enhance user acceptance and increase and sustain people’s motivation for behavioral change. The application framework will be evaluated by comparing a mobile health app using the framework with a simplified version of the app that does not support user tailoring and adaptation.

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Acknowledgements

The research presented in this paper has been made possible by a grant from Gebert Rüf Foundation. Our thanks go also to the members of a student group for their contributions to this research: M. Eggenschwiler, S. Frigg and R. Zuberbühler.

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Correspondence to Ulrich Reimer .

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Reimer, U., Maier, E., Ulmer, T. (2017). A Self-learning Application Framework for Behavioral Change Support. In: Röcker, C., O'Donoghue, J., Ziefle, M., Helfert, M., Molloy, W. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health. ICT4AWE 2016. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 736. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62704-5_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62704-5_8

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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