Integrating Persuasive Technology in Participatory Design Workshops: Prototypes for Participant Support

Abstract

In participatory design, non-professional designers are also involved in the design process. Creativity and motivation play an important role, and non-professionals in particular can have problems of motivation or ability. Persuasive technologies can be used to positively influence participants’ behavior. Applying a design science research approach, this study developed four persuasive technology artifacts to support workshop participants, based on existing work on participatory design, persuasive technologies, and creativity support tools. The following prototypes were implemented: (1) tablet-based support; (2) Bluetooth beacons for location-based triggers; (3) QR codes for additional information; and (4) a humanoid robot assistant. Each prototype incorporates persuasive strategies to exert a positive influence on workshop participants’ behavior by enhancing motivation and ability and initiating triggers. In the absence of any previous concrete implementations of persuasive technologies for participatory design, the described artifacts extend the existing knowledge base by proposing in-person collaboration as a novel application field for persuasive technology.