Influence of Motivational Design Techniques on Use and Acceptance of Self-Management Health Systems in Older Adults

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Self-Management Health Systems (SMHS) are envisioned to support older adults and contribute to ageing in place. To promote the use and acceptance of SMHS, designers may resort to using motivational design techniques (MDT).

OBJECTIVES: This paper investigates how and which older adults prefer MDT in SMHS and whether these preferences are mediated by either motivation for health management (MHM) or mobile device proficiency (MDP).

METHODS: Based on a user evaluation with 45 older adults (mean age=84, SD=6.75), 32 MDT, MHM, and MDP were polled through questionnaires and informal interviews.

RESULTS: Findings showed that most techniques were welcomed, but also that scores vary widely, reflecting heterogeneity in the population and calling for caution in its implementation. These findings are then translated into implications for design.

CONCLUSION: Overall, older adults welcome MDT in SMHS. However, MDT are no panacea; tailoring MDT to users’ needs is therefore crucial.