Self-Determination Theory and Technology Design

Peters, Dorian; Calvo, Rafael A.

doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197600047.013.49

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…From productivity software to e-learning, digital wellbeing, or digital entertainment: practically every traditional application domain of SDT is permeated by computing technology. And since motivation and engagement are universal "human factors" that technologists try to support, designing computing technology has become a cross-cutting concern for applying SDT (Ballou et al, 2022;Calvo & Peters, 2014;Peters & Calvo, 2023).…”

Section: Applications In Computational Design Tools and Interfacesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In particular, the current theory crisis debate has highlighted the value of computational modelling in addressing the need for formally specified theory in psychology (Proulx & Morey, 2021). Meanwhile, more and more digital applications in education, productivity, health, and entertainment aim to afford intrinsic motivation (Peters & Calvo, 2023) and use computational models of user states to adapt their content and interface accordingly (Jaquero, Montero, Molina, & González, 2008;Oulasvirta, Kristensson, Bi, & Howes, 2018;Yu, Gu, & Ostwald, 2021). Yet with few exceptions, computational modelling has not found its way into Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Ryan & Deci, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Advancing Self-Determination Theory With Computational Intrinsic Motivation: The Case of Competence

Lintunen,

Ady,

Guckelsberger

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Computational models are powerful tools to formalise psychological theories, render them severely testable, and embed them into digital applications. Yet they have seen little uptake in Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Here we demonstrate how SDT's conception of competence and optimal challenge can benefit from computational modelling informed by AI research on computational intrinsic motivation (IM). We surface underspecification in present verbal definitions, challenging the construct validity of common operationalisations and impeding computational implementations. We identify four separate verbal facets of competence and match them to distinct computational IM formalisms. These leverage formal accounts of novelty, diversity, or progress to drive skill acquisition, yielding optimal challenge-seeking behaviour and other competence dynamics postulated by SDT. We argue that these accounts specifically and computational IM more widely highlight inconsistencies within, and can concretise SDT's verbal articulations. We gently introduce motivation researchers to computational modelling and IM, complement model intuition with formal detail, and provide practical pointers for their use in psychological research and application.

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Section: Applications In Computational Design Tools and Interfacesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Self-Determination Theory With Computational Intrinsic Motivation: The Case of Competence

Lintunen,

Ady,

Guckelsberger

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Competition and Digital Game Design: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Moller,

Kornfield,

2024

Interacting With Computers

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Although competition is a common feature of digital games, nuances of when and why aspects of competition influence players' motivation and well-being have been surprisingly underexplored, especially through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). In this critical review, we: (1) describe how a mini-theory of SDT, cognitive evaluation theory (CET), can help predict when and why aspects of competition will alternatively satisfy or frustrate basic psychological needs in digital games with downstream effects on players' motivation and well-being; (2) apply the Motivation, Engagement and Thriving in User Experience (METUX) model to outline ways competition in digital games can influence motivation and well-being at multiple levels; and (3) prioritize future research directions. Finally, we argue that digital games, given their diversity, adaptability and massive reach, represent an especially powerful context for studying competition, motivation and well-being. Research Highlights This critical review integrates self-determination theory (SDT)-guided models and research related to HCI, sports psychology and well-being supportive design to advance understanding of competition in digital games. Introduces a new taxonomy of competition relevant to SDT and digital games, including macro-level categories, general elements and specific features. Presents a competition and digital gaming specific cognitive evaluation theory (CET) model linking different aspects of competition in digital games to basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration, motivation, health and well-being. Applying the METUX model, we map out ways researchers and game makers can think about aspects of competition in digital games at multiple levels or spheres of influence. Prioritizes future directions for research, specifically related to experimentally manipulating digital feedback and digital representations of self and others in digital games.

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A Web-Based Intervention to Support a Growth Mindset and Well-Being in Unemployed Young Adults: Development Study (Preprint)

Straand,

Følstad,

Wünsche

2024

Preprint

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BACKGROUND Engaging young adults in the labor market is vital for economic growth and well-being. However, the path to employment often presents setbacks that impact motivation and psychological functioning. Research suggests exploring positive psychology interventions in job-seeking and scaling the delivery of these using technology. However, dropout rates are high for self-administered psychological interventions on digital platforms. This challenge needs to be addressed for such platforms to be effective conveyors of psychological interventions. This study addresses this challenge by exploring user-oriented methods and proposes persuasive features for the design and development of a new web-based intervention targeting young unemployed adults. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide an overview of a new positive psychology wise intervention, including its theoretical underpinnings and human-centered design methodology, targeting young, unemployed adults. METHODS Researchers collaborated with designers, developers, and stakeholders to design a web-based positive psychology intervention that leverages evidence-based wise interventions. Key improvements and adaptations were explored through formative usability testing with 13 unemployed young adults aged between 18 and 25 years (the target population). Qualitative usability testing data were collected, analyzed, and integrated into the ongoing design process as iterative improvements. RESULTS The result of this study is a modular intervention web application named RØST, designed to align with the user needs and the preferences of the specific end-user group of unemployed young adults. During the project, this application evolved from early concept sketches and prototypes into a developed solution ready for further testing and use. Insights from both end-user feedback and rich user observation gained in the study were used to refine the content and the design. To increase targeted end users’ motivation, persuasive design features including praise, rewards, and reminders were added. The web application was designed primarily to be used on mobile phones using text messaging for reminders. The development process included technical and data protection considerations. CONCLUSIONS This study offers valuable insights into developing psychological or behavioral interventions to support unemployed young adults by documenting the design process and the adaptation and combination of diverse theoretical and empirical foundations. Involving stakeholders and end users in the development enabled relatable content development and resolved potential usability problems. An essential implication is the finding that end-user feedback and insights are crucial in shaping interventions. However, we experienced tensions between the evidence-based interventions and the human-centered design approaches. These tensions were not resolved and highlighted a need for ongoing user motivation support through monetary rewards, which were incorporated into the final web app design.

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Self-Determination Theory and Technology Design

Cited by 3 publications

References 13 publications

Advancing Self-Determination Theory With Computational Intrinsic Motivation: The Case of Competence

Advancing Self-Determination Theory With Computational Intrinsic Motivation: The Case of Competence

Competition and Digital Game Design: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective

A Web-Based Intervention to Support a Growth Mindset and Well-Being in Unemployed Young Adults: Development Study (Preprint)

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