Individuals Must Change Habits for Better Health

In this 2011 talk, B. J. Fogg, who coined the term “captology” for the overlap between persuasion and computers and founded the Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab, addresses habit change for better health.

Many people want to be more active or eat better but find it hard to stick with the changes. Old habits die hard. Changing habits is a process with several stages, it can take a while before changes become new habits, and there may be challenges along the way. Adopting healthier habits may help protect against serious health problems such as diabetes, and help people look better and feel more energetic. If the changes stick, they can become part of a daily routine.

Behaviour design patterns such as triggers, shaping and reduction apply the same thinking to digital products.