Lenses of Motivational Design for mHealth

With the rise in smartphones, many mobile health apps are released that are not grounded in theory [1]. Several theories that catalog persuasive and/or behavior change principles exist, however these theories are not adapted for mHealth apps. The principles or techniques cataloged in these theories are described and often interpreted in an additive deterministic manner, more use of techniques means more persuasiveness, which is in stark contrast with how these techniques should be interpreted. In this paper we present 26 lenses for motivational design of mHealth apps and an online tool to assess the motivational capability of mobile health applications. This online tool allows designers to be inspired and researchers to code the presence of 26 motivational principles. Next, it provides tailored feedback regarding underlying psychological drivers that empower the user in his or her actions.