Research summary
Persuasive technologies are purposefully designed to motivate people toward behaviours that benefit them—such as exercising, eating healthy foods, saving energy or dealing with depression. However, to be really effective, these technologies need to be personalized.
Dr. Rita Orji, Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology, is leveraging the increasing integration and penetration of technologies (such as mobile phones) into our lives to design personalized persuasive technologies that can empower and motivate people to achieve their goals. Ultimately, she and her research team aim to improve the lives of Canadians—particularly at-risk Canadian youths and under-served populations—by focusing on areas like safety, security and health and wellness.