Persuasive Features in a Web-Based System for Weight-Loss Team Competition

Millions of Americans struggle to lose weight, and various online instruments have been developed to support them. Behavioral persuasion is an integral trait of online tools for weight loss. The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of persuasive features of the interaction design in a particular web-based system for weight-loss support using the Persuasive System Design (PSD) framework. In 2012, 1170 individuals competed in a web-based weight-loss challenge in a Midwestern city. Upon completion, 644 participants completed the survey to provide feedback about their experience in the competition. The survey data was analyzed to determine desired features of persuasive interaction design for weight-loss support in a web-based system. The findings of the study suggested that support in the primary task of losing weight, system feedback, and social interaction were the most preferred persuasive features that needed to be incorporated in online weight loss support systems.