ActiveShare: sharing challenges to increase physical activities

This paper discusses the use of social goal setting as a strategy to achieve persuasion through technology. This approach was applied in the design of ActiveShare a system developed to motivate people with sedentary lifestyles to increase their physical activity. In this system, users obtain and share their goals through challenges, which are posted on a social networking website. The paper describes the iterative design process followed, including concept tests, a focus group, and a field test with a fully functional prototype. Preliminary results are promising, although we found no significant increase on physical activity during the one week test. Suggested improvements to the design and plans for a follow up study are outlined