Abstract
This qualitative study proposes a new method for designing exploratory technologies aimed at promoting behavior awareness during the Pre contemplation stage of the Trans theoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change. In this early stage, individuals are often unaware of problematic behaviors and lack motivation to act. Exploratory technologies, defined here as artifacts that help users uncover and interpret personal information, offer a way to stimulate self-reflection without imposing predefined goals. To address "invisible behaviors," meaning those unconscious or unrecognized by individuals, we created the Method for the Development of Exploratory Technologies based on Metaphors (MDExTM). Drawing from cognitive behavioral theory and design for behavior change, MDExTM encourages users to generate "genuine metaphors" that reveal hidden aspects of their behavior. The method was developed and refined through a three-cycle action research process involving 34 participants across Design and Interaction stages. Tangible artifacts such as metaphor-based totems and time capsules were created and tested to support cognitive reflection and behavioral sensitization. Findings suggest that engaging users in metaphor creation can uncover underlying behaviors, support transitions from Pre contemplation to Contemplation, and foster autonomy. While the study acknowledges limitations regarding cultural context and sample diversity, MDExTM shows promise for broader applications beyond healthcare, including education and sustainability. Although its scope is limited to fostering awareness in the early stages of change, this remains an essential first step toward future behavioral transformation. This research contributes to the field of Design for Behavioral Change by offering a novel strategy to support early-stage behavior awareness through metaphor driven, user centered design.
Keywords
Behavior change; Exploratory technology; Design for well-being
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.50
Citation
Nerva, F.d., Scaletsky, C.C.,and Tonetto, L.M.(2025) Designing Exploratory Technologies for Early-Stage Behavior Change, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.50
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 1 - More Than Human-centered Design
Designing Exploratory Technologies for Early-Stage Behavior Change
This qualitative study proposes a new method for designing exploratory technologies aimed at promoting behavior awareness during the Pre contemplation stage of the Trans theoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change. In this early stage, individuals are often unaware of problematic behaviors and lack motivation to act. Exploratory technologies, defined here as artifacts that help users uncover and interpret personal information, offer a way to stimulate self-reflection without imposing predefined goals. To address "invisible behaviors," meaning those unconscious or unrecognized by individuals, we created the Method for the Development of Exploratory Technologies based on Metaphors (MDExTM). Drawing from cognitive behavioral theory and design for behavior change, MDExTM encourages users to generate "genuine metaphors" that reveal hidden aspects of their behavior. The method was developed and refined through a three-cycle action research process involving 34 participants across Design and Interaction stages. Tangible artifacts such as metaphor-based totems and time capsules were created and tested to support cognitive reflection and behavioral sensitization. Findings suggest that engaging users in metaphor creation can uncover underlying behaviors, support transitions from Pre contemplation to Contemplation, and foster autonomy. While the study acknowledges limitations regarding cultural context and sample diversity, MDExTM shows promise for broader applications beyond healthcare, including education and sustainability. Although its scope is limited to fostering awareness in the early stages of change, this remains an essential first step toward future behavioral transformation. This research contributes to the field of Design for Behavioral Change by offering a novel strategy to support early-stage behavior awareness through metaphor driven, user centered design.