Glossaries
Captology
What is Captology?
Captology is the study of computers as persuasive technologies, focusing on how digital systems can be designed to influence human behavior and attitudes.
Synonyms: Persuasive Technology, Behavior Design, Digital Persuasion, Computer-Human Persuasion
Why Captology is Important in User Research
Captology plays a crucial role in user research by helping designers and researchers understand how technology can motivate and persuade users. This knowledge is essential for creating more effective and engaging digital experiences that align with user goals and business objectives.
How Captology is Applied in User Experience Design
- Behavior Change: Designers use captology principles to create apps that encourage healthy habits or sustainable practices.
- Engagement: Social media platforms leverage captology to keep users interacting with their services.
- Learning: Educational software incorporates captology to make learning more engaging and effective.
- E-commerce: Online stores use captology techniques to influence purchasing decisions.
Examples of Captology in Action
- Fitness apps that use gamification to motivate users to exercise regularly
- Social media "likes" and notifications that encourage continued platform engagement
- Productivity tools that use progress bars and achievement badges to promote task completion
- Environmental apps that visualize the impact of eco-friendly actions to encourage sustainable behavior
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between captology and persuasive technology?: Captology is the study of persuasive technology. While persuasive technology refers to the actual systems designed to change attitudes or behaviors, captology is the academic field that examines these technologies.
- Who coined the term captology?: The term "captology" was coined by Dr. B.J. Fogg at Stanford University in 1996. It's derived from the acronym CAPT (Computers As Persuasive Technologies).
- How does captology relate to user experience (UX) design?: Captology informs UX design by providing insights into how digital interfaces can be crafted to influence user behavior positively, enhancing overall user satisfaction and achieving desired outcomes.
- Is captology ethical?: The ethics of captology are widely debated. While it can be used to promote positive behaviors, there are concerns about manipulation and privacy. Ethical application of captology principles is crucial in user research and design.