This document summarizes the design of a study on willpower and productivity. It describes (1) conducting research through interviews and experiments to understand impulsive behaviors and decision making, (2) prototyping interventions like list-making and a texting platform to record progress and receive reminders, and (3) testing the prototypes in a study with different experiment conditions involving individual use or social support to measure effects on accomplishing daily tasks. The results showed that conditions combining goals, accountability and social motivation led to the most tasks being completed. Design recommendations for future productivity tools emphasized setting flexible but specific commitments, incorporating breaks, and providing social sharing at choice of the user.
7. “I have close friends and
we try to keep each
other on track.”
“Productivity apps can
help keep track of whether
I’ve done something, not
impel me to do it.”
“I stopped using
quantified-self products.”
13. insights
“Having to photograph
and record impulses
forced me to actualize
them as something
more serious.”
“Relying on only one
person’s response made
the situation stressful
because I felt like I was
putting too much
pressure on them.”
14.
15. List-making to organize
and alternate between
low and high priority
tasks
A texting platform to record
and share progress, and
receive ImPulse buzz
reminders
1 2
prototype
List-making to organize
and alternate between
low and high priority
tasks
1
List-making to organize
and alternate between
low and high priority
tasks
A texting platform to record
and share progress, and
receive ImPulse buzz
reminders
A bracelet that delivers
electronic pulses to
increase mindfulness of
impulsive behaviors
1 2 3
16. v
Pulsing bracelet for single participant.
Records progress in texts to self.
Individual Group
Pulsing bracelet for each partner.
Records progress in texts to each other.
Mutual Support Group
Pulsing bracelet for participant;
1-2 plain bands for supporters.
Records progress in texts to supporters.
Solidarity Group
Pulsing bracelet for participant;
1-2 plain bands for supporters.
Records progress on social media.
Solidarity Group + Social Media
1
3 4
2
Experiment Conditionsexperimentconditions
28. distinct from my
other notifications
offers levels of
social sharing
accessible cues:
visual/audio/haptic
plans my goals
step-by-step
incorporates
breaks
cheerful &
forgiving tone
flexible for life’s
unpredictability
smart & knows
my schedule
designrecommendations