I present Design to Run, a simple, tightly social prototype to form habits through baby steps. I used email to learn constraints and strengths of this system to support habits.

1. Design to Run
Simple, tightly social prototype to form habits through baby steps
Exercise is hard. 1
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

2. Design to Run
Simple, tightly social prototype to form habits through baby steps
Exercise is hard. 1
I ran socially with my buddy -> easier. 2
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

3. Design to Run
Simple, tightly social prototype to form habits through baby steps
Exercise is hard. 1
I ran socially with my buddy -> easier. 2
I started sucking at maintaining my runs.
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

4. Design Constraints
Structure (& tracking)
Social support (incentive)
Advice
Started with a Facebook comment…
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

5. I sent this after every run
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

6. Persuasive Technology
I used a short feedback loop through emailing 10
friends (some were runners) every time I run
+
Create my support group through email. Fast not
perfect prototype.
Apps take time. Nuanced. 3
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

7. When I search on Gmail
this is what I see
See run times, freq.,
12/1/2011 distance, reflection
@frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

8. Results
I got #quantified.
I ran consistently (barring injury).
I got advice (Running music. Stomach aches.
Pacing. Knees. Ankles. Cold weather.)
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

9. Results
I got #quantified.
I ran consistently (barring injury).
I got advice (Running music. Stomach aches. Pacing.
Knees. Ankles. Cold weather.)
Made me focused in my running. The baby steps
(see above) enabled maintenance.
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

10. Surprises
Participants were not annoyed, but mentioned
enjoying the emails.
One person is now using this system for their
research writing.
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

11. Surprises
Social support: I had both received
encouragement & I encouraged others to run
through consistent emails (triggered!).
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

12. Thanks!
Now: building out system to test more
hypothesis for tightly social supported habit
change.
Frank Chen
@frankc
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

13. References
[1] Sechrist, K. R., Walker, S. N. and Pender, N. J. (1987),
Development and psychometric evaluation of the exercise
benefits/barriers scale. Research in Nursing & Health, 10:
357–365.
[2] Wills, T.A. (1991). Margaret, Clark. ed. "Social support and
interpersonal relationships". Prosocial Behavior, Review of
Personality and Social Psychology 12: 265–289.
[3] Munson, S. (2011). Beyond the Share Button: Making Social
Network Sites Work for Health and Wellness. IEEE Potentials.
Volume: 30 Issue:5.
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

14. Extra
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.

15. What I learned…
• I learned actionable steps. E.g. what to do
about swollen knees
• I learned I was both a role model &
encouraged by my peers. E.g. "You are
motivating me to start running again"
• I learned the power of tight feedback loops.
12/1/2011 @frankc: Simple tightly social tech.