An N-of-1 Evaluation Framework for Behaviour Change Applications

McCallum, C., Rooksby, J., Asadzadeh, P., Gray, C. M. and Chalmers, M. (2019) An N-of-1 Evaluation Framework for Behaviour Change Applications. CHI EA '19: Extended Abstracts of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Glasgow, Scotland, 04-09 May 2019. LBW1810. ISBN 9781450359719 (doi: 10.1145/3290607.3312923)

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Abstract

Mobile behaviour change applications should be evaluated for their effectiveness in promoting the intended behavior changes. In this paper we argue that the 'gold standard' form of effectiveness evaluation, the randomised controlled trial, has shortcomings when applied to mobile applications. We propose that N-of-1 (also known as single case design) based approaches have advantages. There is currently a lack of guidance for researchers and developers on how to take this approach. We present a framework encompassing three phases and two related checklists for performing N-of-1 evaluations. We also present our analysis of using this framework in the development and deployment of an app that encourages people to walk more. Our key findings are that there are challenges in designing engaging apps that automate N-of-1 procedures, and that there are challenges in collecting sufficient data of good quality. Further research should address these challenges.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gray, Professor Cindy and Chalmers, Professor Matthew and Asadzadeh Birjandi, Dr Parvin and Rooksby, Dr John
Authors: McCallum, C., Rooksby, J., Asadzadeh, P., Gray, C. M., and Chalmers, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
ISBN:9781450359719

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
190432A population approach to ubicomp system designMatthew ChalmersEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/J007617/1Computing Science