1. M Y S A T! May 2001 A conceptual captology design by
Nicole Cheslock, Tania Choi, Shuli Gilutz,
Tacy Trowbridge
Design Challenge
To design an interactive Palm experience that motivates high school juniors to prepare for the SAT.
Time limit: 10 hours/team member
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

2. MY SAT Persuasive Purpose Industrial Design
Motivate juniors in high school to prepare for the SAT.
Industrial Design
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

3. User Description 16 or 17 year old female (First born) College bound
Middle class (HHI $50,000+)
May be active in extracurricular activities like sports and drama
May have a part time job
Has a group of friends
Has aggressive parents
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

4. MY SAT – Stage 1: Bonding and Building
Pre-use stage: The user logs on to the website, where she can input her personal details and customize her experience. The relevant info is beamed to the palm.
Another “word-a-day feature that’s appealing and fun, especially in a social context – using daily jokes.
Bonding and creating trust with the device and chosen agent. Using the “word a day” feature in a daily horoscope context.
Reduction – makes it easier to manage time for studying.
Shows the user how she uses SAT math regularly, and how she can benefit from it – I.e. calculating training laps and calories.
Learning words daily – anywhere you go you have them with you.
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

5. MY SAT – Stage 2: Encouraging test preparation through scheduling and information
While hanging out at the pool - waiting for her friends to show up - Sam enters her My SAT screen and practice some geometry problems (her weak spot in the match section of the SAT).
Before heading to the pool, Sam opens her Palm and checks out her schedule for the week. My SAT has scheduled two hours of prep time for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
At night, Sam logs into her Palm web site and reviews the colleges that she is eligible for based on her last practice test.
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

6. MY SAT Prototype Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

7. MY SAT’s Features and Functionality
The features of MY SAT are best described in relation to the user’s experience.
User has taken the PSAT, has a few colleges in mind and is beginning to think about the SATs. Features include:
Registration via Palm web site
Character selection: user can customize character to appear on screen and provide support and encouragement through the prep process
System provides goal setting
Inserts test and payment deadlines
Test date is approaching
Daily horoscopes incorporating SAT vocabulary
Quizzes and a database of verbal and math equations that function as test prep. material as well as motivators to prep more
Schedules study time
Fosters buddy studies by setting up mutual study times via beaming study partners who also have Palms with MY SAT
Provides information on school SAT requirements/user qualification
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

8. Examples of Features and Functionality
Close up of Palm face
Daily horoscope provides incentive to learn more and expands user’s SAT vocabulary
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

9. Examples of Features/Functionality
Informs user of eligibility for a range of colleges and universities and provides encouragement
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

10. Theoretical Justifications
Compliance-Gaining Strategies
Promise: using this program will improve user’s scores and help her get into college
Pre-giving: importing dates, customizing study plans
Expertise
Explanation: Strategies and study tips
Elaboration Likelihood Model
Central route: Direct strategies and information about the SAT
Peripheral route: Horoscopes, agent
Reduction of Barriers: easier to manage study time
Social Component: everybody’s doing it
Commitment in writing: log in, set goals and establish of a study plan and schedule
Feedback/Encouragement
Progress bar
Test results
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

11. Key Results of User Testing
What’s hot...
The Palm as an “expert” providing user with information on colleges and SAT requirements
Palm giving help with goal setting, scheduling and deadlines
Palm promising higher scores
Test taking strategies introduced on Palm with an opportunity to apply them later on a computer
Calendar and planning features
A cute, encouraging agent who can be turned off and does not get in the way
Cool colors and accessories
Palm supporting social interaction
And…what’s not!
Not interested the Palm recording activities such as calorie counting, bill splitting, or gym scores
Too many strategies are confusing and overwhelming
About our users...
Five college-bound senior girls
Two prepared for the SAT by taking a class
Two own an SAT preparation book
Three prepared to get higher scores
Two found strategies more motivating than lists of vocabulary words
Two did not feel it was important to prepare
None currently own a Palm device
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

12. Shortcomings of Design
Based on user being active participant
Requires user to use calendar/scheduling function of Palm
Distance between the persuasive device and study aids may limit impact for some girls
Relies on social proof so if a group decides not to use this tool, few of the individuals will use it fully. On the other hand, if a group commits to using it, it will be quite effective.
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

13. Expansion - What else is possible?
Other form factors or ID possibilities
If technology allows: use of voice interfaces to minimize effort in typing in on palm interface.
Other features and interactions
Creating more social interactions and activities – group games and collaborative / competitive learning.
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

14. Past Steps in Design Process
Brainstorming separately in pairs (different techniques).
Consolidation of all the ideas; designing user profile, defining stages, assigning features.
User testing with high-school girls.
Iterating and finalizing design and report.
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

15. Next Steps in Design Process
User test features and functions with more high school teens for appeal and ease of use
Create a prototype of the Palm SAT software
User test
Parents
College Counselors
Users
Iterate
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”

16. MY SAT - the cool test prep. friend
Motivates user by making preparation fun
Influences user by making the test preparation process easier
Informs user of test taking strategies and college requirements
Stanford University, Spring 2001
Ed 225x “Persuasive Technology & Education”