Guest Talk with Evangelos Karapanos

On April 22nd, the Interactive Technologies Institute hosted a guest talk by Dr Evangelos Karapanos, an esteemed Associate Professor from the Cyprus University of Technology. Dr Karapanos, renowned for his expertise in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and experience-centred design, delivered an enlightening presentation titled “Towards Theoretically and Empirically Grounded Design of Behavior Change Technologies.”

In his talk, Dr. Karapanos delved into the realm of Behavior Change Technologies (BCTs), a burgeoning field within HCI with immense potential to address pressing societal issues. From climate change to healthcare challenges and the complexities of the digital age, human behaviour lies at the core of many contemporary problems. For instance, non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes, whose prevalence is attributed mainly to behavioural factors such as smoking and physical inactivity, present significant public health concerns globally.

Central to Dr. Karapanos’s discussion was the critical examination of physical activity trackers, a prevalent form of BCTs designed to promote healthier lifestyles. Despite their widespread adoption, recent studies have raised doubts about their effectiveness and highlighted high attrition rates among users. One key issue identified is the lack of theoretical grounding in many activity trackers, undermining their efficacy in facilitating behaviour change.

Dr. Karapanos advocated for a shift towards theoretically and empirically grounded design in developing BCTs. Drawing from his extensive research, he emphasized the importance of integrating behavioural theory into design processes to enhance the effectiveness of technological interventions. By making behavioural theory accessible to design teams, Dr Karapanos proposed a systematic approach to designing BCTs that align with evidence-based practices.

Throughout the talk, Dr. Karapanos showcased several recent projects where theoretical frameworks were applied to inform the design of BCTs. These projects not only demonstrated the feasibility of integrating theory into practice but also underscored the need for empirical validation of BCTs to ensure their real-world impact on individuals’ behaviours.

Dr. Evangelos Karapanos’s expertise in HCI and persuasive technologies, coupled with his passion for advancing the field through interdisciplinary research, resonated strongly with the audience. His insightful talk provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in designing effective behaviour change technologies.