Abstract

The variety of culture across the world, leads to the existence of distinctive values and dissimilar behavior among people. Taking this into account is crucial in the interaction design process. This research aims to integrate the unique values of a cultural background into the design of persuasive technologies, specifically applications and websites. Persuasive technology is where persuasion and computers overlap. It is where through the means of technology, we can help people improve their lives.
This research targets Persian culture, and investigates its notable traits through practical and theoretical research methods. It connects the findings to the theories of motivation and gamification, and brings up new motivational strategies for an exercise running/walking app. Exercise was chosen as the theme of the work since it exemplifies a domain that many people require extra motivation to get to and it has been one of the highly in-demand fields in the area of gamification.
This research evaluates the amount of effectiveness of the Persian motivational strategies on various audiences with direct and indirect connections to Iran. It also examines the reflections of people who have no connection to Iran at all. Throughout this process, the goal is to validate whether or not gamification can exist in different cultural registers, and if so, defines the parameters of Persian gamification.