Tom Ainsworth

This thesis presents the development of persuasive design theory to effect behaviour change amongst patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Drawing on research from the disciplines of design, social psychology and healthcare, this study defines ‘persuasive design’ as an area of design research which seeks to change a person’s attitude or behaviour for the benefit of their health and in concordance with their own ambitions. The research aim is to support patient engagement with long-term therapeutic exercise recommendations specifically for the hand. This is achieved byidentifying ‘designable factors’ ideas, objects, and environments (virtual and real), which are specific to people with RA and can be identified, examined, understoodand selectively influenced to increase the ability and willingness of users to engagewith long-term therapeutic exercise recommendations. The research explores existing motivations and interests, embedded within daily life activities that can be targeted to incorporate therapeutic exercise interventions. To achieve this aqualitative research methodology was adopted, consisting of photographic ‘culturalprobe’ and ‘photo elicitation’ methods, which were utilised within a focus group setting. The research demonstrates that traditional product specific approaches to designand those which focus primarily on ‘desirability’, ‘inclusivity’, and ‘mass market’ are not, in their current form, adequate to address the complex therapeutic needs of people living with RA. Three original contributions to knowledge are presented: an advancement of design research methodology; a model of behaviour change theory which is specific to the needs of people with RA, and two practical design solutions: a patient assessment tool and a therapeutic exercise device designed to extend user engagement. Results are also relevant to other areas of healthcare where improvedpatient engagement with treatment recommendations is required.