Development and Usability Evaluation of a Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot Using a Habit Formation Model

OBJECTIVES: It is crucial to find ways to fit regular exercise into the daily lives of office workers. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis has been introduced as an effective form of daily exercise. This study aimed to develop a healthy lifestyle coaching program for office workers, to be delivered using a messenger application. METHODS: The interface was developed using KakaoTalk and Plus Friend. Performance feedback was developed using the IBM Watson conversation program. Twenty office workers used the application for three weeks. Afterward, a survey was conducted to assess the usability of and participants’ satisfaction with the application. RESULTS: The application delivered customized push alarms, provided information related to habit formation, allowed for one-on-one chats, and delivered rewards. The satisfaction measurement results for the application showed that extrinsic reward factors contributed the most to the performance of the activity, followed by reminders and intrinsic rewards. Regarding the usability test, the perceived usefulness of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot was highest, followed by the usage intent and the perceived ease of use. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that coaching programs using chatbots can improve the effectiveness of performing simple, repetitive exercises.