Information Presentation in Health Apps and Devices: The Effect of Color, Distance to Goal, Weight Perception, and Interest on Users’ Self-Efficacy for Accomplishing Goals

Colors elicit different emotions and can impact behavior. However, few studies have examined the effects of color in health apps and devices. While these devices are becoming increasingly popular, little research has examined how the presentation of feedback within these technologies impacts users’ beliefs, such as self-efficacy. Yet understanding how information presentation affects users’ self-efficacy is important as self-efficacy is linked to successful behavior change. This study explores how manipulating the color of an exercise progress bar within a simulated health device influences users’ selfefficacy for completing today’s exercise goal and future exercise goals. This preliminary study aims to better understand how color choice, distance to goal, users’ weight perception, and interest in completing an exercise goal affect users' self-efficacy by simulating health app exercise progress bars. By understanding what influences self-efficacy, we can design better health apps and devices to increase the likelihood that users will reach their goals.