Persuasive Design
AbstrAct Persuasive design (PD) is concerned with the use of computing technology for persuasive purposes. It thereby captures a comprehensive and important trend in CMC, human-computer interaction, and software development in general. This chapter describes the basic concepts of PD as well as its development from its inception in the late 90s until now. So far, rhetoric has played a modest role in the field. However, it is shown that rhetoric offers a major step forward in consolidating PD as a discipline. The concepts of PD in many respects have a theoretical basis in and are better understood with reference to rhetoric; a number of practical guidelines for PD can and should be developed on the basis of rhetoric; and 'epistemic rhetoric' offers a sound epistemology for PD, which is at the moment lacking. Arguably, a rhetorical turn is required for coming to grips with the problem of defining PD and placing it properly as a special case of CMC, namely computer mediated persuasion.
What should a corporate website look like? The influence of Gestalt principles and visualisation in website design on the degree of acceptance and recommendation
Internet users decide within seconds, whether to elaborate on a website, or to go on to a new page. This calls for investigation of the factors influencing this decision. In two studies, we presented websites for 3 s and analysed the effect implementation of Gestalt principles (GPs) and visualisation of an interaction partner has on acceptance, recommendation of the site by the user, and social presence. Study 1 implemented a 3 (Gestalt principle of proximity: no, medium and strong implementation) × 3 (Gestalt principle of a common region: no, medium and strong implementation) – design and found more acceptance and recommendation with more GPs used. Study 2, using a 2 (GPs: implemented and not implemented) × 3 (visualisation: no, drawing and photograph) – design, showed more social presence with more realistic visualisation and more recommendation with higher social presence. Thus, GPs and realistic visualisation should be implemented in web design to intensify interaction with the user.
The Wiki and the digital library
Purpose – To look at how collaborative tools, such as Wikis, can be utilized in a digital library environment.Design/methodology/approach – A discussion of Wikis and postulation as to how such a tool might be used to facilitate research and collaboration in a digital library setting.Findings – Three potential applications of a digital library Wiki are discussed – the Wiki as a knowledge base tool, the Wiki as a content management tool, and the Wiki as a tool to empower interactive finding aids.Originality/value – Provides ideas for digital library developers and implementers, especially those looking for increasing collaboration and interactivity in digital libraries.