Presentation
Body Language Speaks Volumes: Design Tradeoffs in Virtual Agent Features for a CBT-Based Mental Health Application
SessionWednesday Poster Session
DescriptionWith rates of depression increasing in college students since the COVID-19 pandemic, accessible interventions, such as mental health (MHealth) apps, are increasingly needed. Within MHealth apps, virtual agents (VAs) may provide human-like connection; however, few apps utilize VAs, and it remains unclear which VA features may contribute to positive user experiences. This study examined VA animation and conversational features’ influences on the usability and user experience of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based MHealth app and whether effects differed for users experiencing depression. Participants were randomized to one of four conditions: conversational and animated VA, conversational and non-animated VA, animated and non-conversational VA, or non-conversational and non-animated VA. Participants used the app daily for two weeks, completing eight modules; follow-up measures of users’ impressions of the VAs, working alliance (WA), user experience, and usability were assessed. Results revealed that users experiencing depression found the VA to be less knowledgeable and less novel than non-depressive users. Surprisingly, users with animated VAs reported less shared tasks and goals with the VA than those with non-animated VAs. Although animation led to negative outcomes for WA, animated VAs improved usability ratings.
Event Type
Poster
TimeWednesday, October 21st5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Location