Digital Innovation for Behavior Change
Chao Zhang is developing a game to study habits. His research supports behavior change in areas such as health, sustainability, and digital habits. The game will be an open-source research tool.
Societal Impact
Habits play a crucial role in everyday life, from making healthier choices to optimizing energy consumption. Zhang鈥檚 research focuses on an innovative approach: a video game in which players develop and unlearn habits under controlled conditions. This helps researchers better understand behavior change and improve the effectiveness of digital interventions.
Practical Applications
This project could lead to enhanced strategies for entrepreneurs and policymakers tackling behavior change challenges, such as encouraging more sustainable consumer habits or reducing excessive social media use. The developed game will be made available as an open-source research tool, allowing the field of habit change to explore new directions.
Future Steps
The grant allows Zhang to develop the game and validate it through two empirical studies. Additionally, he aims to use the results for a larger grant application in 2026 to expand the research's impact.