Table 4.

User needs with supportive elements, associated embodied conversational agent (ECA) features, and the needed level of responsiveness of the ECA.

User need or issue	Supportive element	Associated ECA features	Needed responsiveness
1. Overcome users’ feelings of isolation	Task-related support can fulfill this need by setting and reviewing log-in goals . Emotion-related support can fulfill this need by establishing a supportive relationship,	Computers as social actors; visible conversation partner; human-computer relationship	A nonresponsive embodied conversational agent (ECA) is sufficient
2. Deeper interest in the user’s situation	Emotion-related support can fulfill this need by providing the user with the opportunity to talk about the impact of the disease on having become a patient.	Computers as social actors; open dialogue; visible conversation partner; human-computer relationship; responsive verbal and nonverbal communication	No ECA is currently likely to be able to address this user need
3. Interest in fundamental daily issues the user is struggling with	Emotion-related support can fulfill this need by asking the users about their daily experiences and issues.	Computers as social actors; open dialogue; visible conversation partner; human-computer relationship; responsive verbal and nonverbal communication	A responsive ECA is necessary; further research is advised
4. The ability for the user to refine the communication process	Emotion-related support can be provided alongside a more open interaction between the user and the system.	Open dialogue	A responsive ECA is necessary; further research is advised
5. The user’s need for encouragement	Emotion-related support could be delivered in terms of, for example, praising the user.	Motivational effects	A nonresponsive ECA is sufficient
6. Performance feedback mechanism for user responses	Task-related support can fulfill this need by reviewing the user’s contributions and by providing corrections in case the user made factual errors.	Computers as social actors; visible conversation partner; human-computer relationship	A nonresponsive ECA is sufficient
7. Users coping with experiences of negative affect during their change process	Emotion-related support can be extended in the sense of providing a dose of positive affect at the right moment.	Responsive verbal and nonverbal communication; motivational effects	A responsive ECA is necessary; further research is advised
8. Creating a setting of accountability toward the user	Task-related support can play a positive role by objective goal setting.	Computers as social actors; human-computer relationship	A nonresponsive ECA is sufficient