Table 3.
Game Design Concepts Informing Intervention Elements
| Self- determination theory | Related game design concept(s)a | Take a break | Intervention | Elements | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motivational messages | Challenge quizzes | Abstinence challenge goal-settingb | Coping mobile apps | Recognition & rewards | ||
| Relatedness | Affiliation with others | Includes Messages written “by smokers for smokers” | Range of goals from past participants shared with new smokers | “Leaderboard”allows smokers to compare their points with others | ||
| Autonomy | Choice | Message goal is to inform, motivate, but not to promote long-term cessation | End of week 1, motivational interview with TTS focuses on lessons learned | Smokers Choose goal during abstinence challenge | Smokers choose Apps Provided a menu of downloadable Apps | |
| Novelty & variety | Topics vary from health related to social and economic consequences of smoking | Questions on elements of nicotine withdrawal gives daily self-assessment opportunities | Autonomy supported by allowing any goal, including zero days | Apps for both relaxation and distraction | Points collected for a variety of tasks related to participation. | |
| Short-term, Focused Goals | Each question separate “quiz” | Abstinence Challenge only 2 weeks, creates sense of urgency and focus | Rewards for self-report of tobacco use and end-of-challenge COd measure | |||
| Perceived competence | Protection from adverse consequences for initial failures | Given second chance for each question | Providing a 2-week period for smokers allows for multiple attempts at abstinence goal | Points rewarded for participation, not achievement of abstinence | ||
| Affirmation of Performance | Two-way texts provide positive feedback | Reward messages note daily points achieved | ||||
| Challenging tasks | Questions challenge smokers to think about behaviors | Recognize that abstinence even for one day is a challenging task | Managing cravings is key to short-term abstinence | |||
| Clear & compelling standards | Setting a numerical goal for abstinence days give smokers a clear target | Comparison of rewards with others compels smokers to work for self-identified standard | ||||
| Timeline | Weeks 1–3 | Weeks 1–3 | End of Week 1 on telehealth call | Weeks 1–3 | Weeks 1–3 and end celebration |