Towards a consistent framework for analyzing behavioral design in smartphone apps

Nicholas Ostrode

No 1139, Ruhr Economic Papers from RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen

Abstract: Design elements intended to influence the behavior of users are ubiquitous in smartphone apps. To date, there is no systematic framework that comprises the most common elements and their potential effects and risks to enable the analysis of behavioral design in smartphone apps. Building upon previous research, I compare different frameworks from research areas related to behavioral design. I collect and describe 91 common elements that are frequently used in smartphone apps in a synthesis framework that I call Behavioral Design Map. This framework is then exemplarily applied to analyze screenshots from six popular smartphone apps. I find that pre-existing frameworks are very heterogeneous in their scope, comprehensiveness and language. The perspective of the user and possible harmful side effects of certain legal elements are only sparsely covered. The analysis of smartphone apps using the Behavioral Design Map shows that the approach of the framework can be helpful in increasing the understanding of the application and effects of behavioral design in apps. Apps from entertainment categories appear to rely heavily on combinations of behavioral design elements based on reward mechanisms. Surprisingly, a fitness app designed for adopting a running routine applies behavioral design rather moderately.

Keywords: Behavioral design; smartphone apps; framework; behavioral economics; persuasive technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D83 D91 L86 O33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-nud and nep-pay
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:rwirep:319081

DOI: 10.4419/96973322

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