KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 1, 2024

Fernando Orfila is a computer science major at Kennesaw State University who is working to create an app that aims to keep people interested in their health and wellness goals through gamification.

Orfila is conducting research under Assistant Professor of Game Development Lei Zhang as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), which is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Physical inactivity, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes cost the United States more than $700 billion a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Orfila believes health and wellness apps could ultimately provide solutions. 

To complete his work, Orfila began interviewing specialists from the fields of behavioral psychology and exercise science. Then, with that information, he conducted in-depth interviews with potential users to identify their behaviors and areas of interest related to physical activity and training. Finally, Orfila conducted an anonymous survey with 25 men and 25 women with a 50% response.

“In the US, people stop using wellness apps within 30 days downloading the app," Orfila said. "The same pattern happens with gym memberships: 63% of members stop going to the gym after three months, and 95% of them stop after one year."

In comparison with health and wellness apps, video game developers have identified different ways to keep players engaged daily for extended periods of time, with players even buying new versions of the same game as it is released. So, the question Orfila is asking is if there are techniques being used that can also be utilized to help people get healthier.

“I am one of the millions of people that have downloaded an app and within 30 days stop using it; or signed up for a gym membership and then quit,” Orfila said. “I am not a personal trainer or a gym expert trying to tell everyone else what to do. I am just looking for a way to get people like me more active and engaged with physical activity.”

— Story by Alyssa Ozment

— Video by Caitlin Callahan