Successful product and service development requires an understanding of the factors that affect user engagement. Besides commercial applications, this requirement also relates to societal and cultural phenomena. The Engagement research group’s goal is to generate academic knowledge on i) consumers’, ii) users’ and iii) citizens’ commitment and the underlying motivation and related mechanisms. We are also interested in estimating the impacts of commitment to and engagement with services in the short term, such as during the use and consumption of a good, or in the long term, such as anticipating consumer behaviour.
The group’s research utilises various empirical methods. However, the focus is on quantitative approaches. This includes the analysis of large survey data sets and other statistical data. The research is theoretically based on business studies, economics (especially behavioural economics), cultural studies, psychometrics, cognitive and experimental psychology, and pedagogic research, which has studied commitment and engagement especially related to learning. The development of statistical measures, the impact of engagement and the profiling of user motivation are crucial tools for increasing understanding of user behaviour.
The group has carried out a considerable amount of research related to gaming and gamer profiles. However, the research is not limited to specific fields or contexts. Current research projects relate to human-computer interaction in terms of learning, working life, and “nudging” in the climate change battle.
The research group is led by Research Director Aki Koponen. See below for information on other members of the group:
