How perceptions influence young drivers' intentions to participate in gamified schemes

Abstract

This study investigates how perceptions may influence young drivers' intentions to participate in a gamified scheme designed to encourage safer driving behaviours. In doing so, this study offers useful insights into how to design effective and appealing gamified interventions for young drivers. Specifically, the study analyses responses from a survey of young drivers in Queensland, Australia. In all, the key results indicate to researchers and practitioners seeking to implement gamified schemes that they should remain cognisant of satisfying an individual’s perceptions of ease-of-use. Further, affecting behavioural intentions, distinct from attitudes, is crucial to an individual’s adoption of a gamified scheme. Finally, while the findings reinforce the role of ‘practical’ decision making; they also reveal, that an absence of ‘fun’ or ‘joy’ can play a role in decision making. These findings indicate that nurturing joy and happiness is a worthy, useful and admirable endeavour for transport planners, economists and policy makers. It is a research agenda pertinent to the realisation of behavioural changes and to the promotion of societal welfare more broadly.