A transformational product to improve self-control strength: The Chocolate Machine

Lack of self-control is at the heart of many undesirable behaviors, such as overeating, overspending, and evenoverworking. While the field of persuasive technologies explicitly searches for ways to change attitudes and behaviors, it more or less neglects the science of self-control. We present the Chocolate Machine, an interactive device to train self-control strength based upon Ego Depletion theory. A longitudinal, control-group, field study showed the machine to increase self-control strength over time, while providing a sustained positive experience. This makes the machine a Transformational Product, aimed at facilitating the realization of behaviors, people findworthwhile, but hard to implement.