Program Overview

PhD Scholarship: The Persuasive Impact of Technology

Introduction

The UCD School of Computer Science is offering a PhD scholarship to explore the impact of persuasive interface design on user decision-making and behavior. This project aims to study and develop new, more effective technology-driven behavior change interventions, or to understand and counteract current and future deceptive practices.

Project Description

The ubiquity of technology has increased the rate of human-computer interaction to greater and greater levels. Capitalizing on this technology, software developers are able to create tools for positive behavior change, from gamified habit tracking platforms to AI personal trainers. The project will explore the impact of persuasive interface design on user decision-making and behavior, with a focus on using theory to guide or understand design decisions, providing mechanistic explanations of the observed outcomes.

Responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to:

• Write and successfully defend a PhD thesis
• Meet the degree requirements set by UCD to advance through the PhD program
• Produce research outputs related to their PhD project
• Present findings at relevant academic conferences
• Collaborate closely with their supervisors to co-author and lead publications

Scholarship

The scholarship includes:

• A 4-year tax-free stipend (25,000 annually)
• Registration fee
• A travel budget for international travel to conferences (3,000)
• A new computer

Requirements

Mandatory Requirements

• A 1 grade (or equivalent) in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or similar discipline
• Non-native English speakers require at least IELTS 5 (with at least 6 in all components) or equivalent

Desirable Requirements

• MSc degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Psychology, or similar discipline
• Research and/or industry experience commensurate with the stage of your career
• Excellent quantitative research skills and experience with relevant statistical analyses
• Self-motivation and strong interest in user-centered research
• Experience in conducting research in technology-assisted behavior change, persuasive design, or habit formation
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills

Application

Applicants are invited to submit:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Transcripts
• Contact details of two referees
• A writing sample (published paper, chapter in thesis, etc.)
• A one-page project proposal (max 1000 words) outlining the focus, methodology, outcomes, and impact proposed for this research

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 15/09/2025 at 23:59. The shortlisted candidate will be called for an interview in September, and the successful candidate is expected to start in January 2026.