Communication

Persuasive Design Challenge (Communication)

Period: 02-02-2026 - 27-03-2026UvA - REC Impact

Let talented Master Communication Science students help you with a digital strategy to change behavior of your users, employees, or customers. They deliver an evidence-based report and presentation with clear recommendations for the (re)design of a digital prototype (e.g.,, website, app).

Deadline has passed
Persuasive Design Challenge (Communication)Photo by Vitaly Gariev

Description

In this challenge, Master Communication Science teams (4-5 students) design a behavior-change strategy using persuasive and user-centered design. They deliver an evidence-based report and presentation with clear recommendations for the (re)design of a digital prototype (e.g., website, app, other technology). The teams translate theory and evidence into a practical prototype and clear recommendations, and are coached by UvA lecturers.

✅ Key features of the challenge

  • Program: Master Communication Science
  • Course: Persuasive Design in a Digital Era
  • Students per team: 4-5 students (multiple teams possible depending on intake)
  • No. of hours spent per team: 200 hours per team
  • Duration: 7 weeks
  • Supervision: Teams are supervised by senior lecturers
  • Deliverables: A prototype, a report, and a presentation with hands-on recommendations.
  • Company time investment: 8–12 hours total (kick-off, 1-2 Q&A sessions, final presentations)
  • Costs: Free of charge

📑 Challenge Examples

Student teams can work on challenges like, but not limited to:

  • Increase onboarding conversion and early retention in a health app using tailored messaging and persuasive cues.
  • Design and test a habit-building flow (e.g., medication adherence, physiotherapy exercises) with new technologies.
  • Reduce drop-off in a digital program by reworking feedback, reminders, and goal-setting using persuasive design principles.

🏢 Company requirement

  • Any company/NGO/non-profit/governmental organization, etc.
  • In business for at least 6 months, with ≥2 team members involved
  • Provide a clear briefing, and regular feedback

💰 Costs

  • Free of charge

📨 How to apply

You can submit the challenge directly through the Master Challenge website. Provide a concise title and a short description of your challenge. You can use this template: https://link.masterchallenge.me/challenge-template or try the challenge generator: https://masterchallenge.me/challenge-generator

🗓 Planning

  • December 16, 2025: Deadline for submitting your challenge
  • December 23, 2025: Receive message if your challenge is approved by the Course Coordinator
  • February 4, 9 or 11, 2026: Course start & kick-off meeting with student teams
  • February (week 4), 2026: Q&A session with your teams
  • March 23, 2026: Final presentations

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