This MQP was conducted to test the usability of ERIN, an empathetic chatbot, which was developed for undergraduate students to provide them with better access to mental health resources. We began by extending prior research that established the need for the ERIN chatbot on WPI’s campus via interviews with key informants (Persons, 2020). We examined the need for ERIN by collecting information from WPI students via a survey. The analysis of data gathered from our survey study verified the need for ERIN on the WPI campus. Insights into ERIN’s usability and user experience were gathered through a second study via Zoom interviews with 41 participants. Interviews revealed that ERIN performed better than the control website used in the study. No significant difference was found between the experience of using ERIN on smartphone or laptop devices. Based on the results, this MQP also provides recommendations for short-term and long-term projects for future iterations of the ERIN chatbot.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Coelho, Jonathan
• Dominguez, Sadie A.
• Nogueras, Alexandria E.
• Seely, Megan L.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 16531
• E-project-032921-141910

Keyword

• empathy
• chatbot
• mental wellness
• user experience

Advisor

• Djamasbi, Soussan

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-03-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Management Information Systems

Rights statement

• In Copyright