Pavlok

Pavlok is a wearable device that uses operant conditioning through haptic feedback to modify behavior. Users are said to be able to break bad habits by pairing the behavior with up to 150 volts of "zaptic feedback", and can establish new routines by pairing the behavior with vibration.^[1]

History

Pavlok is a Behavioral Technology Group product, created by Maneesh Sethi, an author and television personality. Sethi was previously known for his writing as Editor-in-chief of Hack The System, a series of articles and guides on establishing a passive income and being productive.

In 2012, Sethi was featured on NY Daily News, CNET, Huffington Post, and other news outlets for hiring a woman off of Craigslist to slap him across the face whenever he was distracted from his work.^[2][3][4] Impressed with the observable effects of operant conditioning, Sethi founded Behavioral Technology Group in July of the following year.^[5]

Hardware

Pavlok has two main hardware components: the wristband and the removable module.

Wristband

The original wristband is black, one size fits all, and is made with conductive silicone. As of July 2015, Pavlok offers colored wristbands for separate purchase in blue, red, pink, and gray. However, the production unit includes a black wristband, as the conductive silicone is not available in color.

Module

The module is made to fit inside the wristband, and is constructed to prevent accidental disassembling. Inside of the module is a Bluetooth chip and a rechargeable battery. Pavlok synchronizes data with the user's cellphone via Bluetooth. The battery is capable of up to 150 volts, and is charged using the micro USB port.

Software

Pavlok currently offers a private beta app for iOS, acting as a remote control for the device via Bluetooth. The full app (still in development) includes a five-day audio course in aversion conditioning, with custom sessions tailored specifically for smoking, nail-biting, and overeating.

Pavlok is built with an open API in order to encourage users to synchronize their data with third-party health and fitness apps. Interaction with original and third-party applications is incorporated with Pavlok's unique payment system, referred to as "Volts".

Volts

In 2014, Pavlok established its own digital currency. Users can earn Volts for their activity on the Pavlok application, such as completing an audio course or reaching a goal. Volts are an internet-based medium of exchange, and can be redeemed for additional in-app courses, or exchanged for cash. Pavlok uses this payment system to leverage behavioral economics and improve its capacity to modify behavior, as financial incentives have been shown to enhance success in smoking cessation, grade performance, and other endeavors.^[6][7]

Awards

In March 2015, Pavlok was a finalist in Medstro's Wearables in Healthcare Pilot Challenge.^[8] Behavioral Technology Group is included on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2015 list of 100 Brilliant Companies to Watch.^[9]

In July 2015, Pavlok was named a finalist in the MassChallenge accelerator program.^[10]

Pavlok was a winner in the 2015 Shopify Build a Business Competition for having the most sales in a year within the Electronics & Gadgets category.

References