A domain-specific modeling method for designing conversational agents for coaching: a case from health coaching

Abstract

Conversational agents offer possibilities to effectively support scenarios like health coaching to promote awareness and behavioral change. However, the process of designing conversational agents requires technical knowledge, posing challenges in onboarding domain experts such as health coaches and counselors, healthcare educators, etc. We propose a metamodeling-based domain-specific language for designing health coaching agents and conversations. Our modeling method provides elements specialized for health coaching while remaining adaptable for other coaching domains. We demonstrate the modeling language through the use case of an HIV health coaching agent. Through a feature comparison with existing model-driven approaches for chatbot development, we highlight the technology-neutral and application domain-focused contribution of our visual modeling method. Initial feedback from HIV domain experts substantiates its feasibility and relevance.