BJ Fogg

BJ Fogg, born Brian Jeffrey Fogg on August 7, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, is a transformative figure at the nexus of behavior science and technology. His early life saw him growing up in Fresno, California, in a Mormon family with six siblings. A notable point in his early years was a two-year mission to Peru at the age of 18. Fogg’s academic journey began at Brigham Young University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English. He later acquired a second Masters and a PhD in Communications from Stanford University, where he also served as a teaching assistant to Philip Zimbardo​​.

Fogg's professional trajectory started at Brigham Young University, where he founded the Student Review and taught English and design. During this period, he published several short stories and poems in Mormon-affiliated publications. His Master's thesis explored terms of address among Latter-Day Saints, reflecting his early interest in linguistic and social behaviors. His shift towards the interplay of technology and behavior began to manifest in the late '90s. In 1998, he published a seminal paper on persuasive computers, laying the foundation for the field of "captology" (computers as persuasive technologies). This work continued with the publication of his book, "Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do" in 2003. The book delves into the concepts of macrosuasion and microsuasion within product design, showcasing the potential of technology as a medium for persuasion​.

At the heart of Fogg's career is his establishment of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University, where he explores the intricacies of human behavior and technology. Through this platform, he has fostered a dialogue between academia and industry, training innovators on understanding human behavior. His Behavior Design Lab has been a hub for groundbreaking research and knowledge dissemination, impacting fields like health, productivity, and financial wellbeing​.

In December 2011, Fogg introduced the "Tiny Habits" method, an approach that focuses on creating small behavioral changes to build sustainable habits. This method has been shared through TEDx talks and culminated in the publication of his book, "Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything" in 2020. The book not only elucidates the "Tiny Habits" method but also made it to The New York Times Best Sellers List. Besides, Fogg played a pivotal role in Stanford's Mobile Health Conference from 2008 to 2012, bridging the gap between mobile technology and health behaviors​​.

Fogg's work has significantly influenced the domain of behavioral design, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant. His contributions extend beyond academia to real-world applications, helping individuals and organizations harness the power of tiny habits and behavior design to create positive changes. His illustrious career, marked by a blend of teaching, research, and practical applications, continues to inspire many in the field of behavioral science and technology. Through his endeavors, BJ Fogg underscores the boundless potential of intertwining human behavior with technological innovation, paving the way for a deeper understanding and utilization of behavior design in the modern era.