Free energy model of sense of agency and study of its application to design

Discussion using seven-stage theory of action

Abstract

Sense of agency plays crucial role in motivating user exploration, especially in adaptive and evolving technologies. This study extends the comparator model by integrating uncertainty through the free energy principle, proposing how prediction errors and uncertainty shape agency. By relating this framework to Norman’s seven-stage action theory, we consider how agency influences user engagement with new tools and products. This perspective contributes to designing interactions that foster curiosity and sustained exploration in evolving digital environments.