ArriveCAN Application Study
Online survey among a broadly nationally representative sample of approximately 2,400 Canadians to increase intentions to use the ArriveCAN app among travellers
Impact Canada, Impact & Innovation Unit, Privy Council Office
Summary
The Government of Canada introduced ArriveCAN in April 2020 to create a secure and user-friendly digital tool to help travellers comply with the border measures implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as submitting travel, contact, and quarantine information upon entry into the country. A broadly representative sample of approximately 2,400 Canadians participated in an online survey to assess how behavioural science principles can be applied to ArriveCAN communications products to increase intentions to download and use the ArriveCAN App among travellers. To parallel real world experience, study participants read a vignette asking them to imagine they were incoming travellers to Canada, then randomly assigned to see one of six versions of a two-sided handout about the app. The six versions included a control as well as five versions modified based on a variety of behavioural science principles (presenting the same informational content with some meaningful modifications). Participants were then asked questions to test their comprehension and recall of the information they had viewed, assess their intentions and recommend ArriveCAN, and assess sentiment and concerns related to using the app.
Key Insights
Behaviourally-informed versions were found to increase intentions to download the ArriveCAN app, and were effective in reducing the preference for paper copies at the border, in increasing the desire to recommend the app to friends/family, and in increasing feelings of safety.
Participants who saw any of the behaviourally-informed versions of the handout rated ArriveCAN as more valuable than those who saw the control handout, and were able to more accurately answer questions related to the app, and quarantine rules upon returning to Canada.