Dante T. Ramirez
This study investigates how inclusive, non-competitive physical education (PE) activities can enhance mental health and motivation among college students identified as non-enthusiasts, aiming to establish foundational user requirements for AI-assisted educational systems. Despite the recognized benefits of physical activity, traditional competitive frameworks often alienate students, leading to disengagement and stress. Anchored in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this research explores how autonomy, competence, and relatedness can be fostered to inform the design of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational settings. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 college students aged 18–23 classified as non-PE enthusiasts. Thematic analysis revealed that when activities prioritize enjoyment and individual participation over peer competition, students experience enhanced self-worth, emotional relief, and reduced academic stress. These empirical human experiences provide the critical psychological baseline required to engineer empathetic smart systems. The findings demonstrate that future AI fitness platforms and gamified learning applications must be intentionally designed to emphasize personalized progress and cooperative engagement. Ultimately, this study bridges physical education and computer information systems, offering a data-driven framework for developing inclusive, technology-supported well-being interventions.