PrivacyCube: Data Physicalization for Enhancing Privacy Awareness in IoT

TL;DR

PrivacyCube is a physicalization device designed to increase privacy awareness in smart homes by visualizing IoT data consumption, helping occupants understand and discuss data privacy more effectively.

Contribution

This paper introduces PrivacyCube, a novel interactive data physicalization tool that enhances privacy awareness and facilitates conversations about IoT data practices in smart homes.

Findings

PrivacyCube significantly improves understanding of IoT privacy (p=0.00041).

Participants prefer PrivacyCube over traditional privacy policies.

PrivacyCube encourages social interaction and privacy discussions.

Abstract

People are increasingly bringing Internet of Things (IoT) devices into their homes without understanding how their data is gathered, processed, and used. We describe PrivacyCube, a novel data physicalization designed to increase privacy awareness within smart home environments. PrivacyCube visualizes IoT data consumption by displaying privacy-related notices. PrivacyCube aims to assist smart home occupants to (i) understand their data privacy better and (ii) have conversations around data management practices of IoT devices used within their homes. Using PrivacyCube, households can learn and make informed privacy decisions collectively. To evaluate PrivacyCube, we used multiple research methods throughout the different stages of design. We first conducted a focus group study in two stages with six participants to compare PrivacyCube to text and state-of-the-art privacy policies. We then deployed PrivacyCube in a 14-day-long field study with eight households. Our results show that PrivacyCube helps home occupants comprehend IoT privacy better with significantly increased privacy awareness at p < .05 (p=0.00041, t= -5.57). Participants preferred PrivacyCube over text privacy policies because it was comprehensive and easier to use. PrivacyCube and Privacy Label, a state-of-the-art approach, both received positive reviews from participants, with PrivacyCube being preferred for its interactivity and ability to encourage conversations. PrivacyCube was also considered by home occupants as a piece of home furniture, encouraging them to socialize and discuss IoT privacy implications using this device.