Exploring the Role of Interaction Data to Empower End-User Decision-Making In UI Personalization

TL;DR

This study investigates how user interaction data can empower end-users to make better personalization decisions by engaging with their data, highlighting the importance of system support and transparency in fostering user agency.

Contribution

It introduces a reflexive personalization approach where users actively engage with their interaction data, demonstrating how this can enhance decision-making and system support in UI personalization.

Findings

Users can identify personalization opportunities independently.

Visual suggestions are preferred for system support.

Interaction data increases perceived value and transparency.

Abstract

User interface personalization enhances digital efficiency, usability, and accessibility. However, in user-driven setups, limited support for identifying and evaluating worthwhile opportunities often leads to underuse. We explore a reflexive personalization approach where individuals engage with their digital interaction data to identify meaningful personalization opportunities and benefits. We interviewed 12 participants, using experimental vignettes as design probes to support reflection on different forms of using interaction data to empower decision-making in personalization and the preferred level of system support. We found that people can independently identify personalization opportunities but prefer system support through visual personalization suggestions. Interaction data can shape how users perceive and approach personalization by reinforcing the perceived value of change and data collection, helping them weigh benefits against effort, and increasing the transparency of system suggestions. We discuss opportunities for designing personalization software that raises end-users' agency over interfaces through reflective engagement with their interaction data.