User Research Research Articles

Exploring Economic and Ethical Challenges of Implementing Demand-Responsive Transport Systems (DRT) in Italy

In recent years, a change in demand trends has influenced the development of public passenger transport, causing a number of critical issues and consequences for the environment, the management policies of these services and, especially, the users. Various passenger transport services have evolved to reduce the use of private vehicles, including DRT systems that consider technological developments like Mobility ad a Service (MaaS). This article focuses on a European literature review on user-oriented research development. The overall objective is to: i) highlight, among all the critical aspects of service development, the factors influencing the economic and ethical aspects; ii) finally identify a discrepancy between the perception of DRT and the empirical research design. The study concludes by providing some potential suggestions for improving DRT service deployment and reducing some of the factors influencing users' modal choices. Finally, the paper proposes implications for policy makers and operators.

Enhancing the Usability, Visibility, and Responsiveness of an Airline Reservation System: A User-Centered Design Approach

This paper presents the idea, design, and prototype of a flight search and airline booking system based on the perspective of user-centered design. The system is first sketched roughly on paper in the form of a sketched plan and implemented through the proper system by connecting with the rapid API to develop a responsive web application. Booking travel tickets is a hassle and quite stressful because there is a chance that the webpages take time, and several decisions to make, hard to choose a discounted or less expensive flight, and the user will have to put in a lot of effort with many browser tabs may leave open. If a user is looking for the lowest travel options within a range of dates, they need to search a lot of websites looking for better options. As UX designers, it is our responsibility to do some user research and identify the problem areas, then we will recommend some design options based on the research findings. After that, we will create a wireframe and prototype before jumping into web design by collecting all the requirements and analyzing the problems. We will be focusing on UI controls such as location picker, date picker, color contrast, accessibility, and so on. In this paper, we present the design and development of a user-centered flight search and booking system for the airline industry. Our goal is to create a system that would meet the needs and preferences of a diverse set of users. This paper will summarize the design, development, and implementation of an airline reservation system. We have used bubble.io to design the overall system and MYSQL as the database management system for this webpage. Our objective is to upgrade the current website by improving the usability, visibility, and responsiveness of the functions that the user will experience while buying a flight ticket. We have generated and managed the design documentation and a perfect user-based online flight booking system.

Dynamic Personalized Recipe Recommendations Based on Facial Health Recognition

Nowadays, the demand for more personalized healthy food recipes is increasing over time, but traditional personalized recipe recommendation systems often tend to overlook the differences that exist in different users’ health conditions. This paper aims to address the issue by proposing an innovative personalized health recipe recommendation framework. This framework is based on different health needs, aiming to address users with different health conditions. More explicitly, the hybrid recommendation algorithm based on facial health recognition is designed to recommend the most suitable recipes for the user by taking into account the user’s health status and preferences. In addition, the fitness factor will adjust the recommendation results to best meet the user’s taste preferences and health goals. Experimental results and user research results show that the recommendation results of this framework are more accurate compared to existing systems, and therefore, users are more satisfied.

Evaluation of different landing pages on behavioural engagement with the CARA dashboard: A user research protocol

BackgroundCARA set out to develop a data-visualisation platform to facilitate general practitioners to develop a deeper understanding of their patient population, disease management and prescribing through dashboards. To support the continued use and sustainability of the CARA dashboards, dashboard performance and user engagement have to be optimised. User research places people at the centre of the design process and aims to evaluate the needs, behaviours and attitudes of users to inform the design, development and impact of a product.ObjectiveTo explore how different initial key messages impact the level of behavioural engagement with a CARA dashboard.MethodsParticipating general practices can upload their practice data for analysis and visualisation in CARA dashboards. Practices will be randomised to one of three different initial landing pages: the full dashboard or one of two key messages: a between comparison (their practice prescribing with the average of all other practices) or within comparison (with practice data of the same month the previous year) with subsequent continuation to the full dashboard. Analysis will determine which of the three landing pages encourages user interaction, as measured by the number of ‘clicks’, ‘viewings’ and ‘sessions’. Dashboard usage data will be collected through Google analytics.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence of behavioural engagement and its metrics during the implementation of the CARA dashboards to optimise and sustain interaction.Trial registrationISRCTN32783644 (Registration date: 02/01/2024).

Factors influencing user experience in AI chat systems – a satisfaction study based on factor analysis and linear regression

PurposeSince the introduction of the outstanding web AI chat system, ChatGPT, it has caused a significant impact in both academia and the business world. Many studies have started to explore its potential applications in various fields. However, there is a lack of research from the perspective of user experience. To fill this theoretical gap and provide a theoretical basis for the operation and design of related services, this study plans to develop a set of evaluation scales for AI chat system user experience and explore the relationship between various factors and user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study obtained 41 evaluation indicators through literature review and user research. Subsequently, these indicators were used as questionnaire items, combined with satisfaction metrics. A total of 515 questionnaires were distributed, and factor analysis and linear regression were employed to determine the specific elements influencing user experience and the user satisfaction model.FindingsThis study found that the factors influencing user experience are usefulness, accuracy, logical inference, interactivity, growth, anthropomorphism, convenience, credibility, ease of use, creativity, and security. Among these factors, only accuracy, anthropomorphism, creativity, and security indirectly influence satisfaction through usefulness, while the rest of the factors have a direct positive impact on user satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study provides constructive suggestions for the design and operation of related services and serves as a reference for future theoretical research in this area.

The Trends of Potential User Research from 2014-2023 Based on Bibliometric and Bertopic

Objective: Despite the increasing importance of lead generation research in increasing product or market share, cost and resource constraints have become a challenge for SMEs.Therefore, this study aims to explore and reveal research themes and market trends hidden in articles on lead generation over the past 10 years. . Theoretical Framework: In this study, qualitative and quantitative methods are combined, and three methods of bibliometrics, network analysis and BERTopic topic modeling are used to analyze the literature. Method: A total of 7446 articles were analysed using bibliometrics, network analysis and BERTopic thematic modelling as the basis of a mixed method approach. Results and Discussion: The study found that the field is currently experiencing a downward trend after a phase of rapid growth. During this period, the United States and China were the countries with the highest number of articles accounting for 77% of the total; the Journal of Cleaner Journal of Cleaner Production was the most cited journal. In addition, the potential user studies cover 43 mainstream topics, focusing on 6 aspects . In the in-depth analysis of the theme evolution, it was found that the potential user study gradually evolved from the initial multidimensional application to focus on open service, and was more oriented towards the public service field. Research Implications: This provides a strong theoretical basis and practical guidance for identifying potential customers and increasing conversion rates and revenues. Originality/Value: To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a mixed-methods approach to lead generation, which will help researchers to tackle more complex challenges and changes in the future.

Designers’ perceptions of a sensor-enabled diary method for enhancing user research

AbstractThis study proposes a diary method enabled with IoT sensors for user research in design. It addresses the limitations of diary methods by incorporating sensor data to trigger user self-reports. The focus is on how sensor data influences self-reports and designers' perceptions. Results show that sensor-enabled diaries offer more diverse content and overview of users’ lives and designers perceived the proposed method potentials, suggesting significant potential for IoT in user research.

TSGAN: A two-stage interpretable learning method for image cartoonization

Interpreting style transfer methods and generating high-quality style images are two challenging computer vision tasks. However, most of the current image style transfer methods are inexplicable, and their image cartoonilation performance is also not satisfactory due to the complex lines and rich abstract features of cartoon style. To alleviate these two issues, in this paper we propose a novel two-stage interpretable learning method, the two-stage generative adversarial network (TSGAN), for image cartoonization. Particularly, we first divide the generative model into a content learning stage and a stylization stage. The advantages are twofold. The first is that the finely differentiated two-stage image generation model has better interpretability and easy understanding. The second is that TSGAN can adjust the content and style details of the generated image. We further propose a Cartoon Image Enhance (CIE) module for dynamically sampling salient cartoon texture details from training data to generate cartoon images with higher quality. Experimental results show that our TSGAN is effective when compared with four representative methods in terms of visual, qualitative, and quantitative comparisons and user research.

Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in usability testing: Recommendations and a research agenda

Technologies support our everyday lives, and to ensure that people are not routinely excluded they must be usable by the wider population. However, technologies are not commonly tested with participants from a range of backgrounds. This paper reports on interviews and roundtable discussions with people whose identities can be underrepresented in usability testing and usability researchers to discuss how equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) can be embedded in usability testing.Key findings include (1) when people participate in research they need a sense of value, trust and agency, and (2) challenges for researchers for embedding EDI in usability testing include organisational pressures, stakeholder culture, getting guidance and recruiting who you need. Recommendations are made to researchers, and to the organisations that employ them. Additionally, we propose a research agenda for a community of users, creators of services and products, usability researchers, and all those advocating for EDI in usability research.

Let’s Talk Games: An Expert Exploration of Speech Interaction with NPCs

Recent years have witnessed significant advances in speech recognition and language processing technologies, enabling natural language conversations with computers. Concurrently, the gaming industry seeks to heighten immersion as one of the leading mediums for entertainment. This work investigates the potential and challenges of using speech interaction in single-player video games, particularly for interactions with NPCs. We conducted an online survey with video game experts ( N = 20 ) alongside in-depth interviews with researchers specializing in conversational user interfaces and game user research ( N = 16 ). Our findings emphasize experts’ recognition of the considerable potential of speech interaction in games, fostering increased immersion, engagement, and entertainment. Additionally, experts address pertinent concerns like privacy issues and play environment limitations. Drawing from our findings, we provide practical recommendations for integrating speech interaction in single-player games. These encompass potential benefits, challenges, accessibility, and social implications. We further address potential regulatory requirements and offer implementation tips to enhance player experience.

Evaluating Driver Preferences for In-Vehicle Displays during Distracted Driving Using Driving Simulators

Research on the impact of distracted driving on in-vehicle displays was conducted through a user preference experiment based on simulated driving. The development of automotive automation and multi-screen in-vehicle displays has improved the driving experience but also increased distracted driving. Typical scenarios and information needs were identified through user research, and a simulated driving platform was used to record user choices of different display modes and their reaction times after being distracted. Questionnaires were analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results showed that in the manual driving group, users preferred Head-Up Display (HUD), which had the highest efficiency in terms of reaction time. The study confirmed that as automation levels increase, distraction scenarios will change, and user focus will shift from safety to experience.

Smart Class System Prototyping through Sustainable Infrastructure Based on Mobile Application SPACE (Smart Program - Class Architecture) Integrated Smart Building Management System

Optimizing innovation in the use of health technology in infrastructure will directly impact the conditions of social interaction in the community, including within the scope of the school area. The Smart Class concept collaborates with learning carried out in a hybrid way. However, it is not yet fully optimized by digitizing the existing infrastructure with the concept of managing school facilities and infrastructure. The implementation of the Smart Class uses the intelligent building management system (IBMS), where this system integrates all parts of the building with the Internet of Things (IoT), facilities, and infrastructure and can minimize pandemic transmission in the academic sphere by accessing via mobile app. This research aims to analyze the design of the smart program class architecture integrated monitoring system to implement IoT-integrated health protocols, especially in the middle school scope. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods with descriptive analysis through the development of user research at the system design stage. The output of this innovation is how schools implement digital technology comprehensively, starting from the application of IoT, sensors, and databases in a real-time mobile app environment. There are three main things: the data input, data processing, and output value. The intervention of school needs can be expanded with the integration of the learning management system in the form of integrated learning management the learning process, which is in line with monitoring the use of infrastructure in schools. Through this Smart Class concept, schools can still operate optimally without any applicable health policies and can provide excellent academic services.
 Keywords: smart class system prototyping, sustainable infrastructure mobile application, SPACE smart building management system

Analisis Peran Emosi Positif Pada Perilaku Impulse Buying Generasi Z Banyuwangi

Research aim : This study aims to understand the effects of Islamic promotion, fashion involvement and hedonic shopping motivation on impulse buying by mediating positive emotions in Generation Z Banyuwangi. Design/Methode/Approach : This type of research is explanatory research and a quantitative approach. The sampling technique used the slovin technique, resulting in a total of 400 respondents. The data source utilizes survey data from online questionnaires with a Likert scale of 1-4. The analysis technique includes outer model testing and inner model testing with SmartPLS. Research Finding : The results of this study indicate that Islamic promotion, fashion involvement, hedonic shopping motivation and positive emotions have a positive and significant effect on impulse buying. Meanwhile, Islamic promotion and hedonic shopping motivation have a significant positive effect on impulse buying through positive emotions as mediation. However, the different results of positive emotions cannot mediate between fashion involvement and impulse buying. Theoretical contribution/Originality : Using Islamic promotional variables to implement appropriate marketing according to Islam and positive emotions as mediating variables are expected to have a significant effect both directly and indirectly. Practitionel/Policy implication : The implications of this research for e-commerce users as business actors, the use of Islamic promotions can encourage impulse buying among Generation Z in Banyuwangi Regency so as to increase sales of Muslim fashion products. For generation Z as consumers who shop with hedonic motives, fashion involvement, and positive emotions can trigger impulse buying, so that it has the potential for consumptive behavior. Research limitation : This research focuses on the impulse buying of Banyuwangi Z generation consumers who have shopped through e-commerce.

Exploring older adults' motivation to use public libraries in South Korea using the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model

Public libraries serve as important hubs for lifelong learning for older adults. Nevertheless, if library visits are perceived as discouraging and frustrating, they can be burdensome for this demographic. The perceptions of motivations influencing public library use among older adults was explored through 37 semi-structured interviews. Employing the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction) motivation model, a qualitative approach was adopted. The analysis aims to shed light on the motivations and perceptions of elderly library users. The significance lies in being the pioneer in applying the ARCS motivation model to library use among older adults within the framework of public libraries, highlighting profound implications for library services catering to this demographic. The findings will contribute to new methodologies in library user research, increase knowledge and interest in public library use among older adults, and provide concrete suggestions for library administrators and policymakers.

A Study of Information Architecture and Interaction

In the current era of rapid development of information, the field of visual communication design carries the important mission of conveying information and optimizing user experience. This study aims to deeply analyze the core principles and strategies of information architecture and interaction design in visual communication design, as well as the relevance and importance of the two in enhancing design efficiency and user experience. Through the form of case studies, this paper specifies the strategies and methods for building effective information architecture in visual communication design projects, such as target user group analysis, information classification and organization, and navigation system design. The research focuses on the practical and theoretical foundations of interaction design, and explains the key role of interaction design in enhancing user experience and information interactivity. The paper meticulously explores the basic principles of interaction design, such as consistency, feedback, and control, and how these principles can be applied in visual communication design to build intuitive and efficient user interfaces. This paper proposes a multidimensional optimization strategy, including interdisciplinary teamwork, user research and testing, and iterative design, to promote the effective integration of information architecture and interaction design. To summarize, this study not only delves into the application and practice of information architecture and interaction design in visual communication design, but also provides a set of theoretical frameworks and practical design strategies for designers and researchers, with a view to advancing the field of visual communication design to a higher goal by improving the interactability of information and user experience.

A user study on regulating upset emotion in workplace through HELMO

The rising prevalence of emotional distress resulting from mental health pressures constitutes a paramount issue within the context of a rapidly evolving work environment. The detrimental consequences experienced by those affected by this phenomenon are of considerable magnitude. In order to address these issues, it is possible to design relevant applications that can assist individuals in identifying workplace disputes and devising effective strategies to alleviate emotional strain. Previous research has predominantly focused on investigating the potential of robots to exert a positive influence on conflict dynamics within a team-based problem-solving context through their ability to address interpersonal violations post-conflict. Consequently, there is a limited understanding regarding the specific criteria via which robots may contribute to conflict resolution. This study encompasses user research, analysis of essential elements, and the proposal of a high-fidelity prototype named HELMO. This prototype provides a range of daily functions that can assist individuals in recognizing conflicts and mitigating the danger of experiencing negative emotions. The findings indicate that individuals have a high demand for detecting conflicts and releasing emotional pressure in many subject matters. The mental health application known as HELMO shows promise in addressing the difficulties associated with emotional discomfort that may arise during or following workplace confrontations.

Simulated role plays or field observation? Usability testing of a healthcare phrasebook

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is (1) to report on a usability study on the acceptability of a multilingual phrasebook for healthcare providers and (2) to compare the effectiveness and the efficiency of two key usability research methods: simulated role play and field observation. The usability study focused on the phrasebook’s acceptability (i.e., the extent to which the users consider it to be appropriate and serve its purpose), and consisted of two steps: first the acceptability was checked through simulated role play, involving 450 healthcare professionals, and second through field observation of five healthcare providers and 18 patients using the phrasebook in clinical settings. The results showed that the users are quite satisfied with the multilingual phrasebook; however, they also indicated that it hinders eye contact and does not offer sufficient support in more complex healthcare situations. The simulated roleplay and observation study both yielded comparable results. While the observation study was slightly more effective, if less efficient, the simulation study was very efficient and also highly effective, providing we focus only on the participants assuming the professional identity they have in real life, and thus proved to be a reliable alternative to observation methods in usability research.

Elevating User-Centered Design with AI: A Comprehensive Exploration using the AI-UCD Algorithm Framework

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the synergistic relationship between User-Centered Design (UCD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of the AI-UCD Algorithm Framework. With the growing influence of AI in digital interfaces, the need to prioritize user needs and preferences has become paramount. The AI-UCD Framework, consisting of nine pivotal steps, acts as a structured guide for integrating AI into user interfaces while ensuring a user-centric, data-driven, and ethical approach. The exploration begins by highlighting the importance of understanding user needs and context through robust user research and contextual inquiry. It then delves into the process of defining AI integration objectives and brainstorming AI-enhanced solutions, emphasizing the creative aspects of UCD in tandem with AI capabilities. Subsequently, the paper discusses the critical role of designing AI-driven interfaces, from information architecture to user flow design, ensuring seamless integration of AI features.Implementation and testing of AI features are addressed, highlighting the collaboration between UI/UX designers and AI developers. The paper emphasizes the iterative nature of the framework, relying on usability testing and user feedback to drive continuous improvements. Moreover, it considers user training and assistance, a vital aspect of introducing users to AI features.The framework's data-driven aspect is covered by discussing data collection, analysis, and performance monitoring to ensure AI features are meeting objectives and KPIs. Additionally, the exploration addresses AI's role in personalization, adapting to user behavior and preferences. It recognizes the ethical dimensions of AI, promoting transparency, fairness, and accessibility.The paper then presents a five-step AI-UCD Validation Model, designed to verify the framework's effectiveness in real-world applications. These validation steps encompass user testing and feedback, data analysis, ethical audits, iterative improvements, and compliance with industry standards. Examples of how these steps work in practice are provided.

Vision of Industrial Innovation Guided by Artificial Intelligence

This article proposes that only by prioritizing the formulation of data rights protection and circulation rules that adapt to the development characteristics of the artificial intelligence industry, can the compliance costs of enterprises be reduced, and ultimately, high-quality datasets can be developed and utilized to promote innovation in the artificial intelligence industry and to form a new engine for social progress in the 21st century. The action research includes supporting the development of public clouds, orderly guiding departments, units, and individuals to purchase public cloud computing resources and services, and avoiding duplicate construction of intelligent computing centers. The research project emphasizes the need to guide and support enterprises to increase cloud computing, computing power leasing, algorithm valuation, and arithmetic purchasing through social forces, reduce the cost pressure of user research and application development, deepen industrial integration, and expand application scenarios. This article proposes that data elements should not be limited to addition empowerment, but should focus on multiplier mechanisms. Firstly, we need to accelerate the expansion of artificial intelligence big data open innovation platforms, while encouraging enterprises and research institutions to share high-quality corpus resources. We also need to support professional data annotation and cleaning preprocessing work, ultimately opening up a high-quality data source for building big models.

IMPROVING THE DIGITAL PAYMENT EXPERIENCE: A CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING

In an increasingly digitized world, the convenience and efficiency of digital payment systems are paramount. However, the proliferation of options and the complexity of interfaces often lead to user frustration and dissatisfaction. This paper proposes a customer-centric approach to addressing these challenges, focusing on understanding user needs, preferences, and pain points. By employing techniques such as user research, journey mapping, and iterative design, businesses can tailor digital payment solutions to better meet customer expectations. Additionally, incorporating feedback loops and continuous improvement mechanisms ensures that these solutions evolve in line with changing user behaviors and technological advancements. Ultimately, prioritizing the customer experience in digital payment systems not only enhances user satisfaction but also drives adoption and loyalty in an increasingly competitive landscape. This article looks at the major challenges users face while utilizing digital payments and how those challenges could impact user interfaces and the user experience as a whole. Considering the increasing importance of digital payments in todays financial transactions, it is imperative to identify potential for process improvements and gain an understanding of end-user perspectives. KEY WORDS: Digital payments, Cyber security, Mobile wallets, Online payments, Biometrics, channels, User interface (UI), User experience (UX).