Exploring the Role of Interaction Data to Empower End-User Decision-Making In UI Personalization
2026-03-19 • Human-Computer Interaction
Human-Computer Interaction
AI summaryⓘ
The authors studied how people can personalize their digital interfaces by looking at their own usage data to find helpful changes. They interviewed 12 people and found that while users can spot ways to customize on their own, they like having system suggestions shown visually. Using interaction data helps users see the value in personalizing and understand the system's recommendations better. The authors suggest designing personalization tools that involve users more by letting them reflect on their data and make informed choices.
User interfacePersonalizationInteraction dataUser-driven designReflective engagementUsabilityUser agencySystem suggestionsDigital efficiencyAccessibility
Authors
Sérgio Alves, Carlos Duarte, Kyle Montague, Tiago Guerreiro
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.