About

My UCL MSc HCI project delved into the impact of smartphone notifications on user well-being, focusing on the management and perception of these interruptions by iOS users. Through interviews based on Value-Sensitive Design, I examined the reasons behind users' engagement with notifications. The study provided insights into user-centric notification management, aiming to mitigate digital distractions and enhance mental health. The findings contribute to HCI by offering an iOS user perspective on notification optimisation.

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Aim

This research aims to delve into the configuration and management of smartphone notifications by iOS users, assessing the impact on their well-being and identifying the various external and internal factors that influence their notification preferences. By employing a Value-Sensitive Design framework, this study seeks to uncover significant factors affecting users' decisions in notification management and to explore how these factors contribute to optimising notification systems for better user experience. The research aims to expand the Human-Computer Interaction field by providing new insights into iOS users' behaviours and preferences in notification management.

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Research Structure

Research Method

The study investigates the predominant categories of smartphone notifications users receive, their management strategies, and the factors influencing notification settings in various contexts. By conducting semi-structured interviews, I delve into iPhone users' insights on notification customisation in different engagement scenarios. This study invited 8 participants (3 males and 5 females) to participate in the semi-structured interviews. All of them are iPhone (iOS) users, and participants were recruited from the UCL student community and social media platforms(Instagram); the age group of the participants is 18 years old to 34 years old.

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Design

The interview comprises three segments: collecting demographic data, quantifying weekly notifications, and discussions on the daily management of notifications and specific adjustments made during waiting, relaxing, and focusing states. Participants' influences by notification content factors in these scenarios were explored.

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Materials

Utilising a hybrid method, data was gathered via interviews conducted on Microsoft Teams and in-person, supported by Microsoft Forms. Interviews assessed demographics, notification volume and type, management behaviours, and the impact of various content factors on notification settings across different engagement scenarios. An iPhone and MacBook were employed for data collection and participant interaction, ensuring anonymity in data storage and organisation.

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Procedure

Participants were onboarded via email, confirming their consent before scheduling the interview. They were asked to bring their smartphones and, during the session, review their notification data following a tutorial. The interview then addressed their notification management practices and the influence of six defined content factors on their settings in the specified scenarios.

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Data Analysis

Data analysis was two-pronged: quantitative evaluation of notification frequency and qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts to discern patterns in notification management behaviours. Quantitative data were computed in Excel and qualitatively analysed using inductive thematic analysis, with key findings statistically validated through JASP using one-way repeated measures ANOVA.

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Key Takeaway

This research project delved into the behavioural patterns, preferences, and influences on users when managing smartphone notifications. Below are the distilled key takeaways from the findings:

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1. Central Role of Notifications in Communication
   Users predominantly receive notifications related to communication, with a high volume stemming from messaging and social media apps. This highlights the critical role of smartphone notifications in facilitating immediate social interactions and maintaining connections.
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2. Notifications as Social Connectors
   Notifications are not just informational alerts but serve as connectors, tying users to their social circles through apps like WhatsApp and Messenger. The configuration of notifications is heavily influenced by their social relevance.
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3. Default Settings Acceptance
   A significant number of users are content with the default notification settings provided by iOS, suggesting that the out-of-the-box experience caters well to general user needs. There is, however, a notable trend to disable notifications from newly installed apps, indicating a cautious approach to potential information overload.
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4. Determinants of Notification Management
   ‍Key aspects such as social interaction, privacy concerns, the overall number of notifications, their urgency, and the nature of the content determine how users manage their notification settings. The need for immediate attention and relevance of content are primary drivers for user engagement with notifications.
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5. Distinction Between Useful and Disruptive Notifications
   ‍Users typically perceive notifications related to communication and timely reminders as useful, while those that interrupt tasks are seen as disruptive. Nevertheless, the default settings are often maintained, suggesting a tolerance for occasional disruptions and a preference for convenience.
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6. Notification Content Significance in Context
   ‍The importance of notification content varies with the user's context. For instance, during waiting periods, notifications that mention people are given precedence. This implies that users' engagement with notifications is situational and can be significantly affected by their immediate task or scenario.