What do skin care consumers think about personalization of content, user interface or a combination of both?

Abstract: Background The cosmetic industry is growing at a fast pace and, like other industries, there are a few problems regarding e-retailing that makes it hard for customers to make optimal purchase decision. Example of problems are; the number of e-retailers increase, e-retailers’ variety of products increase, and the content is almost unlimited. Companies have started to personalize to solve these problems. However, there is a lack in the literature regarding how-to best design personalization with regard to its dimensions and subcategories. Therefore, the next step is to get an understanding of which dimensions and subcategories that are the most effective. Objectives At present, the majority of the literature regarding personalization focus on how personalization can be performed and not in which way personalization should be performed to increase customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. This means that the knowledge regarding the subcategories within personalization and their effectiveness is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to increase the body of knowledge regarding which subcategories that is the most effective in increasing customer satisfaction and/or loyalty. Knowledge about this topic can give companies perspectives to know how personalization should be designed to increase customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Methods This study was a survey type, resulting in primary quantitative data collecting and analyzes. A pilot test was first made, before the final questionnaire. This to test the reliability and validity. The data from the pilot study were partly analyzed in SPSS and partly analyzed manually. The data from the final questionnaire were then analyzed in SPSS. Results Regarding customer satisfaction, there is a statistically significant difference between content personalization and AIGUI (Adaptive Interface and Graphical User Interface) personalization as well as between AIGUI personalization and combination (content and AIGUI) personalization. However, there is no statistical difference between content personalization and combination personalization. Regarding customer loyalty, the is no statistical difference between the personalization groups. Conclusions An e-retailer in the cosmetic industry should focus on content personalization or combination personalization