Enhancing user interactions with a music system for public displays : Identifying appropriate ways to personalize content and interactions with a shared music system in public places

Abstract: This thesis investigates which type of user-related/-generated, personal, information is appropriate to share on an interactive public display in a public environment, e.g., user’s names and images, as a mean to enhance interactions with public display applications. This investigation is two-fold, how the content on the public display could be personalized and how interactions with the application can be emphasized. As a specific case of a public display application, an interactive shared music system with a collaborative playlist is chosen. A survey with static prototypes was created and sent out to identify which information users find appropriate sharing, regarding privacy and xyz, but also what information they feel interesting sharing. 47 participants answered the survey and the results informed an iterative design process that generated a series of static and four interactive prototypes. Four groups with three participants in each (third group with only two) were used to discuss the interactive prototypes highlighting the implemented features. In a focus group style setting, the participants were asked various questions for each of the four prototypes addressing this and that. During the sessions, notes were taken, and it was also audio recorded. All the data from all groups were analyzed and then also compared between the four groups. The result showed that people are ok with sharing their username and first name. The content on the music system can be personalized with pop-up notifications which show information about user’s choices, what song do they vote for or what song do they add to the playlist. Furthermore, the new features indicated a positive effect.