Designing Personalized User Interfaces

Abstract: There is no such thing as an average user. Users bring their own individual needs, desires, and skills to their everyday use of interactive technologies. While many of today’s technologies – from desktop applications to mobile devices and apps – accommodate some degree of personalization, users are often left with the sense that these technologies were created for some mythical user who is different from themself. It seems intuitive that interfaces should be designed with thoughtful adaptation in mind so as to better accommodate individual differences.  Yet, what seems intuitive is not necessarily straightforward. I will highlight some examples of our research in the area of personalization, including designing for older adults and people with cognitive impairments, touching on what we’ve learned about the strengths and limitations of personalization, and where promising future opportunities lie.