What needs tell us about user experience

Abstract

The present study explores the sources and consequences of fulfilling six fundamental human needs, namely Autonomy, Relatedness, Competence, Stimulation, Influence, and Security, through using interactive products and media. Each need refers to a distinct set of issues, such as according product attributes (e.g., "flexibility") and experiential consequences (e.g., "freedom of choice"). Besides the need-specific content, which helps to characterize and differentiate user experiences, the study reveals the close relation between needs and according product attributes as their mirror images. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.