MovieLens Unplugged: Experiences with a Recommender System on Four Mobile Devices

Abstract

Recommender systems have changed the way people shop online.\rRecommender systems on wireless mobile devices may have the same\rimpact on the way people shop in stores. There are several important\rchallenges that interface designers must overcome on mobile devices:\rProviding sufficient value to attract prospective wireless users, handling\roccasionally connected devices, privacy and security, and surmounting the\rphysical limitations of the devices. We present our experience with the\rimplementation of a wireless movie recommender system on a cell phone\rbrowser, an AvantGo channel, a wireless PDA, and a voice-only phone\rinterface. These interfaces help MovieLens users select movies to rent,\rbuy, or see while away from their computer. The results of a nine month\rfield study show that although wireless has still not arrived for the majority\rof users, mobile recommender systems have the potential to provide value\rto their users today.