Multi-user centered design: acceptance, user experience, user research and user testing

Abstract

In recent years, technologies have evolved towards social, universal and collaborative uses involving multiple users. However, methods and models from user centered design are focused on single-user design and do not take into account the impact of other users on intentions and behaviors to use the technology. The objective of this article is to provide paths of reflection on how to integrate a multi-user centered approach to existing user centered design methods and models. Each phase of user-centered design has been rethought to implement this new framework. Guidelines for moving from user experience to Multi-User eXperience (MUX) are provided. In the same way, we recommend adding a multi-user variable in the technology acceptance models to become the Multi-user Acceptance Model (MAM). User research and user testing have also been rethought to a multi-user reach and a multi-user testing. All these considerations are discussed, and lead to a proposal of a future Multi-user Centered Design (MCD) approach, specifically adapted to manage multi-user digital technology development projects. Finally, it is therefore necessary and important to direct research in the fields (acceptance, user experience, user research and user testing) to assist designers with the development of new methods of product design more respectful of social, environmental and collaborative values.