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A Physiological Approach for User Experience Evaluation. Case Study: Interaction with Tabletop Systems for Music Creation

Title A Physiological Approach for User Experience Evaluation. Case Study: Interaction with Tabletop Systems for Music Creation
Publication Type Master Thesis
Year of Publication 2012
Authors Sparato, D. M. M.
Abstract Based on previous studies, physiological data has proven to be a promising, valuable indicator of emotional different states during game experience, such as emotional response and relaxation. However, there are few studies showing how such techniques can support and/or complement traditional User Experience (UX) assessment methods, both subjective (e.g. surveys and psychometric questionnaires) and objective (log files, tracking systems, etc.). We propose to develop a multimodal UX framework that combines both subjective, self-reported measures and objective, physiology based metrics, specifically EEG. We hypothesize that physiological measures can improve traditional UX evaluation methods by removing biases such as lack of memory of participants, social desirability, and adding real-time biometric feedback to asynchronous evaluation of interactive experience (e.g. post test questionnaires). In order to test the strength and possible applications of such multimodal assessment framework, we have designed a set of pilot tests and task-oriented experiments using tabletop tangible interfaces for music creation, where EEG data from subjects was recorded. Through this approach we aim at investigating whether significant correlations and interactions occur between subjective and physiological measures describing user's responses to this interactive music composition experiences in terms of challenge, enjoyment and excitement.