An evaluation of three designs to engage users when providing their consent on smartphones

Abstract

The graphical and interactive design of a consent form helps individuals to keep control and pay attention to the information that they are disclosing. In the context of mobile apps we propose and test alternative interaction design solutions for selecting personal information on permission dialogues, namely using checkboxes, a drag-and-drop selection, and a swiping action. We test each proposed design and compare the results in terms of their usability and effectiveness in helping users to be more attentive and aware of their data flow, in other words, to provide their informed consent. This study demonstrates that checkboxes while speedy do not engage the user as much as drag-and-drop or swiping. User satisfaction is positively impacted by these newer ways of giving consent.