Useful Shortcuts: Using Design Heuristics for Consent and Permission in Smart Home Devices

59 Pages Posted: 13 Feb 2023

See all articles by George Chalhoub

George Chalhoub

University of Oxford

Martin Johannes Kraemer

University of Oxford

Ivan Flechais

University of Oxford

Abstract

Prior research in smart home privacy highlights significant issues with how users understand, permit, and consent to data use. Some of the underlying issues point to unclear data protection regulations, lack of design principles, and dark patterns. In this paper, we explore heuristics (also called "mental shortcuts'' or "rules of thumb'') as a means to address common smart home design challenges. First, we systematically analyze an existing body of data on smart homes to derive a set of heuristics for the design of consent and permission. Second, we apply these heuristics in four participatory co-design workshops (n=14) and report on their use. Third, we analyze the use of the heuristics through thematic analysis highlighting heuristic application, purpose, and effectiveness in successful and unsuccessful design outcomes. We conclude with a discussion of the wider challenges, opportunities, and future work for improving design practices for consent in smart homes.

Keywords: user experience, design, heuristics, consent, permissions, privacy, smart homes

Suggested Citation

Chalhoub, George and Kraemer, Martin Johannes and Flechais, Ivan, Useful Shortcuts: Using Design Heuristics for Consent and Permission in Smart Home Devices. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4357023 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4357023

George Chalhoub (Contact Author)

University of Oxford ( email )

Mansfield Road
Oxford, OX1 4AU
United Kingdom

Martin Johannes Kraemer

University of Oxford ( email )

Mansfield Road
Oxford, OX1 4AU
United Kingdom

Ivan Flechais

University of Oxford ( email )

Mansfield Road
Oxford, OX1 4AU
United Kingdom

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