Devising Scrutable User Models for Time Management Assistants
Jovan Jeromela, Owen Conlan · 2024
Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs) have become ubiquitous through integration into smartphones, smart speakers, and standalone devices. However, prior studies raised noteworthy usability concerns and determined that IPAs remain primarily used for simple tasks. Such findings contrast with the reported user aspirations for more proactive and truly personalised IPAs. By focusing on the use case of time management, in this paper, we contemplate how scrutability – i.e. the ability of the user to study their assistant and its underlying user model – fits within the vision of more complex IPAs. Furthermore, we describe our ongoing project investigating user interest in and expectations of the scrutability of a proactive calendaring assistant. Lastly, by deliberating on the challenges and benefits of making IPAs scrutable, this paper outlines potential avenues for further research.