A Performance Perspective on UX

Key concepts

In order to effectively apply phenomenological theories and dramaturgical metaphors in practice, this paper distils these perspectives into four key concepts that can be used to guide the design, execution, and analysis of user experience studies. These key concepts provide guidance and purpose when completing both qualitative and quantitative user experience research from this performative perspective.

Understanding location

Identifying how users understand and perceive the location of interaction is an importance aspect of performative experiences. Where did the interaction occur? How does the user describe the location? What norms and standards does the user describe when talking about different locations? How familiar is the user with the different locations discussed? These aspects of location, as described by the individuals that take part in the experience, must be clearly identified by the researcher.

Perceptions about performance

Individual subjective opinions about how the performance looks and feels are important aspects of experience. What aspects of the performance do users like or dislike? What visual aspects of the performance are identified when discussing preferences? How do users describe comfort or discomfort when talking about performance? How do users describe their own personality when discussing performance? These kinds of internal perceptions about the enjoyability, acceptability, and overall experience of performing are important for the researcher to identify in order to understand how performers perceive themselves.

Reactions from spectators

How users make sense of the reactions of spectators and how these influence future behaviours are an important aspect of experience. Who are the spectators that are present during a given interaction? What do users think about spectators in the different locations where interaction occurs? What did the spectators do during a given interaction? How do users attach meaning to spectator reactions? Because spectators have a clear influence on individual behaviour, understanding how the individual makes sense of spectator reactions helps to make sense of motivation and decision-making.

Recalling past experiences

The ways in which users tell stories about past experiences, the opinions and values that are associated with past experiences, and the self-reported reasons for overall judgements about past experiences are important. What experiences do users most often discuss? How do users discuss these experiences as evidence for their opinions? Which aspects of a past experience are the most important for users? Gathering self-reported data about past experiences allows researchers to understand what information users are building on when making decisions in public places and how this affects behaviours.