Abstract

Ride-sharing applications like Uber offer convenience but raise significant privacy concerns, including location tracking, data retention, and potential driver recordings. This research investigates user preferences and concerns regarding privacy within the Uber application interface. The study employs structured interviews, using screenshots of the existing interface and hypothetical mockups of privacy-enhancing features, to elicit user feedback. Thematic analysis will be used to identify recurring patterns and insights from the interview data. The goal is to generate actionable design recommendations for improving Uber’s interface, enhancing transparency, user control, and data minimization. This user-centered approach aims to bridge the gap between user expectations and current privacy practices, ultimately promoting a more trustworthy and privacy-respecting ride-sharing experience. The research will culminate in the design recommendations for interface changes.

Authors: Thomas Synaepa-Addison, PhD Student; Emmanuel Kojo Gyamfi, PhD Student; Jess Kropczynski, PhD

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