Adaptive Experience Sampling: Addressing the Dynamic Nature of In-Situ User Studies

Experience sampling techniques can be used to study user experiences with products in a natural setting and over time. Nowadays, researchers can use selective sampling to link the timing and questions to relevant product events and contextual events. Existing research has focused on maximizing the quality and quantity of feedback, while at the same time minimizing interruptions and maintaining the motivation of the participants. In practice, however, the optimal timing and content of questions also depends on the changing interests of the researcher, a topic that has not yet been addressed. This position paper introduces ‘adaptive experience sampling’, i.e. a method that enables researchers and designers to change the focus of their experience sampling study on the fly. Using adaptive experience sampling, researchers and designers can better link the sampling to their gradually growing insights.