Development of a Human-Public-Screen Interaction Framework

Abstract

Public screens are an integral part of public life, especially in urban environments. However, their potential appears to be under-researched, and a research gap exists between technological innovations and human motivation to use them. If it becomes clear which user needs can be satisfied, then more valuable and attractive content could be offered. To find out, this study examines psychological and sociological aspects that influence the motivation to interact with public screens. Following extensive qualitative theorizing, a survey was conducted in Germany (N=200) on fourteen potential motivators and five barriers. The study shows that autonomy, competence, and individualism are perceived as highly motivating, while data protection and the behavior of other users have negative effects. Based on the results, a human-public-screen interaction framework was developed that can be applied in both theory and practice. By closing the identified research gap, screens could become a more active, value-creating part of our digital public environment in the future.