Emerged Theoretical Constructs to Rethink HCI Design

Despite incompatible theoretical perspectives on emotion in psychology, researchers in HCI continue to identify frustration as a basic negative ae ctive reaction or enotion, a single predictor of goal satisfaction and a persistent problem with use of technology. Applying the Grounded Theory approach, we argue that the reported causes of frustration were not necessarily resulting in frustrating experiences, making frustration an unreliable predictor and at best a small part of a bigger problem: an individual negative experience, which we argue is a better predictor. The Grounded Theory approach allowed us to better generalize newly emerged concepts and categories, connecting them causally, consequentially or conditionally to human use of technology. This paved the way to find a knowledge gap in HCI theory, treating basic psychological needs from an eudaimonic perspective, and which could be addressed by developing potentially universally applicable new design principles. The emerged concepts include: a) the human-complex system interaction construct; b) the distinction of reactive and proactive design approaches; c) the perspective of designing for human well-being; and d) four distinct phases of disrupted interaction. In addition, we propose specific steps for the evaluation of HCI design to help minimize negative user experience.