CUXC: a collaborative user experience curve for evaluating digital technologies over time
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Evaluating long-term user experience (UX) presents methodological challenges, particularly when multiple technologies intersect with complex processes. Retrospective approaches are vulnerable to memory biases and often rely on individual recall. This paper introduces the Collaborative UX Curve (CUXC), a three-phase method designed to address these limitations by combining constructive and value-account recall with cue-dependent anchors, transactive memory, and collaborative cross-cueing. The method was evaluated in a palliative care setting, where three groups of practitioners applied the CUXC across two processes: pain management and psychological well-being. Participants identified technologies through collaborative discussion, plotted individual experiences over a 3-year timeline, and collaboratively reviewed outputs. Across groups, 14 technologies were identified, 92 experiences annotated, and 9 themes generated. The collaborative format enhanced recall, reduced memory biases, and enabled evaluation of multiple technologies within complex processes. The method was efficient, with three groups completing the process in 4.5 hours, producing rich and contextualized data.
Source: Interacting with Computers
DOI: 10.1093/iwc/iwag001
Authors: Michelle Tierney, Gavin Sim, Mark Lochrie, Andrew Fletcher
Institution: University of Lancashire
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,794
OpenAlex ID: W7124564414
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