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Voice of the users: an extended study of software feedback engagement

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Abstract

Many software users give feedback online about the applications they use. This feedback often contains valuable requirements information that can be used to guide the effective maintenance and evolution of a software product. Yet, not all software users give online feedback. If the demographics of a user-base aren’t fairly represented, there is a danger that the needs of less vocal users won’t be considered in development. This work investigates feedback on three prominent online channels: app stores, product forums, and social media. We directly survey software users about their feedback habits, as well as what motivates and dissuades them from providing feedback online. In an initial survey of 1040 software users, we identify statistically significant differences in the demographics of users who give feedback (gender, age, etc.), and key differences in what motivates them to engage with each of the three studied channels. In a second survey of 936 software users, we identify the top reasons users don’t give feedback, including significant differences between demographic groups. We also present a detailed list of user-rated methods to encourage their feedback. This work provides meaningful context for requirements sourced from online feedback, identifying demographic groups who are underrepresented. Findings on what motivates and discourages user feedback give insight into how feedback channels and developers can increase engagement with their user-base.

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Notes

  1. App stores comprise typical sources of apps, such as the Apple app store, or the Google Play Store, where users can provide written feedback and star ratings for apps. Product forums are websites separate from store pages and devoted to specific products or companies. Social media include outlets such as Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, and allow users to comment and share feedback without special moderation, oftentimes on dedicated company pages.

  2. https://zenodo.org/record/3674076#.XkxNFygzZPY.

  3. https://zenodo.org/record/4320164#.X9beD9gzZ3g.

  4. https://zenodo.org/record/4320182#.X9bmt9gzZ3g

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Acknowledgements

The data collection in Zhejiang University was supported by the Provincial Key Research and Development Plan of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2019C03137).

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Correspondence to James Tizard.

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Tizard, J., Rietz, T., Liu, X. et al. Voice of the users: an extended study of software feedback engagement. Requirements Eng 27, 293–315 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00766-021-00357-1

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