Saturday 22 March 2025
Software systems have become an integral part of our daily lives, from social media platforms to navigation apps and email services. However, these complex systems often leave users confused about how they work and why certain features behave in a particular way. This lack of transparency can lead to mistrust and frustration among users.
A recent study aimed to shed light on the relationship between software complexity, user knowledge, and explanation needs. The researchers surveyed 58 participants, asking them about their experience with two popular app categories: office software and web browsers. They also assessed the participants’ self-reported understanding of these apps and their preferred level of detail when it comes to explanations.
The results showed that users generally prefer shorter, less detailed explanations, suggesting that overly extensive explanations may overwhelm or confuse them. This finding has important implications for software design, as developers should prioritize conciseness and simplicity in their explanations.
However, the study also revealed a moderate correlation between app-specific knowledge and preferred explanation format. In other words, users who are more familiar with an app tend to prefer less detailed explanations. This suggests that developers can tailor their explanations to the user’s level of expertise, providing more detailed information for those who need it and simpler explanations for those who don’t.
Another interesting finding was the lack of correlation between demographic factors such as age, gender, and work experience and preferred explanation style. This challenges the common assumption that certain groups of users require specific types of explanations.
The study’s results have significant implications for the development of software systems. By understanding how users perceive and interact with complex systems, developers can design more user-friendly interfaces and provide better support to their customers. The findings also highlight the importance of considering the individual user’s needs and level of expertise when designing explanations.
In practical terms, this means that developers should focus on creating clear, concise explanations that cater to a wide range of users. This may involve using simpler language, providing visual aids, or offering multiple levels of explanation for different types of users.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between software complexity, user knowledge, and explanation needs. By better understanding these factors, developers can create more effective and user-friendly software systems that meet the diverse needs of their customers.
Cite this article: “Understanding User Needs: A Study on Software Complexity and Explanation”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Software, Complexity, User Knowledge, Explanation, Transparency, Mistrust, Frustration, App Design, Conciseness, Simplicity
